Driving To Bangkok

[gazz]

Hi,

Looks like I have to drive this time. I'm wondering about an early departure and driving straight through or stopping overnight. I understand it is about a 12 hour run if you are driving sensibly within the speed limits.

I have an important day planned with an early start and don't want to miss it or be too tired to get through the day. I also don't want to arrive in Bangkok at the wrong time and have to put up with traffic congestion on the outer ring road to Min Buri.

If I take two days: What is a decent start time and place to stay over night so as to arrive about mid-day in Bangkok the following day?

I'm hoping the recent flooding is not going to be an issue next week (Tuesday or Wednesday). Any input from seasoned Phuket to Bangkok drivers is very much welcome.

[brieno1955]

I do it frequently, no need to bust yourself and try and do it in one day,Easy to o/night at Hua Hin ,heaps of accomadation and other neccessities.It is do-able to go all the way to Bangers, but why would you?

Wake up refreshed in the morning and cruise on up to Bangers in time for your midday appointment.

You'll no doubt get other advice from "the king of speeds" about driving all the way at mental speeds, but as you said 'driving sensibly at speed limits', you can ignore their advice i guess.

[McFarang]

Do it over 2 days just not worth it driving in the dark too many trucks travel then with little or no lights,I agree with previous poster stay in Cha am or Hua Hin have a good meal and rest and get into BKK in time for your meeting.

[macahoom]

I'm not going to recommend driving to Bangkok in one day or two, but I strongly advise you to take this road:

DRIVING FROM PHUKET TO BANGKOK:

After Phang Nga, at the crossroads (with traffic lights) where you normally turn left for Surat Thani, don't turn left. Instead, go straight on towards Krabi on 4. Drive for 26 kms and then turn left unto 44 to Surat Thani. Drive for 96kms to the end of this fantastic road and then turn left for Surat Thani/Bangkok.

This route may be a few kilometres longer than the "normal" route but it's dual carriageway, almost dead straight, scenic(ish) and has little traffic. I'm sure it's on some maps, but I've yet to see it.

Note: There are no petrol stations on it.

[LivinginKata]

Note: There are no petrol stations on it.

True there are no gas station on the highway, but there is one good sized PTT gas station just off the main road on the East bound side over half way from Krabi. Can just about see it from the main road, there are home made signs, in Thai.

[fiddlehead]

I am also driving up early next week.

We always stop in Chaam and get a place right on the beach road there.

We like Chaam.

Anyway, as to the advice to take the more easterly route, I normally would agree.

But, there is major flooding in that area and for once, I am going to go the Ranong route instead.

I still am unsure about the problems in Chumphon and hope I can get through there.

A Thai man, only this morning, warned me that there is one place with water 1-1.5 metres deep and the big trucks can get through but not cars or lower pickups.

I hope it's do-able by Monday or Tuesday.

Rain is supposed to stop by Saturday I hear.

See you in Chaam perhaps. (I never try to make it in one shot, I like to enjoy the traveling)

[fiddlehead]

Just reading about landslides on the road from SuratThani to Chumphon and also on the road from PhangNga to Krabi.

Some villages covered in mud as well.

Probably not a good time to be driving those roads.

I may wait an extra day or two before I leave.

I believe BBC is carrying the story (are we allowed to say that?)

[madmitch]

Just reading about landslides on the road from SuratThani to Chumphon and also on the road from PhangNga to Krabi.

Some villages covered in mud as well.

Probably not a good time to be driving those roads.

I may wait an extra day or two before I leave.

I believe BBC is carrying the story (are we allowed to say that?)

The Ranong/Chumphon route was suffering from flooding before the others. I took someone to the bus station on Saturday and they advised him to take the Surat Thani bus. Of course that was in the earlier part of the 9 day deluge so it may have changed now.

[sadman]

Might sound like a daft question, but how about driving from Bangkok to Phuket? I shall be driving down in a small buggy, running it in so with a cruising speed of around 45-50mph. I fancy doing it over 2 days and enjoying myself, so where is the best overnighter? Hua Hin?

[gazz]

Thanks all for the news and views. I will take the 'two day' advice and likely stop in Hua Hin or Chaam.

Thanks Macahoom for your advice: "After Phang Nga, at the crossroads (with traffic lights) where you normally turn left for Surat Thani, don't turn left. Instead, go straight on towards Krabi on 4. Drive for 26 kms and then turn left unto 44 to Surat Thani. Drive for 96kms to the end of this fantastic road and then turn left for Surat Thani/Bangkok." I'll take it if the roads are passable by Tuesday.

Now then, how many hours for a Phuket - Chaam run? Is anyone aware of how road conditions / mudslides / flooding can be assessed prior to departing? Is there a national road service advisory that can be accessed by a farang with limited Thai language skills?

Thaivisa forums...how do we manage without????

Thanks again everyone.

[kenny999]

Thanks all for the news and views. I will take the 'two day' advice and likely stop in Hua Hin or Chaam.

Thanks Macahoom for your advice: "After Phang Nga, at the crossroads (with traffic lights) where you normally turn left for Surat Thani, don't turn left. Instead, go straight on towards Krabi on 4. Drive for 26 kms and then turn left unto 44 to Surat Thani. Drive for 96kms to the end of this fantastic road and then turn left for Surat Thani/Bangkok." I'll take it if the roads are passable by Tuesday.

Now then, how many hours for a Phuket - Chaam run? Is anyone aware of how road conditions / mudslides / flooding can be assessed prior to departing? Is there a national road service advisory that can be accessed by a farang with limited Thai language skills?

Thaivisa forums...how do we manage without????

Thanks again everyone.

When I go to Cha Am I stay at the Perfect guest house, very nice and only a few bars away from a great English bar which serves fantastic food. beach is about 200 meters away. driving takes about 8 hrs to Cha Am driving sensible with a couple of stops,

[ESB7]

Might sound like a daft question, but how about driving from Bangkok to Phuket? I shall be driving down in a small buggy, running it in so with a cruising speed of around 45-50mph. I fancy doing it over 2 days and enjoying myself, so where is the best overnighter? Hua Hin?

You would need to go a bit further your first day, onto Chumphon, otherwise at that speed will take 3 days

[SantiSuk]

Stop in Prachuap Khiri Khan, unless you need Hua Hin's nightlife. The hotels are so much cheaper and the access on off Highway 41 will be much quicker. I stopped there last night and have just arrived Bangkok (took me 3.25 hours to Sukhumvit from our Prachuap hotel driving 115kph when possible).

We stayed at the Hotel Hadthong on the sea front (there are several hotels along there). It is a bit past its best but is clean. A big double room with ocean view is 1,200 baht a night. The ocean view of islands, on-shore hills and fishing boats is very neat. We paid 1,780 for a suite to accommodate 2 kids extra. I had trouble finding anything similar under 3,000 baht in Khaolak and Phuket and Hua Hin would be much the same. There are cheaper guest houses. No need to book (unless it's in the run up to or over Songkran).

Had some good seafood at the forst restaurant if you drive northwards along the seashore around the Wat-topped mount (you cannot miss that), but Prachuap is a roll-up the pavements at 7pm kind of place - a few quiet bars with some falangs and thais along the sea front.

We stopped in Cha-Am on the way South one week previous. Pleasant Thai tourist place and much more lively now than out of season. Stopped in neat little huts for the 2+2 family - called Sweet Home, a couple of hundred meteres north of where the road from Highway 41 hits the main town. One double and one single bed 3,000 baht, no breakfast. A few underemployed and under-frequented hostess bars in town and some excellent (can be pricey, but nothing like the central Hua Hin rip-off) seafood places in an enclave up the seashore about 2-3 klicks north of said main road/beach intersection

Prachuap is almost Issaan value (well - only double the price!)

[SantiSuk]

See this thread about road conditions a couple of days ago:

[sadman]

Might sound like a daft question, but how about driving from Bangkok to Phuket? I shall be driving down in a small buggy, running it in so with a cruising speed of around 45-50mph. I fancy doing it over 2 days and enjoying myself, so where is the best overnighter? Hua Hin?

You would need to go a bit further your first day, onto Chumphon, otherwise at that speed will take 3 days

Many thanks

[keestha]

Often enough driving long distances like this, I didn't take the trouble to go into any town for an overnight stop, but just stayed at a highway hotel, often next to a gas station. This type of place is invariably very good value.

Edited April 5, 2011 by keestha

[LivinginKata]

Often enough driving long distances like this, I didn't take the trouble to go into any town for an overnight stop, but just stayed at a highway hotel, often next to a gas station. This type of place is invariably very good value.

On the road up to Bangkok there are very few 'highway hotels' that I can find. About the only 2 I have found are both in Thap Sakae which is just about the half way point, but don't use the one at the Shell Gas Station (it's a dump), stay in the newer motel style place just after the first Gas Station (think Esso). Both are on the north bound highway side.

[keestha]

Often enough driving long distances like this, I didn't take the trouble to go into any town for an overnight stop, but just stayed at a highway hotel, often next to a gas station. This type of place is invariably very good value.

On the road up to Bangkok there are very few 'highway hotels' that I can find. About the only 2 I have found are both in Thap Sakae which is just about the half way point, but don't use the one at the Shell Gas Station (it's a dump), stay in the newer motel style place just after the first Gas Station (think Esso). Both are on the north bound highway side.

There is a very nice one called Phengkepa Resort at the southbound lane in Tha Sae a bit north of Chumporn. They have a swimming pool, massage facilities ,a good restaurant and even a small zoo.

[katabeachbum]

Often enough driving long distances like this, I didn't take the trouble to go into any town for an overnight stop, but just stayed at a highway hotel, often next to a gas station. This type of place is invariably very good value.

On the road up to Bangkok there are very few 'highway hotels' that I can find. About the only 2 I have found are both in Thap Sakae which is just about the half way point, but don't use the one at the Shell Gas Station (it's a dump), stay in the newer motel style place just after the first Gas Station (think Esso). Both are on the north bound highway side.

Suratani, opposit Tesco Lotus, 100 Island Resort& Spa. Nice pool, nice AC rooms, terrible breakfast, shaded secured parking, from 590 baht, distance to Phuket 300km. In addition the more upmarket Diamond at approx 1200 baht.

Prechuap Kiri Khan, several nice beach/harbour front, distance to Phuket 590km

Hua Hin, all over town, from 500 baht up, distance to Phuket 670km

Cha Am all over town, from 500 baht up, distance to Phuket 700km

[thailoneus]

Good info here.

Could some of you frequent drivers post some updated info please.

I am, for the first time, driving from Phuket to BKK. Planning on starting tomorrow am and taking 2 days for the trip.

Would like info on the road conditions (flooding, mud slides etc) on the route via Ranong.

While the advice re. the route via Surat is attractive, the lack of gas stations makes me nervous. I can do 450 to 500kms on a tank.

thanks.

[macahoom]

Good info here.

Could some of you frequent drivers post some updated info please.

I am, for the first time, driving from Phuket to BKK. Planning on starting tomorrow am and taking 2 days for the trip.

Would like info on the road conditions (flooding, mud slides etc) on the route via Ranong.

While the advice re. the route via Surat is attractive, the lack of gas stations makes me nervous. I can do 450 to 500kms on a tank.

thanks.

The stretch of road that has no petrol stations is only about 100 kms.

Even if you fill up in Phuket, you'll have plenty of petrol to reach Surat Thani.

And, if you fill up in Phang Nga (there's a big station just after you turn right, before the town centre – you can't miss it) you'll make it all the way to the moon.

No worries!

Strongly recommend using this road.

[katabeachbum]

Good info here.

Could some of you frequent drivers post some updated info please.

I am, for the first time, driving from Phuket to BKK. Planning on starting tomorrow am and taking 2 days for the trip.

Would like info on the road conditions (flooding, mud slides etc) on the route via Ranong.

While the advice re. the route via Surat is attractive, the lack of gas stations makes me nervous. I can do 450 to 500kms on a tank.

thanks.

The stretch of road that has no petrol stations is only about 100 kms.

Even if you fill up in Phuket, you'll have plenty of petrol to reach Surat Thani.

And, if you fill up in Phang Nga (there's a big station just after you turn right, before the town centre – you can't miss it) you'll make it all the way to the moon.

No worries!

Strongly recommend using this road.

are you saying the Surat/Phunpin Highway is open again? I would check that with HWP morning of departure or when reaching Chumporn at the latest

No worries about gasoline/petrol/diesel before 8pm. No more than 100 km between large pumps both routes

[LivinginKata]

are you saying the Surat/Phunpin Highway is open again? I would check that with HWP morning of departure or when reaching Chumporn at the latest

No worries about gasoline/petrol/diesel before 8pm. No more than 100 km between large pumps both routes

Good point KBB. I wanted to ask the same question. My wife is driving up home to Cha-am on Monday and I thought the only route would be through Ranong to Chumpon rather than the usual route through Surat.

[macahoom]

are you saying the Surat/Phunpin Highway is open again? I would check that with HWP morning of departure or when reaching Chumporn at the latest

No worries about gasoline/petrol/diesel before 8pm. No more than 100 km between large pumps both routes

Good point KBB. I wanted to ask the same question. My wife is driving up home to Cha-am on Monday and I thought the only route would be through Ranong to Chumpon rather than the usual route through Surat.

Sorry for any confusion...

I was only responding to the comment about the lack of filling stations on road no. 44 from Phang Nga to Surat Thani.

I have no idea whether roads are open or not.

[thailoneus]

Thanks to all for the info and the questions raised.

Someone posted a tel no for the HWP in another thread. I picked that up. Will call them tomorrow before deciding on the via Surat/ Via Ranong routes.

KBM, LIK, did one of you travel via Ranong a few days ago? No probs on that route?

[SantiSuk]

Thanks to all for the info and the questions raised.

Someone posted a tel no for the HWP in another thread. I picked that up. Will call them tomorrow before deciding on the via Surat/ Via Ranong routes.

KBM, LIK, did one of you travel via Ranong a few days ago? No probs on that route?

TAN (English Thai TV Network) was saying this evening (Thursday) that all the major routes in the South had now reopened.

[LivinginKata]

TAN (English Thai TV Network) was saying this evening (Thursday) that all the major routes in the South had now reopened.

Good, let's hope a board member can confirm this first hand in the next couple of days.

I guess if we see the 7/11s and F/Marts getting restocked then we will know ...

[katabeachbum]

Thanks to all for the info and the questions raised.

Someone posted a tel no for the HWP in another thread. I picked that up. Will call them tomorrow before deciding on the via Surat/ Via Ranong routes.

KBM, LIK, did one of you travel via Ranong a few days ago? No probs on that route?

TAN (English Thai TV Network) was saying this evening (Thursday) that all the major routes in the South had now reopened.

I came south the Ranong route on Monday April 4th. Two bridges under construction, and short temp road is a mud track not suited for Ferraris. Slow and scenery road, took approx 3 hours longer than Surat route usually takes, as the latter can cruise 140 kmh most of the way.

I have used reopened HW before, and often there is 10 cm water left and speed is 5 km an hour. Would call HWP (Thai speaking) at 1193 morning of departure

[Charma]

Thanks to all for the info and the questions raised.

Someone posted a tel no for the HWP in another thread. I picked that up. Will call them tomorrow before deciding on the via Surat/ Via Ranong routes.

KBM, LIK, did one of you travel via Ranong a few days ago? No probs on that route?

I would be grateful if you could update this thread on the state of the route once you have completed it. Me and the family are heading back the other way in a few days and I am sure others would be grateful for a reliable update from yourself or any other member completing the trip.

[thailoneus]

I am back in Phuket as of this pm.

On Apr 10th, called HWP who said all roads were open. So took Route 44 to S Thani. It was simply wonderful. No traffic and a great highway for 137 Kms. Had one little spot about 50 kms before the 401 where there was fast flowing water over the road, but the water reached up to the top of the wheel on the 4WD. So no prob.

On the way back on Route 44 today, had a detour, about 37 Kms from the 401. Two small bridges had collapsed completely. It looked surreal. The detour (about 3 Kms) was simply to get around the bridges, and utilized the road (44) going towards S Thani/401.

Other than that, the whole trip thru BKK and to Nakhon Nayok and back the same way, was very enjoyable. Stayed in Khanom at the Khanom Sunrise resort....(no dogs in the resort nor on their beach and they allowed me to take my dog in), again thanks to info I recd via a resident Thai Visa member. Excellent for 1500B/night. Visited Sichon,....nothing there to see. The 7 Kms of Beach road in Khanom is quite special in terms of a beach area. Super open air thai (thatch huts) restaurant at one end of Beach road, right on the beach with spectacular surroundings.

This was my first long drive. so I do appreciate everybody's input. It helped me a lot.

Anyone interested in more info about places to stay ............if you are taking a dog with you...btw, others have posted this info. We tried the "open 24 hour" places . No prob with the dog. The ones we used were clean, functional for a night's sleep, tasty food and included b'fast for 380B!!