On the Road in the Land of Smiles: Traveling Thailand by Car

Discover how easy it is to experience the richness and beauty of Thailand's countryside by road.

Routes to Take Across Thailand's Countryside

Outside the major city areas, you'll find that most roads are free of traffic, especially those in the northeast and the south of the country. These roads are relatively easy to navigate, with open highways and courteous drivers. Many major routes have English road signs, but a Thai roadmap and guidebook are also invaluable for those navigating the countryside. Here is our pick of routes to travel in Thailand by car.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

One of the best drives from Thailand's capital city is to Chiang Mai, the mountainous region in the north. A nonstop trip takes less than a day, but you may want to consider breaking up the drive to visit points of interest along the way. For example, you might choose to view the ruins of a historic city at Ayutthaya Historical Park, and then drive to the beautiful temple of Wat Kiriwong in the Nakhon Sawan province.

Farther along the route, you'll come across the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, an archaeological site rich with ancient ruins. Your final stop before Chiang Mai is Lampang, one of the region's largest cities and the site of various museums, parks, and temples.

Touring Isaan

Located in the remote northeast corner of the country, Isaan is a bit off the beaten path, but the region's farmlands and villages offer a peek at daily life in Thailand. The journey starts in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima), roughly three hours northeast of Bangkok. From Korat, head to Nong Kong and then Surin. Depending on the amount of time you have to explore, you could drive deeper into the region to visit some of the area's scenic national parks, such as Phu Phan or Phu Pha Yon, or visit some of the area's many temples and sculptures.

14-Day Road Trip North to South

There's no better way to immerse yourself in Thai life than taking a leisurely two-week road trip across the country. This 14-day itinerary offers:

Four Days in Bangkok: Get acclimated to the weather and culture, and visit popular attractions like Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace.

Three Days in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai: View the historic ruins and experience the culture of the region.

Three Days in Khao Sok: Located south of Ayutthaya, this area boasts Khao Sok National Park, a stunning rainforest and lake region with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, river tubing, and more.

Four Days at the Beach: Soak up the sun and explore the beauty of Thailand's coast. Phuket offers nonstop action and plenty of resorts, spas, restaurants, and nightclubs, while the serene shores of Thai Mueang provide a more relaxing beach experience.

This travel plan leaves you with plenty of flexibility to choose a variety of side trips that interest you. If you would prefer to spend less time on the coast, for example, consider driving north to the areas of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, or take your trip farther east to visit the Buriram Province and its Khmer ruins.

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