Driving From Bangkok To Phuket

[mayuri]

we are driving from bangkok to Phuket, planning to start early in morning around 6am, which highway route we should follow for nice scenic route?

how long is it gonna take to reach phuket?

[SeanMoran]

Take highway #4.

---o0o---

It depends on how fast you travel but you should make Chumphon for a late lunch if you hurry, and Phuket by sunset. Then is the time to take in the scenery.

Edited February 13, 2010 by SeanMoran

[chiang mai]

Head for Hua Hin/Cha Am then enter the dual carriageway system and keep going to Chumpom - stay left at Chumpom if you want the faster route, if so head for Surat Thani then cut across to Phuket - if not go right at Chumpom and head across country to the West coast and then South to Phuket. The Surat Thani route is the easier drive (I think).

[mayuri]

Thanks for your reply

[SeanMoran]

Thanks for your reply

Once you get going down highway #4 from Ratchaburi or Hua-hin if you come from the gulf, then it's really smooth sailing all the way to Chumphon, so roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair, as Springsteen might suggest, for you can smell that fragrance of eucalypt trees all the way through that peninsular just as if you were in Australia.

It's a wonderful drive, so please make the most of it, and it's rather a unique long-distance olfactory sensation in Thailand.

[katabeachbum]

Once you get going down highway #4 from Ratchaburi or Hua-hin if you come from the gulf, then it's really smooth sailing all the way to Chumphon, so roll down the windows and let the wind blow back your hair, as Springsteen might suggest, for you can smell that fragrance of eucalypt trees all the way through that peninsular just as if you were in Australia.

It's a wonderful drive, so please make the most of it, and it's rather a unique long-distance olfactory sensation in Thailand.

I drive Hua Hin-Phuket frequently. Dont have the same impression as you, its a highway, smokey trucks and pickups, no nice fragrances, rather fast, 6 hours to do 700km. beautiful scenery starts in Phang Na and continues in Phuket.

[SeanMoran]

I drive Hua Hin-Phuket frequently. Dont have the same impression as you, its a highway, smokey trucks and pickups, no nice fragrances, rather fast, 6 hours to do 700km. beautiful scenery starts in Phang Na and continues in Phuket.

I've only ever done it on a motorbike, so I suppose that my nose had a much more real experience than it deserved, according to the laws.

[mayuri]

which would be best way to choose between Ranong and Surat Thani if i would like to avoid in city traffic

[chiang mai]

which would be best way to choose between Ranong and Surat Thani if i would like to avoid in city traffic

The road to Phuket bypasses Suart so you never really get into the town, the road cross country from that point on has some excellent scenery but is not a fast road. The Ranong road on the other hand was in very poor shape, the last time I drove it about a year ago, nice lush vegatation and some good views but slow going, I'd go Surat. Looking at the map you might get the idea that the West coast road generates some nice coastal views but this is not the case, so don't be mislead into taking a slower road for some non-existent views!

Also, Bangkok to Cha Am is about two and a half hours, depending on traffic - Cha Am Phuket is dooable in seven or eight hours but there again, I'm not a slow driver!

[chiang mai]

I drive Hua Hin-Phuket frequently. Dont have the same impression as you, its a highway, smokey trucks and pickups, no nice fragrances, rather fast, 6 hours to do 700km. beautiful scenery starts in Phang Na and continues in Phuket.

Have to agree, especially if you're unlucky enough to encounter lots of maniac bus/truck drivers - also agree about the scenery, makes driving that route worthwhile.

[aussiebrian]

Definately go Ranong way. It is about 40 Kms longer but if you want nice scenery, don't mind twisty roads and don't want a boring drive there is no comparison. I have done the trip over 30 times and only been Surat Thani way about 2 or 3 times. I do travel by motorcycle and the Ranong stretch is one of the best motorcycle roads in Southern Thailand. Also sone nice lookout points with spectactular views of Burma.

I just travelled this road 2 days ago and only 1 small section being repaired.again

Stop over night in Ranong and visit the hot springs and the Ranong Canyon. Also some nice waterfalls along the way.You will not be disapointed.

[katabeachbum]

Definately go Ranong way. It is about 40 Kms longer but if you want nice scenery, don't mind twisty roads and don't want a boring drive there is no comparison. I have done the trip over 30 times and only been Surat Thani way about 2 or 3 times. I do travel by motorcycle and the Ranong stretch is one of the best motorcycle roads in Southern Thailand. Also sone nice lookout points with spectactular views of Burma.

I just travelled this road 2 days ago and only 1 small section being repaired.again

Stop over night in Ranong and visit the hot springs and the Ranong Canyon. Also some nice waterfalls along the way.You will not be disapointed.

riding a bike I would go Ranong. Lots of curves, nice views.

Only gone there twice with car (Fortuner), and would not like to do it again. Much better road Phunpin (Surat) to Phuket, new highway half the way.

[keestha]

Obviously the OP wants to go from Bkk to Phuket in just one day, which is a very long drive. Going via Surat (yes, you don't go into the city) is much quicker than via Ranong, both Chumporn-Ranong and Ranong-Takua Pa are mostly winding uphill/downhill 2 lane roads, and especially on the leg Chumporn-Ranong you might get stuck a long time behind a large slowly moving vehicle.

Edited February 14, 2010 by keestha

[fiddlehead]

I agree that it is a very long drive.

I don't see a reason to do it unless you take two days and enjoy the ride.

We always stop at the beach in Chaam and then again about an hour north of Chumpon there is a very nice remote beach with picnic tables, swings and no one around usually.

This is our style of travel and I think I would dislike attempting it in one day.

It would be sort of like crossing the US and only using the Interstate highways.

You can go fast but see practically nothing.

Not for me.

[katabeachbum]

I agree that it is a very long drive.

I don't see a reason to do it unless you take two days and enjoy the ride.

We always stop at the beach in Chaam and then again about an hour north of Chumpon there is a very nice remote beach with picnic tables, swings and no one around usually.

This is our style of travel and I think I would dislike attempting it in one day.

It would be sort of like crossing the US and only using the Interstate highways.

You can go fast but see practically nothing.

Not for me.

cruising 140 kmh its done in 8 hours if needed, but the insane traffic needs 100% attention making it a long drive

[LivinginKata]

cruising 140 kmh its done in 8 hours if needed, but the insane traffic needs 100% attention making it a long drive

Driving at 140 kmh causes the 'insane' traffic, and BTW that's way over the speed limit !!!

[katabeachbum]

cruising 140 kmh its done in 8 hours if needed, but the insane traffic needs 100% attention making it a long drive

Driving at 140 kmh causes the 'insane' traffic, and BTW that's way over the speed limit !!!

IMHO insane traffic consist of

vehicles coming in the wrong direction on highway, often without lights in the dark

vehicles not yilding or respecting stop signs or red lights

vehicles changing lanes without indicating

insane overtaking in curves and over hill tops

have avoided hitting any of these past 350-400k km in LOS.

Cruising 160 in LOS has worked fine for 7 years, but I have collected a few 200 baht official speedingtickets. Recall first time we where pulled over in our new 2007 Camry. Bib said we where doing 160 and shouldnt drive more than 120. My gf really pissed off, why would we buy a Camry to drive only 120? Bib let us continue without fine

[Ping]

140 kph is nothing - just ask the bus drivers.

[katabeachbum]

140 kph is nothing - just ask the bus drivers.

last trip from BKK to Phuket, my Vigo was loaded with approx 500kg pluss 4 adults. didnt want to cruise more than 140 with this load. 26th december, so all buses and flights where full. was overtaken by worne out bkk taxis several times

[fiddlehead]

I just don't understand the point of driving vs flying if you want to just go as fast as you possibly can.

I guess I'm in the minority for taking advantage of a drive by slowing down and seeing the country I am travelling through. (and it's people, taste it's food, etc.)

[stevenl]

140 kph is nothing - just ask the bus drivers.

When i drive this route i drive 110-120 km per hour. No bus overtakes me at this speed.

[Peterocket]

140 kph is nothing - just ask the bus drivers.

When i drive this route i drive 110-120 km per hour. No bus overtakes me at this speed.

I drive this speed because its about as fast as you can go. The alternative is to drive at 140, then have to brake hard, accelerate, brake hard, accelerate, brake hard etc. I dont believe there is any way to keep at a constant 140 -160 KPH with the amount of traffic, bends, lights, towns, checkpoints there is.

[onnut]

It's a great drive, I love it. Have done it about 5 times. Keep your eyes on the roads and other traffic and you will be fine. It takes 9 hours at normal speeds if you go Surat Thani way. I normally do it in one go and leave Bangkok early morning to be past Hua Hin by 8ish. That way will be in Phuket during the afternoon.

I will do it again in April when my sister and brother inlaw visits but this time will stop in Hua Hin for a night and next day stop of for lunch in or near Chumpon.

Drive safe and keep your eyes open. Good luck

[pedro01]

Hi All 

 

I was wondering if anyone had an update on this - I know there's been a lot of roadworks on the way down over the past few years. I may do the drive later this week as I'll be there a month. I was specifically interested in:

 

- How much of the trip is gnarly old dual carriageways with a pot-holed left lane

- How much of it is new, good conditioned roads

- Any areas that get hit with a rush hour (times of day to avoid)

 

I would like the convenience of having my own car down there but not if it's a white knuckle ride. I do drive to Sakhorn Nakhorn a fair amount and that's about the same distance. 

 

Thanks

[metisdead]

31 minutes ago, pedro01 said:

Hi All 

 

I was wondering if anyone had an update on this - I know there's been a lot of roadworks on the way down over the past few years. I may do the drive later this week as I'll be there a month. I was specifically interested in:

 

- How much of the trip is gnarly old dual carriageways with a pot-holed left lane

- How much of it is new, good conditioned roads

- Any areas that get hit with a rush hour (times of day to avoid)

 

I would like the convenience of having my own car down there but not if it's a white knuckle ride. I do drive to Sakhorn Nakhorn a fair amount and that's about the same distance. 

 

Thanks

 

 

As this is a 9 year old topic and the original participants are most likely no longer active, please feel free to open a new topic about this. 

 

 

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