Discover the Best Road Trips in Thailand

If your first port of arrival in Thailand is Bangkok, you might feel a little apprehensive about the idea of taking to the highway on a road trip. In the Thai capital, cars are stacked bumper to bumper, motorcycles duel for space with pedestrians, and seemingly anything goes when it comes to road rules. However, breathe easy: Bangkok is not all of Thailand.

Escape the capital, and you’ll notice that traffic conditions calm considerably, although you’ll still need to be cautious of speeding trucks and buses along with the steady throng of motorcyclists. Fortunately, Thailand’s roads are mostly well-maintained, car and motorcycle rental costs are moderate, and there’s so much to see that even a short road trip can feel like an adventure.

1. Mae Sa Valley

Best Road Trip for First-Timers
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles), allow one day

This great taster trip introduces you to village life and the jade-green rainforest landscapes of northern Thailand. After leaving Chiang Mai, the crowds drop away as you get closer to Nam Tok Mae Sa, a natural swimming pool that makes a lovely picnic spot.

Continue to the Queen Sikrit Botanical Gardens, featuring a collection of plantations and walking trails, with a family-friendly natural history museum. Additionally, experience village life at the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where local restaurants serve tasty village food and Thai fruit liqueurs in pavilions overlooking the valley.

2. Phuket to Satun and Back

Best Road Trip for Island Adventures
Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip, one week

This journey starts in Phuket, taking you along the Andaman Coast while avoiding troubled areas. Enjoy seafood in Phuket and follow the coast through Phang-Nga Bay, stopping for boat trips around the unique karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park. Explore Krabi and its stunning rock-climbing cliffs, then enjoy the beaches of Ko Lanta before returning to Phuket.

3. Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Best Road Trip for History
Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles), three to four days

This notable journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is packed with history and showcases Thailand’s spectacular ancient sites. The route includes a visit to Ayuthaya, the ruins of the imperial city that was the capital from 1350 to 1767. Additionally, you’ll encounter stunning temples in Lopburi and the revered Buddha image in Phitsanulok.

4. Mae Hong Son Loop

Best Road Trip for Traveler Vibes
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles), four days

This ambitious loop through the green hills begins on Route 108, offering breathtaking views and serenity. Stop at Doi Inthanon National Park, explore wartime history in Khun Yuam, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere in Mae Hong Son, a great base for trekking to hill tribe villages.

5. Hua Hin to Surat Thani

Best Road Trip for Low-Key Beaches
Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one-way, three to four days

This coastal journey allows you to explore Thailand’s original beach resort. Travel through local beach towns and experience the rich Muslim culture of southern Thailand. Before concluding your trip in Surat Thani, make a stop at the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park.

6. Chiang Rai to Phayao

Best Road Trip for Dramatic Vistas
Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles), three days

Visit the stunning Wat Rong Khun and embark on a journey through scenic emerald hills to admire views from epic locations such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Conclude your journey in scenic Phayao, which will evoke what northern Thailand was like before mass tourism transformed it.

7. An Isaan Loop

Best Off-the-Beaten-Track Road Trip
Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles), one week

Experience Thailand’s Isaan region, known for its unique cuisine, relaxed pace, and lack of crowds, ideal for a slow motorcycle road trip. Explore striking Khmer temple complexes, stunning monasteries, and the unhurried lifestyle that this region offers.

Tips for Driving in Thailand

Thailand officially drives on the left; however, be cautious of locals who often flout this rule, especially on motorcycles. Give way to larger vehicles and stay vigilant of pedestrians. Always drive at a safe speed. Car and motorcycle rentals are widely available, and ensure you have sufficient insurance while keeping your driving license and identification ready for police checks.

This article was first published on October 14, 2022, and updated on October 30, 2023.