planning on going one way for now to chiang mai from phuket.

thing is we are taking our small dog, any suggestions on the cheapest way, if we need to drive any suggestions of hotels half way)

tried nok air / 1 2go but no flights available as we plan to go on the 14th jan

planning on going one way for now to chiang mai from phuket.

thing is we are taking our small dog, any suggestions on the cheapest way, if we need to drive any suggestions of hotels half way)

tried nok air / 1 2go but no flights available as we plan to go on the 14th jan

We've made that journey many times by road and for us it's a two day journey. Phuket to Cha Am or Hua Hin is about seven or eight hours. Take the East coast road for speed or the West coast road for slightly better scenery - both roads come together half way up at Chumpom, decent driving conditions but be careful of long haul trucks and buses where the drivers tend to nod off! Not many places for food on this road apart from the gas stations with small coffee shops and the inevitable small Thai eateries. Great scenery from Phuket to Surat Thani.

Overnight in Cha Am can be cheaper than Hua Hin and is pleasant enough - figure on 1,000/2,000 per night.

Second day: head North via the West of Bangkok - tricky following the road signs but is easily dooable - once you get round BKK just keep heading North and figure on a total of nine or ten hours from Cha Am based on your desire for speed. Again, good roads mostly - speed camera's from Tak to Lamphun and a couple of police check points where your ID may be checked, no big deal. If I have the time I will always drive over fly, as long as gas prices are reasonable and they are currently.

Had one friend made the trip in one day, seventeen hours but wouldn't recommend it.

We also plan to head north next week. 1000/2000 baht seems a bit expensive just for a "motel" to get some sleep, assuming we will be tired enough and do not seek any activities.

Does someone have any suggestions where to find a cheaper place to stay around Cha Am or in the greater area of Bkk?

Just a clean bed and a safe place is required ;-)

Thank you.

planning on going one way for now to chiang mai from phuket.

thing is we are taking our small dog, any suggestions on the cheapest way, if we need to drive any suggestions of hotels half way)

tried nok air / 1 2go but no flights available as we plan to go on the 14th jan

Had one friend made the trip in one day, seventeen hours but wouldn't recommend it.

Managed it in 19 but that was in a pick-up with motorbike and microwave on the back and only started winding her up after Ayuthaya

The tricky part for staying awake on the longhaul is the last bit from Lampang onwards, as you think you're about there but it drags on and the eyelids start to droop.

We also plan to head north next week. 1000/2000 baht seems a bit expensive just for a "motel" to get some sleep, assuming we will be tired enough and do not seek any activities.

Does someone have any suggestions where to find a cheaper place to stay around Cha Am or in the greater area of Bkk?

Just a clean bed and a safe place is required ;-)

Thank you.

The Subhamitra Hotel in HH (Thanon Amnuaysin), one street down from the market and not far from the train station, is a good deal. Last time I stayed there it was still around the 6/700 mark (for the aircon rooms) and the good thing is that they have a sizeable car park right out front and a small pool. Give this number a try - 032511208.

Defo take the road through Suphanburi and then Chainat to avoid Bangkok. Four lane most of the way and generally quietish