Driving south to Surathani, is there any REAL highway like the one to Pattaya ? Anything else to care ?

[AsianExport]

Hello,

 

The only real highway I know in Thailand is the one to Pattaya, almost safe !

I wonder how many good road like this one I will find on the way to Surathani from BKK ?

Any cops / dangerous road / anything else to care about ?

 

Thank you.

[ubonjoe]

Moved to the Thailand travel forum.

[seajae]

the road to Surat Thani isnt too bad, there are some rough sections and lots of idiot drivers(especially the trucks etc), dual lane all the way with some fairly good sections every so often but also lots of road works being done as well. From Bangkok its around 8 hours comfortable driving, a lot will depend on the time you do it too. Not a lot of cops and there are the usual police barriers/single lane things in a few towns on the way, plenty of places to pull over and eat, apart from the road works I find the highway between Chumpon and ST to be in the worst condition.

[KhunBENQ]

Highway to Pattaya: I guess you refer to motorway #7 (soon a toll road the whole way).

The Bangkokians will protest about your statement " The only real highway I know in Thailand is the one to Pattaya"

Have you driven outer ring road (#9) and the other tollways in the area?

 

Motorway/highway:

English is not my native language, but I assume that every major road (4 lane, single and double digit nr.) would be called "highway".

The big difference at motorways: no scooters, bicycles, tractors, water buffaloes .

No lights or crossroads.

The path is completely enclosed by fences/walls.

Motorway comes closest to a German autobahn.

 

Referring to the above post, to ST is definitely not the same level as motorway #7. it is just another 4 lane divided(?) highway.

"Traffic as usual".

Edited September 12, 2016 by KhunBENQ

[Roota]

The main road south, Route 4, is a fast four lanes all the way, or was until a few months ago. Right now there are large sections being regraded and rebuilt, so for about every 10km out of 20km you'll be stuck behind a long line of trucks etc. on the two-way two-lane sections. It's not a good time to drive south. On the other hand the repairs were much needed and the finished sections are very nice. 

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

They are busy rebuilding part of the road in Prachuapkhirikan and you may experience detours. No it is not a highway all the way, but it is safe if you dont drive like an idiot (farang and Thai because they drive the same way). You have a highway (2, 3 or 4 lanes) up to Petchaburi when it narrows to a 2 lane (on both sides of the road) to you destination. If you rush it you will miss most of the scenary but thats your choice. If you do a relaxed trip you can stay over for two nights in HH and a night in Bangkrut. Enjoy the trip and take it slow.

[nofarang]

I just drove to Surat recently. The amount of road work sites is innumerable. Worst sections in Prachuab province. As the traffic is very often an extensive one lane traffic, where you are stuck behind slow moving trucks, it takes a lot of time away. Last time it took me 7 hours from Hua Hin to Surat which is only 450 km.  From Chumpon to Surat the highway is very pleasant, well build, no potholes, no surface damages. But some major intersections with red lights. It is at present by no means an enjoyable ride.

[Davehappen]

As in post 4, was down in Had Yai last week, long stretches of road works. Mid week better than Friday to Monday. Kick back and enjoy the trip.

Edited September 12, 2016 by Davehappen

[Kron]

From Surathani to Chumphon Highway 41 (Asia Highway 2) is a fairly good duel carriageway free of roadworks and does not have any fixed Police checkpoints.

From Chumphon to Pran Bury Highway 4 (Asia Highway 2) is full of roadworks as mentioned above. Traveled it this weekend and took an extra hour. 2 Police checkpoints both south and north.

From Pran Bury to Bangkok Highway 4 (Asia Highway 2) is a fairly good new duel carriageway and in some places goes up to 4 lanes. This road can be busy on Sundays with people returning to Bangkok. No Police checkpoints but did see camera's on some bridges, not sure what there function was.

 

Note. Best to turn onto Highway 35 after Phetchburi as there are a lot of traffic lights on Highway 4 after Nakhom Pathom.

[phuketrichard]

17 hours ago, Roota said:

The main road south, Route 4, is a fast four lanes all the way, or was until a few months ago. Right now there are large sections being regraded and rebuilt, so for about every 10km out of 20km you'll be stuck behind a long line of trucks etc. on the two-way two-lane sections. It's not a good time to drive south. On the other hand the repairs were much needed and the finished sections are very nice. 

Just drove it last month,

for over 100kms north and south of Prachup Khiri Khan there doing road works, ( and been it seems for years)

I drove Cha-Am- Phuket, took about 9 1/2hours

if ur doing Bangkok- ST expect at least 9 hours. DONT go on weekends or holiday times