Riding a motorcycle from Pattaya to Surat Thani.

[buck99]

I'm thinking of riding my 300cc motor cycle from Pattaya to Surat Thani (Koh Samui). Has anyone made this trip? I see the VIP bus takes about 12 hours from BKK to Surat Thani, so that gives me a rough idea of the time required. I think I would allow 3 days each way. How are the roads? Traffic? Anything I should know in advance? Thank you!

[Upnotover]

I know an English couple in Pattaya who make the trip (even further South I think) regularly on a 125cc scooter/sidecar. They take 4 or 5 days each way. I guess the roads must be fine if they can do it on that!

[ll2]

roads going down south are fine, ride from that route a couple of times.

If you leave Pattaya around 06:00, you do not get stuck in Bangkok traffic and can reach Surat Thani within 12 hours.

i remember i made Bangkok to Chumporn around 5,5 hours and Krabi to Bangkok around 13 hours - with a flat tire at Prachuap - with cbr250.

Easy! especially if your 300 cc bike is a Forza.

Edited August 14, 2013 by ll2

[BSJ]

Off the main roads keep an eye out for big potholes.....and on the main roads as well.....and suicidal bus drivers, truck driver, car drivers, pick-up drivers, other motorcycles, cattle that maybe wandering, pedestrians and police looking for tea money....did I leave anyone out?

PS: People on three wheelers.

Edited August 14, 2013 by BSJ

[ll2]

yeah, take the fast lane only, do not take side roads due to teh metal debris that might screw your tires.

[PoorSucker]

Last ferry leaves 19.00 from Donsak.

[moe666]

The 4 highway isn't to bad except for the traffic try to go on a non holiday, use the PTT stations as they have the Amazon Coffee shop to relax at

[guzzi850m2]

Off the main roads keep an eye out for big potholes.....and on the main roads as well.....and suicidal bus drivers, truck driver, car drivers, pick-up drivers, other motorcycles, cattle that maybe wandering, pedestrians and police looking for tea money....did I leave anyone out?

PS: People on three wheelers.

Yes, don't forget a rain coat.

[H1w4yR1da]

I've done the trip a few times. I'd recommend doing it over 2 days. Surat Thani - Hua Hin - Pattaya. Hua Hin's a nice stopover.

It's plain-sailing until you reach the end of Rama 2. Then turn right along Suksawat Rd and left over the Bhumipol Bridge taking the Pu Chao Saming Phrai exit.

At the end of the bridge, turn right up Pu Chao Saming Rd and go straight on to the end where it joins Sukhumvit Rd. Turn left and this will take you to Bang Na.

Turn right onto the Bang Na-Trat highway and then straight to Pattaya. You may have to go through Chonburi and Sri Racha as the Chonburi-Bypass Rd apparently now has toll-booths. And be prepared for some roadworks on the Bang Na-Trat highway in the vicinity of Bangkok.

[dogpoo]

I'm thinking of riding my 300cc motor cycle from Pattaya to Surat Thani (Koh Samui). Has anyone made this trip? I see the VIP bus takes about 12 hours from BKK to Surat Thani, so that gives me a rough idea of the time required. I think I would allow 3 days each way. How are the roads? Traffic? Anything I should know in advance? Thank you!

I have driven from Surat Thani to Cha am many times but only in a car, I intend making this trip on my new Honda Forza, the main Bangkok road from Surat Thani is riddled with bad farm like stretches with the occasional big hole, traffic is light and you will have no problems as long as you keep out of the way of I'm in a big <deleted> hurry get out of my way because I want to get 100 yes further up the road quicker idiots!! I am thinking it will be a much better drive on a motorbike, always be aware what is behind you and move out of the way of those idiot big bus drivers, I do the trip from Phuket in 8 hours, I intend doing the same on the bike!