Road Trip Around Thailand

[bobbysamuels]

So i'm planning a road trip around Thailand for maybe 2-4 weeks. I only want to drive my car around and not fly at all. I know there are a lot of problems with the south of Thailand, but i was wondering how far south can i go before having to head back North. Also if anyone knows any really cool locations and spots to see in remote locations. I do not want to head to the touristy spots such as patong, phucket etc, and am looking for something that is amazing like beautiful natural scenery, deserted islands and amazing landmarks. i do not want to go someplace that is surrounded by tourists. And also has anyone ever done a road trip like this in Thailand and if so, any tips?

[smokie36]

Buy a map.

[bobbysamuels]

Buy a map.

thanks genius

[BigJohnnyBKK]

I find traveling by car, although more comfortable, to be somewhat isolating, a motorbike would be better IMO for getting off the beaten track and meeting the locals on more equal terms.

In either case be sure to a vehicle with good suspension, if 4W a pickup or SUV rather than a sedan. If you're planning on roughing it, "Thai Rung" makes a modified Isuzu that would make a decent land-yacht, and save you setting up a tent every night, harder to find but better than a regular pickup with a cap on the back. Note you'll usually get invited to stay in "houses" anyway, but accommodating your needs will be a pretty big imposition for them so if you accept be generous sponsoring family parties extra food and drinks etc.

If you don't speak Thai you'll probably want someone who does along, easy enough to pick up along the way but be prepared to swap them out if you discover them scamming you more than a few hundred baht a day.

A good GPS will be worth its weight in gold, especially for marking spots you'll want to re-visit coming through next time, also a camera with time and geolocation stamping is IMO worthwhile. But don't load up with too much stuff, all your valuables should fit in a bag you're happy to have over your shoulder at all times, just clothes and sleeping swag in the main backpack.

Personally I'd spend more time in the Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai and Isaan region rather than the far South.

Island hopping's a different adventure, if you've only got a month this trip maybe save for next time.

[Mrjlh]

I've driven all over Thailand from Krabi to Nong Khai, North South, East West. Fairly easy just allow for the extra time needed for sight seeing. Biggest mistake is not allowing enough time. 2-4 weeks not enough time in my opinion. There's really a lot to see. I hope you are use to the driving abilities of the population here. Have Class 1 insurance?

Be prepared for road hazards! Tow service is available but is really non existent. Expensive too.

Do you live here already? Have a Thai with you? If not take one. Will do wonders negotiating. Have a Thai bank account ATM? Don;t carry a large amount of cash at any time. What type of car do you have? As mentioned a pickup is better because it offers a little more protection. Beware of the GPS that you might be using. Several take you to non existent roads. That can be interesting but also get you in trouble if gas is running low.

By using an on-line- hotel service you can book accommodations one or two days in advance from any internet shop. Beware of a secure connection if transferring money. Many highway lodgings not listed so that why it is advisable to have Thai with you unless you are fluent in Thai and can read too.

Lots of place along the coast areas of the peninsula both sides.

As suggested get a map a study it. Make a general plan first you can always deviate later.

Good luck on your trip.

[SiameseCurios]

Buy a map.

thanks genius

Yes, I agree. I was going to reply and then I saw the rather pathetic comment you have quoted.

What a sorry individual that man is. I wonder if his other 17000 or so other posts were as worthless as this one.

Tomorrow (time allowing) I will get back to you. Your trip sounds fascinating and I wish you well.

[smokie36]

Buy a map.

thanks genius

Yes, I agree. I was going to reply and then I saw the rather pathetic comment you have quoted.

What a sorry individual that man is. I wonder if his other 17000 or so other posts were as worthless as this one.

Tomorrow (time allowing) I will get back to you. Your trip sounds fascinating and I wish you well.

<sigh>

Perhaps I should just have said "Bump".

[Chittychangchang]

Buy a map.

and a pin, stick it in six times blindfolded and hey presto one cool road trip, enjoy.

[merck]

Buy a map.

thanks genius

Yes, I agree. I was going to reply and then I saw the rather pathetic comment you have quoted.

What a sorry individual that man is. I wonder if his other 17000 or so other posts were as worthless as this one.

Tomorrow (time allowing) I will get back to you. Your trip sounds fascinating and I wish you well.

lol

[bermondburi]

Try going to Ranong the start of the Anadaman and a very nice area then go down to Krabi Phangna and work your way down to Trang . Plenty of nice places to stop.

Cross over to Nakhon Si Thammarat and then work your way up on the gulf side. Chumporn. Bang Saphan Noi and Prechuap.

I'm jealous. In Saudi right now. I would love to be on a trip around Southern Thailand.

Sent from my GT-P1000T using Thaivisa Connect App

[ALFREDO]

-Avoid Southern part of Songkhla province, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.-

http://en.wikipedia....land_insurgency

Nice, Satun-visit possible to Langkawi Island Malaysia, Turatao-Island National Park near Trang, Koh Lanta, Krabi-Raleigh Beach, Road from Phuket-Kao Lak-Ranong-Hot springs, On to Chumphon.

Beaches South-East of Surat Thani,

Kanchanaburi-Three Pagodas Pass, Road from Chiang Mai-Pai-Mae Hong Son, maybe on South as far as it goes, directions to Kanchanaburi province, should be nice countryside, quiet, but have to drive back same way I think-no connection to Kanchanaburi, at least not official roads., never tried, but want to.

Chiang Rai and surroundings, Mountains-Doi Thung-Doi Inthanon.

Isaan, North East-mostly boring driving, flat lands.

[theslime]

Be careful at night, the Cane Trucks are very hard to spot ,as the cane overhanging the back end covers the tail lights. On the main highways also at night heading to Bkk the traffic will try and push your speed up by tailgating. Cars and bikes will blindly pull out in front of you. If I had only a month I think the Chiang Mai area has plenty to see/do.

[mogandave]

I think a guy wanting to visit deserted islands would do well to have a map.

I think Koh Chang is good for a couple days and then head up to Chaing Mai/Rai with stops along the way.

[HeavyDrinker]

deserted islands and amazing landmarks. i do not want to go someplace that is surrounded by tourists

Always a nice idea on paper but the truth is usually that most beauty spots are local attractions for the Thai populace and they tend to flock to them especially at weekends. During the week you may be luckier but in my experience you may find it over-run with hordes of bloody school kids.

Also are you hell bent on driving?

I've read elsewhere that you are fairly inexperienced with Thailand therefore driving off the beaten track is fraught with potential dangers. God forbid should you have an accident or a breakdown in the middle of nowhere help could be a long time coming.

If I were you I'd either take a Thai pal to do the driving or at least to school you on the "rules of the road" or maybe even hire a driver - it won't break the bank.

As for where to go, I suppose that depends on what floats your boat but I have always enjoyed road trips around the Northeast especially along the Mekong from Nong Khai through to Ubon.

In the south, Prachuap, Chumpon through to Ranong via Kraburi is a nice little route.

From Ranong the coastal scenery down to Thai Mueang via Takua Pa is stunning. From there the route east across the peninsular to NST also takes you through some amazing scenery.