Pattaya - Pichit

[doctormann]

I am planning a trip up to Pichit with the GF and could use some advice on the best route.

It looks as though taking the expressway (Routes 7 and 9) from Pattaya to Bang Pa-in is the best way of avoiding Bangkok. Then take Route 32 for a while. Just before Uthai Thani there is a choice of either continuing on 32 or taking 11. Route 11 is slightly more direct, it seems, but may not be dual carriageway.

About how long should I allow, typically, to do this trip, by car?

Anyone done this trip, or similar? Advice / info. would be appreciated.

[Thetyim]

Route 11 is not dual carriage way.

Route 32 and then route 1 is all dual as far as Nakhon sawan.

Route 117 from Nakhon is still single but is being upgraded.

I would choose the 32/1/117 as the better option.

[RamdomChances]

The 11 is dual carrige way in places, and is being upgraded, its a pretty quick road anyway. To be honest there is not much differance between the two, depends where in Pichit you want to go, route 11 goes past my house (more or less)

[doctormann]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I guess I'll try Route 32.

[Thetyim]

Why ? Don't you like the smell of cow pat ?

[doctormann]

Update on Route 11 to Pichit:

Ended up using Route 11 as it turns out that the GF's family live in the middle of nowhere, East of R11. Did the return journey by minibus (sardines), which I don't really recommend. The road surface of R11 is truly awful for long stretches and I can still feel every pothole that we encountered along the way. This may be attributable to the severe overloading of the bus, as the road didn't seem nearly as bad on the way there.

Why ? Don't you like the smell of cow pat ?

Certainly saw a lot of paddy fields!