happyaussie

My experience driving in Thailand has been one of surprise. Having driven all over the country I have been pleasantly surprised how good the roads are. You'll drive on 2 lane duel carrageways between all major towns and cities. Even b roads are fine. So don't be afraid to venture off the beaten track. That's where you'll get a real taste of country Thailand. If you stick to highways you won't see much at all. Most towns look the same. Just be careful when driving in torential rain. Some roads aren't designed with this in mind. Road works are very poorly identified, if at all. You'll also notice a lot of police checkpoints. No worries the police are generally more interested in trying their English. However they will see a Farang as an easy target. 200bht should solve most issues - speeding, not wearing seatbelt and not staying in LH lane. Most signage is in Thai and English. However you may see a sign that says left to *** only to find out the turnoff is still 1km away. Getting through some towns maybe challenging. If you get lost ask a motorbike taxi or tuk tuk to guide you. It may cost 50bht but worth it. If you ask a Thai on the street they maybe too shy to help.

I don't know how good GPS works. I'd stick with a map.

Cars, the new model city is a good unit and should be okay. I drove one recently from Phuket to Bangkok and was impressed.A fortuner would be better but consdierably more expensive. Maybe consider shopping around. I used Thai Rent a Car a few times and always got a better deal, good service and new cars.

Lastly, don't be afraid of sampling local food in villages and towns. It is great.

Enjoy it's a great way to experience Thailand

Thanks for your advice everyone.

Can someone please recommend a resort suitable for a family holiday. Around 2500bht per night would be great. I'd like somewhere with a nice pool and hopefully not too old.

Appreciate the help.

Having driven both I prefer the Yaris. On the open road I found the auto Vios constantly having to change down. Which became annoying. Under powered or gear ratios I don't know.

The small car I was impressed with was the new model Honda City.

Enjoy your new car.

I've had mine since new and it's now five years old, never had a problem with it as long as it's serviced regularly, honestly can't think of any negatives about the vehicle, even Honda service is generally pretty good. But you've got to buy it right and hope that the previous owner has taken as good a care of it as you might hope - I'm getting ready to upgrade and hope the gas mileage is a little better, it's fine on long runs but around town gets a little expensive after a while.

Hi CHiang Mai did you get my last message?

The most policitally correct answer is that there are good and bad everywhere. But this is the easy answer.

Having driven through most of Thailand I'd have to say Thais rate quiet a way down the scale. Sri Lanka, India and Rome would be the worst I've seen.

In Thailand review mirrors are meaningless. Car makers should save a few baht and exclude them. Moving over to the left hand lane is optional (same issue in Australia). My curioisity is how many drivers are actually licensed.

Then there are the motorbikes. They'll merge onto a road/soi etc without even looking. Ride 2 abreast so they can have a chat etc etc.

Since the Thais are so tolerant, all of the above means nothing.

As to how they rate farang drivers. I don't think they care.

At least it's better than Cambodia,where rules don't apply. Even which side of the road to travel doesn't carry much weight. Driving in China is like going to war. Thankfully road rage hasn't caught on,yet.

Laos was the most relaxing driving experience I've had in Asia.

Not sure what the exact stats are but I think white is a great colour, especially in warmer climates. In Australia white is very popular. In Thailand I don't see so many white cars. Silver and greys seem to be more prevelant. Some cars do look good in black, but man it's hot and hard to keep clean.

Unbelievably, shockingly thirsty

Thanks for this. What sort of MPG or LPK would you say.

It's funny I read a few reviews and they all gave the CRV high ratings for petrol consumption.

Why not just put the car in your name? Far better.

Reading other posts there appears to be quiet a process in buying a car in my name.I've been living here for 4 years but due to work travel I haven't bothered with long term visas. I simply get 2 months from whatever city I'm visiting at the time.

Can I buy in my name even though I don't have residency and am on 2 month visa??

As others have rightly said, it's best to have a safety net.

I went through a similar exercise and I concluded that Vigo was the best option. However the Nissan came a close 2nd Masda worth a look as well. Isusu have a good reputation and quiet a nice interior. But externally boring. I rented a Mitsubishi for a few days. Quiet a good car to drive but the looks do nothing for me. I thought the Chevrolets have very average interiors cheap plastics etc.

I'll also stick my neck out and suggest looking at the TATA. Cheap and not a bad package.

But if resale is not important and longevity is, I'd stick with Toyota.

Are there any issues if I buy a 2nd hand car in my unlicensed wifes name? If yes, what do we need to show? If no, why. Once I've decided on the car I'd like to secure the deal on the same day. Is this possible or are there a few hoops to jump through?

I want to buy a 2nd hand Honda CRV in Bangkok. Can anyone suggest where is the best place to go. Is there an area/road where the majority of car yards are? Living in the country my tolerance for big cities is limited. Therefore I'd really prefer not to be trapsing all over the place.

I reckon if I can view 6+ cars I should be able clinch a deal in a couple of days, or am I dreaming?

Considering a 2nd hand CRV for around 500,000bht. Can anyone advise on pitfalls, fuel consumption etc? I drove one a few years ago and wasn't overly impressed but after looking around on One2Car they seem reasonably good value.

Can anyone also advise any reputable car yards (if they exist)?

Thanks.

Does anyone know where I can rent a car for a couple of days in Loei???

Iwent and failed the writen exam, twice. After my first fail they told me I could do it again. Only problem was, the questions were different. I even tried slipping the girl on the desk 500bht. This didn't work either. Keeping in mind I've never quiet known how to slip someone a bribe.

Yes, maybe I'm just stupid.

Since then I got my license in Phuket. Even that was challenging. I needed my Thai mate to stand behind me to identify the dots on the colour blndness test. And no, I'm not a relic who shouldn't be on the road anyway.

Depreciation is low everywhere in Thailand but even worse with pick-ups up-country of course. Udon is only 2 hours away, you should go there one day and check and compare. Honda will be expensive, it's status and you pay for the status that all other Thais see in a Honda compared to a Toyota if you buy one. Do you want to pay for that? Toyota has better quality in a not as nice a package

If you buy second hand - Mileage means nothing of course, less than nothing even as they very often are manipulated with (knowledgeable Thais ignore stated mileage, so should you do). Only look at overall condition and get a knowledgeable mechanic to check out the car thoroughly if you're not good at it yourself

It does make sense to buy new, I always do in Thailand. That doesn't mean that everybody are in the same position, second hand could be right for you, Loei doesn't have that much to choose from so I'd check Udon too.

I was in Loei only last week (live in BKK, wife's from Baan Si Song Rak), where are you?

Thanks for the tips. I'm near Wan Suphon (20kms from Loei). Just finished building my house in the hills and now time to get some wheels.

I'm considering buying a 2nd hand car. Can anyone advise what I can expect for between 300 & 400,000 bht? I live near Loei and have checked out a few local yards. What surprises me is the lack of depreciation. Today I was shown an 8 year old Toyota 4WD 4 door pickup for 450,000. Probably more than it's new price. My last car was a Fortuner and looking at them they've definitely held their value.

This probably sounds strange, but I'm in 2 minds. 1 x Honda City, 2 x Vigo 4 door. I've driven both and find them okay. Perhaps I should shell out 200,000 more and buy new.

I'm savy with traps buying 2nd hand. But I'd like to save some funds if possible.

Lastly, is it better to buy in Bangkok or will buying in larger regional centres be okay?

Took the advice and had CAT CDMA installed. Not being all that savy with computers, all I can say is that I'm writing this message while sucking on a cold beer in my new house. Contrary to what's been promised the connection is intermtitent to say the least. To slow for internet banking and other activities??? It cost me about 14000bh. tInstallation was done by cowboys. So I suggest keeping a very close eye on what they do. With this said I am. in the sticks and now have internet.

My contined bitch is why don't Thais have any consept of quality and attention for detail.

Just returned after a successful trip. Thanks for all the tips.

No dramas at all. Border crossing was uneventful and my Thai wife had no issues either. Nice taxi ride for the 20km from friendship bridge to Vientianne.

7.30am arrival at consulate was a good one. By what I noticed anytime between 7.30 & 8am would be fine. 1pm the next day there were about 50 people in front of me. But it only too 20minutes.

We really enjoyed Vientiane. VERY laid back. Nice not to see maniacs driving around. Also nice not to see KFC, McDonalds and all their subsequent billboards etc. We found the shopping very good. Also nice small restaurants. The French influence also enhances the place. Good coffee, pastries and architecture. And yes, Beer Lao was a nice bonus.

Do I require a ticket out of Thailand at the completion of my 2 months visa? If so, can anyone suggest the cheapest alternative? Previoulsy I've been renewing my visa in CHina whilst on business. Each time I've had to prebook my next flights. Is Loas different?

1. No, i would take the bus or taxi to the border

2. I dont know, but it probably will take 2 days.

3. I stayed at this place a couple years ago: www.malinamphu.com Check out their web site for info. Plenty of cheaper places in that area.

4. You can walk to all of the places of interest which are all located in the area of the Malinamphu GH. You can get a taxi to the Thia consulate.

5. Several old wats, central market, Mekong river

6. If you like Indian food there is a Indian restraunt not far from the Mali GH. Seemed like a fairly lively bar scene around the fountain area but not hardly a nana Plaza.

7. In the central market on the 2nd floor they have an interesting silver market. Some handicraft stuff available.

8. Pretty safe place. Dont recall any scams

Thanks for taking the time Spaniel. Appreciate it.

Can someone advise on tips for doing visa run to Laos? Living near Loei I once went to the boarder and they could only issue a 1 month extension. Did I do something wrong? In a couple of weeks I am planning on going to Vientienne. I'd appreciate some advise.

- Is flying from Udon the best option?

- Is it a 2 day process at the Thai Embassy?

- Where should I stay?

- Best way to get around?

- Anything worth seeing?

- Good restaurant/bars

- Is shopping worthwhile?

- Anything I should be wary of.

Obvioulsy I haven't been before so any tips would be appreciated.

I am currently building a house several klms from Loei and need to find out how I can get the internet. Mobile phone coverage is intermittent at best.

Do I need a line from TOT, can I access through UBC or can someone offer another suggestions

Appreciate someones advice.

My boss at the UN just used these guys. The address says Bangkok, but I know the boss is based in Udon thani. Did a great job for us and is cheaper than many 'local' designers.

Thanks Wong. I tried sending a message through their "contact us" link and got server error. Shame about their mission statement "affordable websites that work", hmmm.

No worries I'll try calling.

Appreciate your help.

Am looking for an English speaking graphic/web designer for my import business. I operate out of China but am based near Loei. Be great if anyone can recommend someone reasonably priced.

Appreciate your help.