I have to drive from Bangkok to Phichit tomorrow. I’ve never driven up that way, and was wonders how the road conditions are. As context, I consider the roads between BKK to Rayong to be quite good, while the roads between BKK and Cha-am to be not so good, (too many canal bridges).

Thanks.

I have to drive from Bangkok to Phichit tomorrow. I’ve never driven up that way, and was wonders how the road conditions are. As context, I consider the roads between BKK to Rayong to be quite good, while the roads between BKK and Cha-am to be not so good, (too many canal bridges).

Thanks.

Hi

I do the trip from Pattaya to Phichit reasonably regularly so I can give you my impressions.

I pick up Route 32 at Bang Pa-In, having come from Route 9. Route 32 is dualled, at least as far as In Buri, where I leave it to pick up Route 11. Route 32 is very, very busy until you get north of Ayuddhya, then is just merely very busy. Lots of heavy trucks.

Depending on just where you need to get to, you might stay on 32, north of In Buri, or you might want to cut off onto Route 11, via Tak Fa. Route 11 is a single carriageway road and always seems to be very quiet - not many trucks, in fact not many anything, including gas stations. Until fairly recently the state of the surface on 11 was absolutely appalling - just a network of deep holes strung together with crumbling concrete and the odd bit of tarmac.

Over the last year, a lot of work has been done and the road has been completely re-made over several long stretches. Still get the odd bad patch for a few miles but mostly OK now. Always seems worse travelling South for some reason.

Usually takes me about 5 1/2 hours from Pattaya, with a couple of comfort breaks, so you are probably looking at 3 1/2 ish from BKK. Mind you, it is Songkran now so might take a bit longer.

Drive carefully and watch out for the occasional overtaking cement lorry coming towards you on your side of the road, flashing it's lights. This is a feature of Route 11 - beware, when you dive for cover onto the shoulder, it will either be full of holes or stalls selling fruit and veg.

Cheers

DM