Driving from Hua Hin to Phuket

[GiantFan]

Leaving this to the last minute, sorry. Driving down tomorrow morning and Google maps shows Highway 44 as an option. A little further down Rt. 41, but seem to recall prior posts mentioning straighter and newer road with fewer obstacles (man made or otherwise) than Rt. 401 / 415. Advise please.

[LivinginKata]

Yes, 44 is arrow straight, but it's more kilos than the other route. I take the 44 myself.

Not the 41. 415 is maybe a quicker option, but mostly twisty country road.

[GiantFan]

I think I will as well LIK. 800 k's from Amnat yesterday was an eye opener. U turn nightmare. Blood pressure and eyes wide open as well as reducing speed at every instance to avoid t-boning some F with. I don't mind a few more k's. I think I took this road when I drove north a few years ago, but can't quite recall. Gracias.

[Shot]

44 for sure. I take it to and from NST city and save at least half hour, although more kilometer. Also, much safer, with two lanes each direction separated by a large median. You can safely do up to ???

[GiantFan]

44 for sure. I take it to and from NST city and save at least half hour, although more kilometer. Also, much safer, with two lanes each direction separated by a large median. You can safely do up to ???

Thanks. 2004 Nissan Wingroad. Doubt it goes over 120 downhill. 555

But happy with 2 lanes and no U turners. An hour or so of relative peace before hitting HKT traffic.

[Crazy chef 1]

Forget those bloody street numbers they are just confusing...

Hua Hin- prachuap- chumphon- Surat Thani- appr 5 km after Stuart Thani turn right towards to phangna- than straight to phuket...

8 h should be ok...safe drive

[JetsetBkk]

Forget those bloody street numbers they are just confusing...

Hua Hin- prachuap- chumphon- Surat Thani- appr 5 km after Stuart Thani turn right towards to phangna- than straight to phuket...

8 h should be ok...safe drive

Watch out for the "You stay in right lane too long - 200 baht" BiB scammers around Chumphon.

And, of course, the nutters start after Sarasin bridge.

[hkt83100]

Yes, 44 is arrow straight, but it's more kilos than the other route. I take the 44 myself.

Not the 41. 415 is maybe a quicker option, but mostly twisty country road.

And much nicer views on the way... (41,415)

[GiantFan]

Hwy 44 about 15 minutes after the usual turnoff in Surat. Pleasant drive that reminded me of the North South hwy from Singapore to Malaysia. Driving through Palm/rubber plantations. You are actually only on it for around half an hour, then a few local roads before getting back on 415. Google satnav very helpful.

With a few short stops for petrol and a stretch, 9 hrs to Patong. Coast road from Surin, Kamala, Patong not too crowded. Even Barami was flowing up to the hill. Got in at 4:30, which probably helped.