While driving from Bangkok to Phuket, the tourist will come across 12 Thai provinces, meaning, a road trip will let you explore much more of Thailand than other means. The number of days suggested for this road trip vary according to the needs of the traveller, the amount of time he has and what he wants to see. As per the distance, one-way road trip can be done in a single day. On the contrary, if the person is looking for an elongated time in Thailand, covering all the attractions on the way, the trip can also be extended to 5 days or so.
Day 1 : Bangkok – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Hua Hin – Prachuap Khiri Khan – Chumphon
Day 2 : Surat Thani – Koh Yao Noi – Phuket
- Make sure that you choose a comfortable and well-maintained car for this road trip.
- Another option is to drive along the coast, we have suggested the fastest route to you but you can go for an altered one that includes all that you wish to cover.
- Krabi is just a 2 hours 45 minutes drive away from Phuket, interested travellers can visit this relaxed location as well.
Driving from Bangkok to Phuket
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Pickup Location |
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Drop-off Location |
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Distance |
844 km |
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Total driving hours |
12 hours 13 minutes |
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Recommended route |
via route 4 |
Starting from Bangkok
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As soon as you arrive in Bangkok, you can pick up a pre-booked car from Suvarnabhumi Airport to start off with the Thai road trip.
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Driving in Bangkok can be a task but once you cross the boundary of the main city, things will get better.
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Before moving out of Bangkok, you may cover all the preferred attractions of the city including the golden temples as well as the palaces along with lip-smacking street food.
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Just one and a half hours away from Bangkok is the most iconic floating market of Thailand, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
What to do on the way?
Long walks and camping at Kaeng Krachan National Park, exploring the marine Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park (Kui Buri district, Prachuap Khiri Khan), its white-sand beaches as well as the well known Phraya Nakhon Cave. Take delight in the mesmerizing views of the gorgeous Prachuap Bay at Prachuap Khiri Khan, try Thai seafood and enjoy the pleasurable views from the curved Ao Manao Bay beach. If you are travelling with children then do not miss the well-maintained Waghor Aquarium where you can get to see many aquatic species.
Pay a visit to the Buddhist temples of Wat Ang Thong and Wat Rakdi Khiriwan (Chaikasem, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan). Enjoy the silence at the Buddhist temple of Wat Dong Mai Ngam in Ron Thong, Bang Saphan District, Prachuap Khiri Khan.
You can go for boat tours in the blue waters of Thailand or enjoy the natural views from the large must-visit exotic Ao Phang-nga National Park featuring mangrove forests, the James Bond Island (seen in The Man with the Golden Gun), kayaking, shopping and fresh coconut water. Get lost in the wild beauty of Tai Rom Yen National Park, deep into the woods or get a glimpse of old rainforests, limestone cliffs, waterfalls and rare species of plants and animals at the extensive Khao Sok National Park. You can even visit the island of Ko Pha Ngan via a ferry if you have an ample amount of time.
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The route comprises of many places to visit, restaurants, resorts and more.
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The tourists will not be devoid of anything on the way as there would also be ATMs, hospitals, shopping centers, temples, car parks, gas stations, etc.
Arriving in Phuket
After reaching Phuket, you will realise that Bangkok and Phuket are dissimilar locations. Bangkok is a metro city with many Buddhist temples which are worth paying visits to, yummy street food as well as lots of shopping.
Whereas Phuket is the destination known for aesthetic Thai beaches or a gateway to other stunning islands such as the Phi Phi Islands. Phuket also boasts of an attractive nightlife, relaxing resorts, adventure sports and much more.
After enjoying the road trip, you can drop off the car rental at Phuket International Airport to fly back home.
Driving from Bangkok to Phuket offers a multitude of attractions, things to do and places to visit.
Important things to note regarding Bangkok and Phuket
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Avoid the rainy season as the rain will flood away all your plans especially in Phuket.
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Looking for shopping and Thai food? Do it before reaching Phuket because Phuket might disappoint you in terms of shopping and authentic Thai food with its globally influenced cuisine.
