Driving / Short Trip Options

Hello,

Driving from Phuket, on the way to the in-laws in Pichit, we usually overnight in Hua Hin.

This time, my wife and daughter are going up to BKK by plane for a couple of days with some other mums and kids to go to Siam Park etc. I'm just driving up on my own and will meet wife and daughter at the in-laws.

Instead of having to drive with stops every 30 mins for the toilet or food, culminating in a night in HH, I've now got a bit of a free rein. Instead of using the quickest route of 35 towards BKK, then the 9 heading north, I've look at the other options around Ratburi, Nakhon Pathom etc. Wouldn't use these with the family in the car as it would take too long, but wondering if there's much to see / look at?

If anyone can suggest a pleasant drive, including an overnight stop or two, that would eventually lead me on the road to Pichit, then please reply.

Thanks.