When it comes to transport, it is best to account for all eventualities; make sure to be early, but do not be surprised if a bus is late: more often than not they are. Bus stations are usually very large, bustling and a little confusing as a non-native speaker. Arriving at least half an hour before the planned departure allows time to navigate the bus station and find the correct gate number, as well as stocking up on snacks for the long ride. It is also a custom in Southeast Asia that tickets bought online should be scanned and printed out at the bus station. Our first time catching a bus in Bangkok we did not realise this and, with the departure looming, were frantic by the time we realised. Luckily the coach was late, which as mentioned previously, they usually are. This can cause distress to a tired backpacker but do not fear, the bus will arrive, if an hour late. 

From our experience, busses are incredibly unpredictable, particularly in Malaysia. Whilst there we experienced: a 7 hour journey without stopping for a toilet break, a driver that stopped every 10 minutes for a cigarette break (delaying us over two hours), a bus which broke down and a bus that randomly stopped for an hour at a remote food location, forcing us to spend money there. It goes without saying that not a single bus we have taken has arrived at its destination on time. That said, I would not recommended booking a bus/ferry/flight scheduled shortly after a long bus journey, as chances are you will miss it. If this is required, allow at least 2 hours in between the arrival time of the first bus and departure time of your second mode of transport in case of delays. Although busses are not very expensive, missing one not only means a wasted ticket fare but also extra money spent on either another bus or an unplanned nights accommodation. 

Also, please take into account that most busses do not have a toilet on board: you are at the mercy of the driver. As mentioned, this can mean a wait of up to and probably exceeding 7 hours. Don’t dehydrate yourself but be aware not to down a coffee before boarding! I'm also yet to come across a toilet at a pit stop that has both toilet roll and a clean sink, so if you are firmly stuck in your western ways like me, tissues and hand sanitizer are a must have for your uniqulo bag (I know you have one, don't deny it). It is also common knowledge that these busses are cold, but let me reinforce it for you; they are bloody freezing! Take this into account when planning your travel day outfits, I would highly recommended long pants (linen of course) and a jumper. A neck pillow will also be highly useful in granting you a little comfort on the not always so comfortable busses. In addition, an eye mask and earphones/plugs are always a good idea as it seems many Southeast Asian people have the habit of using their phones to play the likes of TikTok videos outloud; a not so welcome habit when your exhausted on a night bus. Finally, I personally always bring a Covid mask onto a long bus. The aircon on such vehicles is usually not great and causes me to cough and have a bad chest for a few days, so as a personal preference I use a mask to prevent this. 

Busses in Southeast Asia are rather unreliable and their intricacies take some getting used to. I hope the information here will make your settling in process that little bit easier.