As so many ask about driving to and fro, here is a report.

Left April 11th. at 4:30 a.m., arrived at 4:20 pm.

Went north to Ranong, passed it and followed the highway to Chumpon. From Ranong to Chumpon, the roads are great in some areas. A lot of construction for the 4 lane highways. But for the most part, a nice drive and you pass the famous sarapao village (OTOP thingy).

From Chumpon to BKK was pretty much a straight shot. The holiday traffic coming from the north was pretty bad. Some areas tail to tail. Not so much due to everyone leaving, but the usual police-controlled traffic lights at the small towns simply made it worse. Nice drive, bypassed Hua Hin. Arrived at BKK at around 3:30ish and got lost, as expected. The gps I use (Sygic) got an exit wrong and that took a while to correct.

Coming back, April 14th.

Left at 4 a.m., arrived at Ranong 11ish. Lots of rain from Ranong southwards. Arrived in Phuket at 3:30. The construction areas had lots of mud. 2 bridges are being built so the detour to the sides of it was tough, but they put stones in the mud so that helped with traction. Not much traffic coming back and would have made it in 10 hours or so, but the rain slowed us down considerably.

With regards to driving in BKK. You need Prozac, Valium and lots of hope. I got tailgated, while in the slow lane at 100 kmh. Those guys are nuts! They will not let you change lanes. For those who have never driven in BKK, like myself, gps is a lifesaver. You really need to know how to get on highways and from which direction, etc.

Sad news, however.

My favorite pub was no more. The Bull's Head in soi 33/1 Suk. Some other joint now. Wife was begging for bangers and mash. Went into the Dubliner. Horrible b&m at 360 baht a plate.

My favorite hunting joint, Pantip. Tears rolling down my eyes. It is now some god-forsake clothing mall with tiny shops. Air conditioned, but wife put a huge dent in my wallet. Stupid me.

Tried the new mega mall, Param 9 mall, across from Fortune. Super place, huge, good food. But Fortune, for me, is the place to go for computer parts, since Pantip went away.

Son enjoyed the BTS and MRT, and the trip was really for him for his 9th. b'day.

For big clothes, 6th. floor at MBK. 2 shops have them..polo shirts and shirts for 350 baht. Can't beat that price. Cheap as chips.

---- end of telegram---

Well done for doing all that driving. Not something I would try.Was in Hua Hin and did think about driving down to Phuket and back but didn't fancy doing that much driving.Have driven in Bangkok a few times and as you say unless you really know it well have to have gps.

Good report. Years ago we would take the car to BKK. But since the start of cheap air fares, no way I would drive. No need for a car in BKK, as you say driving (and parking) is a nightmare.

Going by way of Surat Thani instead of Ranong is quicker.

Did the reverse couple years back. 5 people in the car was more practical than flying, mainly for getting around in Phuket.

Drive was about 12 hours, coming from northeastern side of Bangkok and including 3 or 4 lengthy breaks. Key is really to start early and pass into prachup at dawn.

Going by way of Surat Thani instead of Ranong is quicker.

Agreed. The first few time up north we took the Ranong way cos that was the only way my wife knew. After a look at the map I thought Surat Thani would be quicker, and it is. But I have yet to decide whether the faster longer 44 is quicker than the narrow slower 415 to Surat. We still travel north to my wife family near Cha-am at least once a year, need the car for the rural area. I had been using the 44 for a while, but one day we overtook an SUV that we knew. I took the 44 and was surprised to see that SUV partked at the Co-op near Surat that we usually make a food pit stop. Asked them which way he came - all 415. So now I always use that route.

Going by way of Surat Thani instead of Ranong is quicker.

So now I always use that route.

Especially since the 415 is getting better and better every time I pass by. My last trip was about a month ago from Phuket to Chantaburi, up to Nong Khai and back by scooter. Great trip of about 4000 km in 16 days. I would do it again any time, except for rainy season Read about the trip at http://hondapcx.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4103

Going by way of Surat Thani instead of Ranong is quicker.

Took that route on Apr 1st, and was surprised how good the road was.

Drove from Patong to Samut Songkram in 10 hours, stayed overnight, then on to Phayao for another 11 hours.

Traffic was rather light (even in Bangkok), but this was before most people were on the road for Songkran.

I thought Ranong was quicker by looking at the maps. I have been blackmailed with love for next year. So will give Surat a try then.

Pantip closed? I've been heading there every trip since I started coming to Thailand that's a shame. The only reason for me to head to that area really and I enjoyed the adrenaline rush from taking a motorcycle taxi from chit lom bts every time. I do like central pharam9 not so keen on fortune town. Soi 33 is a short trip from where I live. Tenderloins is the place to go good bruchetta and Thai French tenderloin or reef and beef on soi 33. Apparently a few places have closed down that soi, hopefully my favourite karaoke joint is still going and hopefully lips will re open. I'm in Phuket now sounds like a good trip but I prefer to fly.

BKK driving is not so bad after you drive here for a while becomes second nature , just need to know what street access to avoid at certain times, My girl worked emergency OR with different hospitals all through BKK so i was designated driver . I love how the 3 lanes become 5 . works for me. I dont see how anyone can get lost in bkk driving its one of the easiest cities to get around in , just dont hit anyone. Dont use the GPS then you will be lost..

415 is about 20 minutes faster than 44.

415 is about 20 minutes faster than 44.

I think that's about correct. BUT - depends on how many slower moving vehicles have to be overtaken, and it's not an easy road to overtake. And dangerous to overtake or have a crazy person come towards you on the wrong side of the road. I suppose that's a plus on the dual carriage 44 all the way.

415 is about 20 minutes faster than 44.

I think that's about correct. BUT - depends on how many slower moving vehicles have to be overtaken, and it's not an easy road to overtake. And dangerous to overtake or have a crazy person come towards you on the wrong side of the road. I suppose that's a plus on the dual carriage 44 all the way.

415 is nearly everywhere dual carriage these days. Much busier though than 44.

415 is nearly everywhere dual carriage these days. Much busier though than 44.

Yes, but not when you exit left at the traffic lights. For sure the dual carriageway is extending south from Surat Thani, but I see no progess on the 2 way road from the south.

Going by way of Surat Thani instead of Ranong is quicker.

Better roads too.

415 is about 20 minutes faster than 44.

I think that's about correct. BUT - depends on how many slower moving vehicles have to be overtaken, and it's not an easy road to overtake. And dangerous to overtake or have a crazy person come towards you on the wrong side of the road. I suppose that's a plus on the dual carriage 44 all the way.

I drive from Chumphon to Phuket every month and have tried all routes.The Ranong route is the worst and can take up to 6 hours if you hit a lot of traffic.

I prefer the 415 as it is quicker but it all depends on the time of day I am usually on early morning and somedays have a clear run

.From Chumphon to Sarasin bridge usually takes me about 31/12 to 4hours

Avoid Friday if you can .Always seems to be busier on a Friday

Took me about a month to get used to BKK traffic.Trick is the usual, turn your brains off and drive extremely aggressively. Weaklings will be crushed.

I have driven around Thailand about 8 times since moving here, from tip to toe and never get tired of it, although in the beginning I would drive, lets say, from Pattaya to Chiang Mai with just short food breaks (pick-nicks in the Salahs), now I will stop overnight about half way. I discovered that getting to my destination was more important to me that actually enjoying the journey so I had to discipline myself into taking it slower.

Got my first GPS about 7 years ago......must be the greatest invention ever, makes the journeys so much easier and less arguments with "she who must be obeyed" for giving me wrong directions.