“All he needed was a wheel in his hand and four on the road.”
-Jack Kerouac, an American novelist, and poet.
Well said! A perfect amalgam of freedom, adventure, and excitement, a good road trip can leave a therapeutic effect on your mind and soul. And if you are in Thailand, you’re in luck as the country offers some of the best road trips in the world. Drive around Thailand to feast your eyes on lush green tropical forests, verdant mountains, beautiful rice paddy fields, and the picturesque stretch of both the Andaman and Gulf coastline.
The abundance of pristine natural attractions and cultural monuments in Thailand is surely magnetizing. That’s not it! You can also enjoy spicy and flavorful Thai dishes at local restaurants when you are on a road trip. Since most popular cities in the country are not in close proximity, a long road trip gives you a chance to explore popular spots as well. So whenever you feel like escaping the hectic life of Thailand cities, plan a long road trip to discover the best of the country.
Ready to hit the road? Here are the most popular road trips you can take in Thailand –
Bangkok to Phuket
So these two cities are among the most popular tourist spots in Thailand. A nearly 12-hour-long road trip from Bangkok to Phuket offers a lot to discover as you drive through 12 provinces on this journey. Get around Bangkok’s floating markets such as Amphawa Floating Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market as it’s a very unique experience. Then head out to Hua Hin and visit its white sand beaches and Maruekhathaiyawan Palace. Hua Hin’s Night Markets are also worth exploring. You can gorge on sumptuous local cuisine at different restaurants in the market.
Spend some time in Chumphon to soak up the sun and sand at its secluded coastlines. Make a stop at Khao Sok National Park, which is a nature reserve known for stunning lakes, rock formations, and caves. After reaching Phuket, you can get around popular tourist places such as Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi islands, and the Big Buddha.
Bangkok to Phetchabun
Leave the soaring buildings of Bangkok behind and set off on a journey filled with enthralling natural beauty! A road trip from Bangkok to Phetchabun takes 5 hours. And the views on the way are absolutely gorgeous. The beautiful scenery of Thailand’s countryside on this trip leaves you refreshed and rejuvenated. Majestic mountains, lush green rainforests, and farms leave you wanting more. Since the drive is less steep and windy, you can expect it to be a great travel experience.
Visit Wat Pha Sorn Kaew, a stunningly beautiful kaleidoscopic temple that has been constructed using colorful mosaic tiles. In addition, you can plan a visit to Khao Khoa and admire the popular Sea of Mist. At Bang Rachan Islet, you can see tiny freshwater jellyfish as well as rare butterflies.
Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
A 7-hour road trip from the ancient city of Ayutthaya to the northern capital of Chiang Mai can take you to several national parks such as Doi Khun Tan, Si Satchanalai, and the Wiang Kosai National Park. Step back in time with Ayutthaya’s incredible and serene monasteries and Chiang Mai’s beautiful golden temples. Also take some time out to explore Si Satchanalai Historical Park and visit its ancient temples.
Want to know about the traditional hill tribe life? Head out to Don Pui Village to gain insights into the life of the Hmong tribe. Another tribe called the Karen hill tribe is also found in Chaing Mai. Other popular attractions in Chaing Mai include Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Prasingh.
Chiang Mai to Pai
If you like adventurous road trips, this one is for you! From Chiang Mai to Pai, it’s an 80 km journey with 762 hairpin corners and takes 4 hours. Since there are so many twists and turns, take this road trip only if you can easily drive down hilly roads. Also, take this trip during the day as it’s difficult to drive on the winding road at night. But this not-so-easy road trip rewards you with amazing views at Pai Canyon, which is a tranquil and scenic canyon surrounded by breathtaking valleys. Go catch a sunset in the canyon in a serene atmosphere.
Pai is a perfect place to enjoy river tubing, exploring caves, and hot springs. Pam Bok and Mo Paeng are among the most popular waterfalls in the town. Visit the Pai Walking Street (Pai Night Markets) to enjoy delicious Thai cuisine and buy local stuff including souvenirs, clothes, and bags.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
A road trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai also takes around 4 hours. In Chiang Mai, you can spend some time relaxing at famous hot springs such as Pong Kwao, Theppanom, Pong Dueat, and Fang hot springs and also boil eggs in the hot waters of the springs. Apart from this, you can make stops on the way to take in the views of the beautiful mountainous region. Remember to visit Wat Rong Khun, also called the White Temple. Soak up the serene vibes of this beautiful temple painted in white color.
Next, there’s a unique point in Chiang Rai called the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. It’s a great spot for taking some pictures. Your next stop can be the Choui Fong Tea Plantation where you can taste the best tea in Thailand. Phu Chi Fah, Doi Tung, and Doi Mae Salong are other popular spots to visit in Chaing Rai.
You can book a Thailand car rental to take these beautiful road trips in the country. On ThailandCarsRentals, we provide a huge variety of quality rental cars due to our tie-ups with only the best car rental companies in Thailand. You can call our 24/7 customer support for any queries related to booking a good rental car deal in the country.
