Motorcycle ride from Bangkok to Phuket?

[ohmkorapt]

A friend of mine has ridden from Bangkok to Hua Hin. He has also ridden from Phuket to the north of Thailand (took him several days). I learned this just two days ago. Before hearing this from my friend, I had heard that it’s generally thought to be quite dangerous to ride motorcycles long distances in Thailand.

For experienced riders, at this time of year, over multiple days, is it still considered super dangerous/risky to ride a motorcycle from Bangkok to Phuket to be able to explore and stop in smaller villages along the way (daytime riding only)?

[jvs]

I have done those trips and a lot of others,it is always very dangerous on the road as

a biker.You have to be very vigilant and extremely careful but that said many people have been riding

for years over here and without accident.

That said everyone i know has had a lot of close calls.

Hua hin To Phuket can be easily done in one day,all depends how fast you go and how many hours.

I hate riding in the dark and avoid that whenever possible,also the last hour of daylight i find very

dangerous.A lot of drivers do not turn on their lights on time and just before dark also the dogs are

starting to move around.

Just be careful and have fun.

 

[pgrahmm]

Yes - it's dangerous - at a higher speed & awareness factor....

600CC minimum preferably bigger & geared up.....

Probably better staying on the highways versus back road adventuring  (where basic road/safety rules are largely overlooked).....

I owned and rode for many years from Harleys, to Ducati, & Goldwing = I don't ride here.....

[2long]

Bear in mind that after an hour or two going on that road south you'll become bored or distracted by your sore b*m or whatever... and that's the dangerous time... when you're not paying 100% attention. Somchai is out to get you!

I've been riding for 40 years, and here for 21. I'm still alive, but not sure why.

Big bikes are for cooler climates and safer roads. Thailand's only suitable for scooters and short journeys.

Stay safe, and try to stay alive.

[Hummin]

Quite interesting answers here, 

 

What motorbike do you have, and what is your general riding experience and experience here in Thailand.

Since you asking, I guess you have limited experience and should start with smaller daytrips to get the feeling and experience

[KhunLA]

" I had heard that it’s generally thought to be quite dangerous to ride motorcycles long distances in Thailand."

 

Only as dangerous as your driving ability, or lack of.  Don't see much difference between driving 2000 kms in 5-10 days, vs 30+ days locally.  Actually safer IMHO, as less cross traffic and people in 'rush hour' doing just that.  Added bonus of 90 % of the trip is divided highways.  Keep the drive at daytime hrs, and less risk of drunks.

 

Frankly I don't see how people get in accidents, if obeying the law.  OK, they would be the real, rare accidents, but those speeding, are simply accidents waiting to happen, along with those not driving extremely defensively.  20+ yrs, been around the country more than a few times, and yet to have someone hit my vehicle, whether car or MB, or bicycle.

 

Not sure it's all about luck, as many have tried to commit suicide on my vehicle, I simply chose to prep & avoid them. ????

[CharlieH]

The road conditions here are by far the worst I have encountered. You can go from smooth tarmac to something resembling a mortar attack in seconds ! You have to be constantly watching for potholes and cracks and god knows what else.To say nothing of wandering dogs!

 

Drive defensively and assume everyone is trying to kill you! Assume everyone is going to cut you up and pull out in front of you from side roads.

 

My advice is don't do more than 2 hours without a break and dont be in a city at rush hour if it can be avoided.

 

Be super vigilant, stay safe, plenty of stops. Enjoy !

[FriendlyFarang]

I've toured all over Thailand by scooter as well as big bike, always had a good time.

Ride only at daytime, take a break when you are tired and enjoy the trip.

[Golden Triangle]

I'm not keen driving my Fortuner let alone a bike ???? 

[Kinnock]

Some good tips in the replies so far, hope the OP returns and it's not another first post and run.

 

As the road conditions here can be unpredictable and the driving standards are eratic, it takes concentration to ride safely.  So the advice in earlier posts to ride no more than 2 hours before a good break is spot on.

 

I used to do a daily commute on a small bike in Bangkok, and now do longer 'upcountry' tours on a (slightly) bigger bike.  I think the Bangkok commute was higher risk due to congested roads and homicidal bus and taxi drivers, plus extreme heat in the heavy traffic.

 

Rides outside of the cities can be fun, and if you look well ahead and read the road, the risks can be managed.  The approach to U turns (and there's a lot!) and anywhere near a 7-11 are high risk zones as drivers will change lanes and/or stop at random.

 

300cc to 650cc is enough, as you'll rarely go over 100 KPH if you ride to the road conditions, and the weight of big bikes is a liability when parking and on unmade roads.  Additional lights are a good idea, as is lightweight, ventilated protective clothing, and of course a good helmet.

 

 

[KhunLA]

I find the roads here, especially between Krung Thep and Phuket to be excellent, with an occasional bad batch now and then, usually awaiting resurfacing, which is actually done in a timely manner, of late.

 

Simply paying attention and driving the speed limit will avoid any unpleasantries, and on that, the speed limit is 80 kph for smaller motorbikes and 400cc+ allowed 100 kph.  Sometimes dropping to 60 or even 30 through towns along the way for all vehicles.  If having a larger scooter, do be properly registered / tagged, as there will be checkpoints along the way.

 

It's a lovely drive once below Hua Hin / Pranburi.  From Sam Roi Yot and beyond.  On a scooter, I'd allow at least a week if not more, both directions, to really enjoy the ride.  Actually surprised all the 'not so positive' comments.  Apparently most have not driven the routes, or simply don't know how to enjoy their time traveling.  For me, us, the journey is the adventure as much or more sometimes than the destination.  My days of riding more than 1 hr on a MB, are behind me.  Although when first arrive, 6 hrs day trip wouldn't be strange, on my H. Sonic 125.

 

Below Prachuap Khiri Khan (RTAF Wing 5 / Ao Manao) and beyond, and many of the beaches are quite swimmable when the surf is cooperating.  A couple decent waterfalls along the way, free or almost free, no silly entry fees.  Could easily spend a short week / long weekend in any of the provinces along the way, depending which route taken. 3 different routes once below Chumphon.

 

Our favorite direction, southward, when out & about.  Has everything, better than what's north of us, IMHO, with beaches as an extra plus.  Some of the most spectacular, diverse landscape.  

[farang51]

1 hour ago, Kinnock said:

I used to do a daily commute on a small bike in Bangkok, and now do longer 'upcountry' tours on a (slightly) bigger bike.  I think the Bangkok commute was higher risk due to congested roads and homicidal bus and taxi drivers, plus extreme heat in the heavy traffic.

 

Agree, Bangkok can be more dangerous, as can a tourist place with inexperienced drivers.

 

1 hour ago, Kinnock said:

300cc to 650cc is enough, as you'll rarely go over 100 KPH

I have done the trip several times on a Honda Click 125. Both the scenic route along the beaches and the routes on the main roads. As for riding only for a couple of hours before taking a break, I guess that depends on the person. I once rode from Chiang Mai to Patong with only short breaks when I needed gas.

[seedy]

555 - more comments from people who do not ride here, and are afraid of driving !

Own 6 bikes, been here 17 years, before Covid rode CNX SIN every year. No issues.

Been all over the North- main, secondary, dirt and gravel roads. No issues

Road conditions in 99% of LOS are fine on the hiway, as said slow down for construction.

Be Aware. Beware.

Seen 250 Kph many times - think this is done on poor roads ?

Pick your spot and let 'er rip.

[ohmkorapt]

 

Quote

 

A friend of mine has ridden from Bangkok to Hua Hin. He has also ridden from Phuket to the north of Thailand (took https://showbox.tools/  him several days). I learned this just two days ago. Before hearing this from my friend, I had heard that it’s https://speedtest.vet/ generally thought to be quite dangerous to ride motorcycles long distances in Thailand.

For experienced riders, at this time of year, over multiple days, is it still considered super dangerous/risky to ride a motorcycle from Bangkok to Phuket to be able to explore and stop in smaller villages along the way (daytime riding only)?

 

I got this,...

[In the jungle]

I have done this journey numerous times on bikes from 100cc to 800cc.  

 

You can do this in two days pretty much regardless of the capacity of the bike  You certainly do not need a big ADV bike to do it.

 

What generally determines average speed is how often you stop and how much time you spend on stops rather than the speed of the bike.  The comfort of the bike and fuel range are big factors in journey time.  But if you want to spend more time on the trip and enjoy the places on the way why not.

 

I try to ride only in daylight and my perception is that risk greatly reduces once you get out of Bangkok.  Night time riding can get scary for a variety of reasons.

 

I have 45 years riding experience and I have been riding in Thailand pretty much every day for the last 21 years. 

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, In the jungle said:

Night time riding can get scary for a variety of reasons.

I personally don't enjoy driving at night, and a MB is something I would definitely avoid driving at night.  

[ttkeric]

Just a chippin' in to the conversation. 

 

I did a few crazy long trips on my 2016 Yamaha Grand Filano 125 scooter. Chiang Mai > Bangkok, Chiang Mai > Udon Thani and Udon Thani > Bangkok > Pattaya > Chiang Mai. All return trips which I lived to tell! 

 

I wouldn't really do them again though.... Chalk it down initially to being an excited newbie in Thailand.

 

1) I did overnights and day trips. Nights are nice for obvious reasons. Out of Bangkok, roads are practically dead at night except on the Isaan and Korat route. 

 

2) Bangkok and the roads out of it are quite scary day and night. Note: you might be the only one dumb enough to be on a motorcycle. Stay sane, keep left, watch your side mirrors, maintain a decent speed, anticipate danger, etc. The hairiness die down the further you get away from the city of angels.

 

3) Watch your fuel meter! Some roads, petrol stations are far in between. At night, some are closed. A scooter like mine will do 120 - 150 if topped up to the brim.

 

4) Worst thing to happen to me - hit a rough patch of road and blew my rear tyre out in the sticks at around 7pm. Walked about half an hour before I came to a lorry, tyre stop where the nice fellow could do motorcycles. My Thai is passable. But he doesn't have stock on hand, so I ended staying overnight at a the nearby motel. 

 

5) 2nd worst thing to happen to me - stopped at a set of traffic light only to be spotted and set upon by a pack of hounds. It was 3 in the morning, so my fault I guess....

 

6) Your bottom will hurt. 

 

7) Motorcycles are fuel efficient but running long and at full beans, you'll start to think taking the car is definitely the better idea. 

 

8. Pay attention to the weather forecast. 

 

9) Never undertake a slower, articulated lorry. If can't safely overtake, just hang back and be patient.

 

10) Gloves

 

11) The coppers at the check points tend to look at your strangely when you say you're headed to Bangkok and you're only barely out of Chiang Mai. 

 

Danger? Well, bike riding is always dangerous but if you're well versed with the way Thais behave on the road, you'll be in a better position. 

 

Like I said, I wouldn't do it again unless I really have to (would love to relocate to Pattaya some time in the future). It's been 5 years since my last crazy trip like this.  Still, something to remember. 

 

[Rhys]

Aloha Mates,  

 

I'm the 1-3 hour rider... and that is enough,  riding a CBR 300R.. thus shoulders hurt, back hurt, and butt goes numb. However, the adventurer and bucket lister wants to do a tour of Thailand..

[KhunLA]

And ... ???

[digbeth]

The curves from Ranong to Phang Nga just before Phuket is brilliant on a bike, but the rain out of nowhere does make it slippery, if you have the skill to enjoy long bike rides you should be fine.

 

The road from Bangkok to Prachuab is pretty boring and full of trucks though

[PJ71]

On 2/16/2022 at 12:00 PM, CharlieH said:

The road conditions here are by far the worst I have encountered. You can go from smooth tarmac to something resembling a mortar attack in seconds ! You have to be constantly watching for potholes and cracks and god knows what else.To say nothing of wandering dogs!

Totally disagree, driven all over thailand ( more than 200K on bikes and more than 1M in cars ), the above description may be true of some very rural roads but certainly not the main routes.

 

On 2/16/2022 at 12:00 PM, CharlieH said:

Drive defensively and assume everyone is trying to kill you!

This is good advice.

 

The trip to OP mentions i did something similar recently, Krabi to Kanchanaburi. We did it over 3 or 4 days, very good. Driving up the peninsula there is some incredible scenery, Khao Lak (sp) and the Tsnami musuem annd memorial worth a visit and Sam Roi Rot ( 3 hundred mountains ), stunning.

 

Definately worth the trip, irrespective of transport mode.

[PJ71]

On 2/16/2022 at 3:44 PM, Kinnock said:

Some good tips in the replies so far, hope the OP returns and it's not another first post and run.

 

As the road conditions here can be unpredictable and the driving standards are eratic, it takes concentration to ride safely.  So the advice in earlier posts to ride no more than 2 hours before a good break is spot on.

 

I used to do a daily commute on a small bike in Bangkok, and now do longer 'upcountry' tours on a (slightly) bigger bike.  I think the Bangkok commute was higher risk due to congested roads and homicidal bus and taxi drivers, plus extreme heat in the heavy traffic.

 

Rides outside of the cities can be fun, and if you look well ahead and read the road, the risks can be managed.  The approach to U turns (and there's a lot!) and anywhere near a 7-11 are high risk zones as drivers will change lanes and/or stop at random.

 

300cc to 650cc is enough, as you'll rarely go over 100 KPH if you ride to the road conditions, and the weight of big bikes is a liability when parking and on unmade roads.  Additional lights are a good idea, as is lightweight, ventilated protective clothing, and of course a good helmet.

 

 

Nice bike, is that the 600 or 1000?

[Kinnock]

7 hours ago, PJ71 said:

Nice bike, is that the 600 or 1000?

It's only a 300 twin ..... but ideal for Thai roads.

[moose7117]

people have different opinions, so i will only speak regarding my experiences in LOS.

i have ridden Prachuap Khiri Khan to Ubon ratchathani in i day, and returned two up in one day.

Prachuap Khiri Khan to Phuket in a day with same passenger, twice.

PKK to Bangkok and back numerous times to get a Visa for PNG, sometimes solo, sometimes Two up.

PKK to Buri Ram for MotoGP thrice, in a day, once with an Australian in tow who is completely unfamiliar with Thai roads.

 

never been close to an incident.

i believe it depends on both your riding ability and confidence.

 

sure the roads can be bad, but ride accordingly.

 

also left soi 24 Sukhimvit at midnight and was drinking beer at mom's bar in Pkk by 2:30 am.

 

 

[impulse]

Sorry to drop the turd in the punchbowl, but taking the trip on a scooter is 20-40 times as dangerous as taking it in a 4 wheel vehicle.  (Statistics out of the USA and Aus.  In the UK, it's 50x as hazardous per km driven).

 

Up to you, but I prefer seat belts, 4 wheels and air conditioning for bopping cross country in the heat.

 

That said, they track fatalities on the basis of deaths per billion km driven, so "crazy dangerous" is a relative thing and you may make the rip 1000 times before it's your turn in the barrel.  But that's largely up to the crazies you'd be sharing the road with.

 

[Moonlover]

43 minutes ago, impulse said:

Sorry to drop the turd in the punchbowl, but taking the trip on a scooter is 20-40 times as dangerous as taking it in a 4 wheel vehicle.  (Statistics out of the USA and Aus.  In the UK, it's 50x as hazardous per km driven).

 

Up to you, but I prefer seat belts, 4 wheels and air conditioning for bopping cross country in the heat.

 

That said, they track fatalities on the basis of deaths per billion km driven, so "crazy dangerous" is a relative thing and you may make the rip 1000 times before it's your turn in the barrel.  But that's largely up to the crazies you'd be sharing the road with.

 

Good for you. Your choice. There is a motoring forum elsewhere. Have a nice day.

[impulse]

15 minutes ago, Moonlover said:

Good for you. Your choice. There is a motoring forum elsewhere. Have a nice day.

The OP asked if it was dangerous.  Statistics say it is.  I didn't tell him not to do it.  I gave him information to make an informed decision.  Not based on a few thousand miles of driving myself accompanied by some scooter porn, but billions of miles driven by millions of riders.  I'd post up the Thailand numbers but they can't be trusted even if they did measure deaths per billion km.  Here's the UK for example: 50x as dangerous.

 

 

 

Edit:  I'd add that the foreigners who have been killed in scooter wrecks aren't here to post up their advice.  Makes it pretty one sided...

 

[Sparktrader]

Road trips are fun 200km per day. Beyond that rather boring. You need to stop to enjoy stuff. Do the trip over a week.

 

Bikes 20 to 50 times more deadly yes but bad in rain.

 

Imo catch the train, get off hire a scooter in towns. Then bus it to Krabi and ferry to Phuket.

 

Prachuap be my first stop then Bang Saphan then Chumphon, then Surat, then Khao Sok (need a bus) then Krabi.