Hi, I got own car and would like to take gf for a 7 days trip going out from Pattaya. Would love to visit some national parks/nature on the way. I was thinking going south towards Phuket, end up on some islands. May b someone did similar. I need some spots to stop and visit and get rest on the way to say Phuket. Like sleep night here and there. Map links appreciated.

You'll need more than 7 days to go to Phuket & back.  It's about 15 hours one way, if stopping 2X each, then leaves 3 days on Phuket

 

You got Ko Chang & Samet just down the road a bit.  Gulf has been rough lately, so only good for looking at, I think.  At least Hua Hin & below.

Saying that, after thought, 3 days may be enough on Phuket, maybe even too much.   It's high season, so it will be packed & expensive.  If not staying local, Ko Chang or Samet for island, or Khao Yai & such for hills. 

 

Maybe even Kanchanaburi or Khao Kho (Phetabun), for some hills & river relaxing.

 

Or just a slower ride down the west Gulf Coast, Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yot, PKK, down to Thung Wua Laem (Chumphon), till bored, then return.

 

Options abound, and I've been to all, except Samet.  A day or 2 or 3 is nice at any, especially if never been.

Just a thought, but if you are in Pattaya, try to look North, away from beaches, and tourist hot spots. Take a trip into the countryside, and see more of the local culture, and way of life. Wherever you go, please take care on these crazy roads. 

Thanks, I think yea Phuket is too far and may b floods down there. Been in Koh Chang and Koh Kood, Samet, gf never been Chang and Kood, tho hotels looks expensive now, so dunno its worth it, thats another issue, I got Booking.com Genius 3 level and still dont look good. Hmm

 

We also went recentely past Hua Hin some national park there with sick cave, that was best one I been so far, quite a hike tho but worth it.

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

You'll need more than 7 days to go to Phuket & back.  It's about 15 hours one way, if stopping 2X each, then leaves 3 days on Phuket

 

You got Ko Chang & Samet just down the road a bit.  Gulf has been rough lately, so only good for looking at, I think.  At least Hua Hin & below.

 

Patts to phuket can be done in 12hrs (1 fuel stop)  if you drive with some gusto, have done it many times.

2 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Patts to phuket can be done in 12hrs (1 fuel stop)  if you drive with some gusto, have done it many times.

tough

Kanchanaburi or khao yai 

.

1 hour ago, Ralf001 said:

 

Patts to phuket can be done in 12hrs (1 fuel stop)  if you drive with some gusto, have done it many times.

I have also, well, Udon Thani - Phuket, and non overnight a couple times, but wouldn't recommend it.  Even PKK - Phuket, and that's only 8 ish hours.

 

Or, would I want to be on Phuket for 5 days during high season ... 

 

With 'gusto' ... could get expensive now of days, as that's a lot of speed cameras on the way.

I'm more of a flying fan, We flew to Krabi, rented a car, stayed Krabi for a few days. Took ferry with car to Koh Lanta for some more days. Can take boat to Phi Phi for hotels if you like.