Summary
If your primary entry point to Thailand is Bangkok, you may experience some trepidation regarding embarking on a highway road trip. In the Thai capital, vehicles are often congested, and motorcycles contend for space alongside pedestrians, leading to an apparent chaotic environment concerning traffic regulations. However, there is no need for concern: Bangkok represents only a fraction of what Thailand offers.
Once you depart the capital, the traffic conditions diminish significantly, although vigilance is still required for speeding trucks and buses, as well as the continual flow of motorcyclists. Fortunately, Thailand’s roadways are predominantly well-maintained, vehicle and motorcycle rental fees are reasonable, and the abundance of attractions ensures that even a brief road trip is infused with a sense of adventure.
The most effective approach to road tripping in Thailand is to begin outside of Bangkok, securing a vehicle in one of Thailand’s smaller towns. As you venture further from the tourist circuit, the roads become less crowded and the towns and villages offer unique discoveries along the way. For inspiration, here are our top road trips in Thailand.
1. Mae Sa Valley
Optimal road trip for beginners
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles), allow one day
This introductory trip allows you to acclimatize to driving or riding in Thailand. The loop through the forested mountains north of Chiang Mai will immerse you in local village life and the verdant rainforest scenery characteristic of northern Thailand. As you leave Chiang Mai, the crowds diminish as you approach Nam Tok Mae Sa, a picturesque natural swimming pool ideal for picnics.
Proceed to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, which feature an array of plantations, walking trails, and greenhouses, alongside a family-oriented natural history museum. This area is also historically significant as it was once used to cultivate opium poppies before hill tribe farmers transitioned to fruit and flower cultivation, guided by the Thai royal family.
Experience local culture with a brief diversion north to the Hmong community of Nong Hoi, where village restaurants at Mon Cham offer delicious local cuisine and Thai fruit liqueurs in scenic pavilions overlooking the valley. The return route to Chiang Mai on the 1269 passes through Samoeng village and a number of breathtaking lookout points ideal for photographs, before concluding back in the Northern Thai capital.
Planning tip: To maximize the enjoyment of this day-long road trip, start early. Consider grabbing a portable breakfast from the Talat Thanin food market prior to departure.
2. Phuket to Satun and back
Optimal road trip for island exploration
Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip, one week
Due to political instability in Thailand’s southern regions, the Andaman Coast is best navigated as a return road trip originating from Phuket, thereby avoiding the troubled eastern shoreline. With countless picturesque islands offshore, it’s advisable to schedule regular stops to experience overnight stays on these tropical havens.
Starting your journey with a seafood feast in Phuket, follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, and include a boat excursion around the extraordinary karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park. Continue your journey south towards Krabi and the iconic rock-climbing cliffs near Railay, renowned as one of the world’s foremost adventure sports destinations.
Allow the coast to guide you southward to Ko Lanta for an extended period on the beaches, then return to the mainland to reach Trang, a gateway to its own collection of stunning karst islands. The concluding segment south traverses towns that exhibit a character reminiscent of Malaysia. Upon reaching Satun, dedicate a couple of days to snorkeling and hiking in the pristine islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before retracing your route back to Phuket.
Planning tip: The seas along the Andaman Coast can become quite tumultuous between May and October, during which many ferry routes and some national parks may close for the season, making this time less desirable for travel.
3. Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Optimal road trip for historical exploration
Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles), three to four days
If you have the audacity to embark from Bangkok, the journey from the capital to Chiang Mai is rich in history and features some of Thailand’s most magnificent ancient sites. The most challenging aspect is the initial escape from Bangkok’s overwhelming traffic on route 347. Fortunately, it is merely a 90-minute drive to Ayuthaya, the first destination along the path.
Investigate the remains of the imperial city that served as Siam’s capital from 1350 to 1767, then continue northbound on route 32, taking a detour eastward to visit Lopburi’s monkey-populated Prang Sam Yot temple. Once back on the highway, it’s a considerable drive to Phitsanulok, where you may honor one of Thailand’s most esteemed Buddha figures at Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat.
Your next stop will be the stunning Sukhothai, which features ruined stupas and temples that were once the center of a powerful Thai dynasty from the 13th to the 14th century. Break up the northern journey with a homestay in Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight stay in the trendy Lampang, characterized by vibrant cafes frequented by local influencers. Lamphun also presents a worthy stop on your way to Chiang Mai, where you can indulge in the local night markets for an enjoyable meal.
Detour: Should you wish to include a contemporary historical element to your travels, consider a diversion to Kanchanaburi between Bangkok and Ayuthaya. Infamous for the Burma-Siam Railway, this town alongside the Mae Nam Khwae Yai River is now a center for historical exploration and day trips to the stunning waterfalls of Erawan National Park.
4. Mae Hong Son Loop
Optimal road trip for traveler vibes
Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles), four days
This more extensive road trip from Chiang Mai navigates through the lush hills towards the southwest, following Route 108 and Route 1095 through the bustling travel town of Mae Hong Son. This winding circuit is celebrated for its 1864 turns, and the Chamber of Commerce in Mae Hong Son awards souvenir certificates to drivers who successfully complete the journey. Along the route, travelers can explore some of the most engaging towns in northwest Thailand.
Departing Chiang Mai on Route 108, your initial stop is Doi Inthanon National Park, a verdant mountain area where temperatures can drop below freezing. It is advisable to spend a day or two in Mae Sariang, a peaceful riverside community that serves as a great base for hiking and nature-centric activities in the hills.
Another stop can be planned at Khun Yuam to explore wartime history before arriving in Mae Hong Son, which is one of northern Thailand’s prime locations for monastery visits and treks to hill tribe communities. During the return journey to Chiang Mai on Route 1095, consider pausing at the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the picturesque “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung, and the vibrant travel hub of Pai, where activities range from trekking to yoga classes and culinary schools.
Planning tip: Prepare for cooler temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park; cool fog can envelop the summit throughout the year, so it’s wise to bring a warm layer.
5. Hua Hin to Surat Thani
Optimal road trip for relaxed beaches
Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one-way, three to four days
Southern Thailand’s elongated profile may not lend itself well to looped road trips, yet many attractions await discovery along the coastal trail. Commence in Hua Hin, Thailand’s original beach resort, where one-way vehicle rentals can be arranged through Thai Rent a Car. Proceed southward through understated beach towns that cater more to locals, including Prachaup Khiri Khan, Ban Krut, and Bang Saphan Yai, concluding your journey at Chumphon, where the distinct Muslim culture of southern Thailand becomes evident. Before reaching Surat Thani, make an inland excursion to Khao Sok National Park, a primordial rainforest, over 160 million years old, that shelters bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants, tigers, a multitude of bird species, and the gigantic Rafflesia kerrii – the largest flower in the world. Your adventure can extend beyond Surat Thani, as the town serves as a launching point for the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan, and Ko Tao, where you can unwind, socialize, and partake in some of the least expensive scuba diving anywhere.
6. Chiang Rai to Phayao
Optimal road trip for stunning views
Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles), three days
Chiang Rai stands as northern Thailand’s second major city, teeming with temples and cultural landmarks akin to Chiang Mai, yet with a less pronounced backpacker atmosphere. A visit to the “white wat,” Wat Rong Khun, is almost obligatory, primarily to appreciate its eclectic pop culture murals, which depict diverse themes including the 9/11 attacks and Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.
To access the Lao border town of Chiang Khong, navigate back roads through a region historically recognized as the epicenter of opium cultivation known as the Golden Triangle. Allow time to explore villages nestled along forest-clad ridges, then consider spending a day or two in Chiang Khong to experience the Lao influences permeating from Huay Xai across the Mekong River.
Head south via the 1020, and follow routes 1093 and 1155 through breathtaking emerald hills to outstanding viewpoints, such as Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Take a moment to appreciate the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before continuing to conclude your trip in lush Phayao, an overlooked northern Thai town characterized by charming wooden houses, wetland scenery, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Northern Thailand prior to the influx of mass tourism.
Planning tip: This route traverses many secondary roads; while most intersections are marked, do not hesitate to inquire at roadside cafes or fuel stations for guidance.
7. An Isaan loop
Optimal off-the-beaten-path road trip
Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles), one week
Travelers often express admiration for Thailand’s Isaan region – the area extending northeast from Bangkok toward the Lao and Cambodian borders. In this relatively calm corner of the nation, the culinary offerings are exceptional, the tempo of life is leisurely, and the crowds are infrequent; rendering it an ideal locale for a relaxed road trip via motorcycle. To circumvent congested traffic from Bangkok, consider taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and procuring your vehicle there.
Commence your journey by heading eastward through Phanom Rung Historical Park, a stunning Khmer temple complex located atop an extinct volcano. Following the Cambodian border eastward will lead you to Ubon Ratchathani, a lesser-known town adorned with beautiful monasteries and situated alongside the Mae Nam Mun River. Proceed through Yasothon (notable for its mid-May rocket festival) and the lakeside town of Roi Et to reach Prasat Puay Noi, a remarkable Khmer Hindu temple complex dating back to the 12th century. Maintain the Khmer theme at Phimai, an impressive temple ruin integrating Hindu and Buddhist elements, before concluding your loop back in Nakhon Ratchasima and indulging in the exquisite Isaan cuisine at RN Yard.
Planning tip: A key aspect of exploring Isaan is experiencing its food. Some must-taste dishes include laab (a zesty minced meat salad with lime, mint, chili, and toasted rice), som tam (a pounded salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts, and shrimp), and sai grok isan (a sour, smoky, fermented pork sausage).
Tips for driving in Thailand
Driving in Thailand occurs on the left-hand side of the road; however, be cautious of local drivers who may ignore traffic regulations, particularly motorcycles that frequently travel against the flow on the hard shoulder. It is essential to yield to larger vehicles such as buses and trucks, and always remain alert for pedestrian activities. Maintaining a slower driving pace is advisable. You can rent cars, motorcycles, and scooters using a valid driving license; be sure to obtain comprehensive insurance coverage and keep your license and passport (or copies of the identity pages) accessible for police checkpoints.
This article was initially published on October 14, 2022, and subsequently updated on October 30, 2023.
