Hi

My gf and I are deciding to drive around in bangkok and drive from bangkok up to chiang mai while bypassing places such as Ayuttaya and Sukothai in end dec. We are not very familiar with the routes in thailand(though my gf is thai), and I am currently wondering if I should get a Garmin Stand-alone GPS system or just download an app for my iPhone or her Note 2. The garmin system I am looking at is the Navi 40 at 3990baht. Also if I intend to buy the Garmin system, where can I purchase it? Is it available in Tesco/Big C??

The Garmin 40 for 3,990 THB, including a TSM 2012.30 map, is a low cost on-road GPS. It comes with either a English language or Thai language map installed, but not both (dual), and includes a CD that has both maps and instructions for loading. If in Bangkok go to http://www.gpssociety.com/EN/Pages/wheretobuy.aspx .

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/592352-what-is-the-best-iphone-gps-apps/

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/418919-thai-gps-app-for-android-which-better/

Nostra is available for both Android and the iPhone. It looks pretty good.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=th.co.gissoft.nostramap&hl=en

I am happy with Google Maps with Navigation (+Earth + Streetview) on my SGS2 but that has required some hacking to get the performance which matches my Garmin nuvi 1300, and a data connection as well. I do not go to many rural areas.

http://www.thaivisa....phone-gps-apps/

http://www.thaivisa....d-which-better/

Nostra is available for both Android and the iPhone. It looks pretty good.

https://play.google....nostramap&hl=en

I am happy with Google Maps with Navigation (+Earth + Streetview) on my SGS2 but that has required some hacking to get the performance which matches my Garmin nuvi 1300, and a data connection as well. I do not go to many rural areas.

this nostramap needs a data connection, or?

I would buy that Garmin and not look back...

http://www.thaivisa....phone-gps-apps/

http://www.thaivisa....d-which-better/

Nostra is available for both Android and the iPhone. It looks pretty good.

https://play.google....nostramap&hl=en

I am happy with Google Maps with Navigation (+Earth + Streetview) on my SGS2 but that has required some hacking to get the performance which matches my Garmin nuvi 1300, and a data connection as well. I do not go to many rural areas.

Any navigation software that needs a data connection (GPRS/ EDGE/ 3G) is good for pinpointing. Not for navigation.

Edited November 5, 201213 yr by aidenai

The Garmin 40 for 3,990 THB, including a TSM 2012.30 map, is a low cost on-road GPS. It comes with either a English language or Thai language map installed, but not both (dual), and includes a CD that has both maps and instructions for loading. If in Bangkok go to http://www.gpssociet...wheretobuy.aspx .

Way to go.

http://www.thaivisa....phone-gps-apps/

http://www.thaivisa....d-which-better/

Nostra is available for both Android and the iPhone. It looks pretty good.

https://play.google....nostramap&hl=en

I am happy with Google Maps with Navigation (+Earth + Streetview) on my SGS2 but that has required some hacking to get the performance which matches my Garmin nuvi 1300, and a data connection as well. I do not go to many rural areas.

Any navigation software that needs a data connection (GPRS/ EDGE/ 3G) is good for pinpointing. Not for navigation.

I have been using both my SGS2 and Garmin nuvi, simultaneously here in Thailand - for trips to the U.S. I just use the SGS2 even thought nuvi is originally from the U.S. - and I have found Google Maps with Navigation (turn-by-turn, spoken assist) to be equivalent. When driving at 90 - 100 Kph the Google Nav. blue arrow seems to move accurately judging by my relative position say in a obvious turn in the road. Google Navigation is disabled for Thailand but it can be hacked. Further it has taken me quite a long time to get a good baseband which provides superior GPS performance. I would still lean towards recommending a dedicated GPS for those who are driving a lot, or headed to more remote areas. But for me my SGS2 is equivalent to my nuvi 1300 in 95% of my applications. Note that with Google Maps (again this may require hacking or reverting to an older rev.), one can cache quite a large area of maps for full and complete off-line use, without a data connection.

I think the Nostra map requires a data connection, i.e. it does not have off-line mapping.

or Sygic..http://www.sygic.com/en/ios.. Did the Note not come with free Speednavi navigation software?

How very strange,,, there is a Sygic Thailand map for Android.. $24.99 but only South east asia for IOS $39.99

also if you have time keep a check on the Sygic website for offers.. i got my Thai map for $11.99

all that said .. i would also buy the Garmin.....

Edited November 6, 201213 yr by thaicbr

Nice, I think I will invest in a Garmin. Guess a proper GPS system is always better. Anyway is that the only place that sell the Navi 40? Because I am currently living in Rangsit and getting to that place is quite a pain especially if I take the wrong road and get trap in some heavy traffic.

Nice, I think I will invest in a Garmin. Guess a proper GPS system is always better. Anyway is that the only place that sell the Navi 40? Because I am currently living in Rangsit and getting to that place is quite a pain especially if I take the wrong road and get trap in some heavy traffic.

You can buy a Garmin at most Tesco/Big C stores. You probably will get get the Thai language map version so you'll need a computer/mini-USB cable and follow the CD instructions; OR, you can mail order a Garmin with English language map from Chiang Mai at http://www.eaglegps....g-en/contact-us

Edited November 8, 201213 yr by InterestedObserver

Sorry, mistake!

Edited November 8, 201213 yr by InterestedObserver

I travel by motorcycle through Thailand,Cambodia and Laos. I use google maps on my iphone4 and it works great,even for remote areas. I have been very impressed. Been doing this for 3 years now. There are numerous app's you can get to work with maps such as TomTom,Garmin,Where to?,Thai Navi and others. I actually depend on my iphone4 fo navigation. I was going to buy new iphone5 but found out apple has dropped google maps and that was a deal breaker for me. Apparently apple's new maps is a joke. I you are going to very remote areas and also want to record your routes with waypoints then a Garmin GPS device is the way to go.