sunnyhor Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 (edited) Hi, I was planning to drive from Chiangmai to Trat(Ko Chang). It's because there isn't any direct flight from Chiangmai. Please advise!! Anyone had the experience of driving there can share? Thank you for reading! Edited April 19, 2010 by sunnyhor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonwilly Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Make sure you use the eastern ring road around Bangkok, much quicker and get on to east Motorway at Savanaphum then it's Sukhumvit down past Sattahip, Rayong. john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladiator Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hi Sunny, I have frequently driven down from Chiang Mai to Pattaya or Rayong - and once on to Trat and ferry across to Koh Chang. Perhaps this will give you a guideline. For a start, if there is not more than one driver, then you will have to plan to make an overnight stop somewhere. I usually drive Pattaya or Rayong non-stop, but am spelled for a time driving by my wife. Route: Highway 11 Superhighway Chiang Mai - Lampang at 100KPH 1 hour Highway 1 Lampang - Tak 2 hours Tak - Kamphaeng Phet 1 hour Kamphaeng Phet - Nakhon Sawan 2 hours Nakhon Sawan - Ayyutaya 2 hours Just follow the road signs As you are approaching Ayyuthaya, as John says, look out for the Ring Road number 9 - East bound (left) which will take you around Bangkok (follow the airport signs) This will drop you at the doorstep of the airport Suvanabhumi on Highway 7 - 1 hour Continue South following signs for Pattaya on highway 7 The Ring Road and parts of Higway 7 are toll way so prepared to have some small demonination notes or change 30 baht per toll But you can speed up to 120 kph Suvanabhumi - Pattaya - 1 hour You will come to a T-junction - follow Highway 36 signposted Rayong which is a left turn Pattaya - Rayong 1 hour As you approach Rayong - look out for signs to Chantaburi ( a left hand turn) on Highway 3 Then straight on to Chantaburi and on to Trat on Highway 3 Maybe 3-4 hours Before Trat there is a right hand turn to the car ferry (sorrry can't be more specific but it might be sign-posted by now) From memory the car ferry war 400 baht (return) per vehicle. There are western loos at the service centre on top of the mountain between CM and Lampang At the service centre 50 KMs south of Nakon Sawan and the service centre 20 Kms south of Suvanabhumi Other than that - brazen it out and use the PTT filling stations and use the loo for people with disabilities (which I have and I am sure no one would mind) which is at most PTT/7-11 gas stations Suggestions for overnight Khampaeng Phet - Navara Hotel or Rayong - Condotel Hotel on the beach PM me if you need more info Good luck and have a great holiday Gladiator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackSterling Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Gladiator is 100% on the money.. Let me know when you leaving I may know someone who want to go look at some TRD there.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MESmith Posted April 21, 2010 Share Posted April 21, 2010 Recently drove back from Ko Chang to CM in one go. 13 hrs from ferry dock to CM. just under 1100km. took 2 days to recover from the drive in the pickup. the worst section is south of Lampang, in the dark, the road is broken & at night the road markings are invisible. Going the other way, you'd have to leave early to make the ferry, I guess. Better to stay in Rayong, on the beach. You should make the beach in the afternoon, have next morning on the beach before continuing the journey. Remember, it's supposed to be a holiday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnyhor Posted April 22, 2010 Author Share Posted April 22, 2010 Recently drove back from Ko Chang to CM in one go. 13 hrs from ferry dock to CM. just under 1100km. took 2 days to recover from the drive in the pickup. the worst section is south of Lampang, in the dark, the road is broken & at night the road markings are invisible. Going the other way, you'd have to leave early to make the ferry, I guess. Better to stay in Rayong, on the beach. You should make the beach in the afternoon, have next morning on the beach before continuing the journey. Remember, it's supposed to be a holiday Thanks for the post mate. I think I change my mind!!! Under 1100km . I can't drive that much. The furthest I'd drive is from Chianmai to Golden triangle. I find for alternative then! Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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