The top 7 road trips in Thailand

If you arrive in Thailand through Bangkok, you might feel a bit nervous about embarking on a road trip. In the bustling city, traffic is chaotic, with cars jammed together, motorcycles weaving between pedestrians, and road rules appearing quite flexible. But don’t worry: Bangkok is just a glimpse of what Thailand has to offer.

Once you leave the capital, the traffic eases significantly, although you’ll still need to watch out for fast-moving trucks and buses, along with a constant stream of motorcyclists. The bright side is that Thailand’s highways are generally in good condition, rental prices for cars and motorcycles are reasonable, and there’s so much to explore that even a brief road trip feels like an adventure.

A great strategy for road tripping in Thailand is to begin your journey outside of Bangkok, renting a vehicle in one of the smaller towns. The further you stray from the tourist hotspots, the more serene the roads become, revealing hidden gems in the towns and villages along your route. Here are our top recommendations for road trips in Thailand.

1. Mae Sa Valley

Ideal road trip for beginners Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 80km (50 miles), set aside one day

This is a fantastic introductory trip for those new to driving or riding in Thailand. The loop through the lush mountains north of Chiang Mai offers a glimpse into local village life and showcases the stunning emerald rainforests of the region. As you depart Chiang Mai, the hustle and bustle fades away, leading you to Nam Tok Mae Sa, a picturesque natural swimming pool perfect for a picnic break.

Next, head to the Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens, which feature a variety of plantations, walking paths, and greenhouses, along with a kid-friendly natural history museum. This area was once known for opium poppy cultivation until the Thai royal family encouraged hill tribe farmers to transition to growing fruits and flowers instead.

Immerse yourself in local culture with a side trip to the Hmong community in Nong Hoi. Here, you can savor delicious local cuisine and Thai fruit liqueurs at restaurants in Mon Cham, which offer stunning valley views. The return journey to Chiang Mai along route 1269 passes through Samoeng village and several breathtaking viewpoints, perfect for capturing memorable photos before returning to the Northern Thai capital.

Tip for planning: Start your day early to fully enjoy this all-day road trip. Pick up a convenient breakfast at the Talat Thanin food market before you hit the road.

2. Phuket to Satun and back

Ultimate road trip for island exploration Phuket–Satun–Phuket; 1100km (690 miles) round trip, take a week

Due to political instability in southern Thailand, the Andaman Coast is best experienced as a round trip from Phuket, steering clear of the troubled east coast. With countless picturesque islands dotting the offshore landscape, be sure to plan regular stops for overnight stays on these tropical paradises along your journey.

Begin your journey with a seafood feast in Phuket, then follow the Andaman Coast around Phang-Nga Bay, taking a boat trip to explore the stunning karst islands of Ao Phang-Nga Marine National Park. Continue south to Krabi and the breathtaking rock-climbing cliffs of Railay, a top destination for adventure sports enthusiasts.

Let the coastline entice you further south to Ko Lanta for some relaxing beach time, then head back to the mainland to reach Trang, the entry point to its own stunning collection of karst islands. The last stretch south takes you through towns with a distinctly Malaysian vibe. Turn back at Satun and spend a couple of days snorkeling and hiking in the pristine islands of Ko Tarutao Marine National Park before making your way back to Phuket.

Tip for planning: The waters off the Andaman Coast can become quite rough from May to October, with many ferry routes and some national parks closing for the season, so it's advisable to avoid this time of year.

3. Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Ultimate road trip for history buffs Bangkok–Chiang Mai; 583 km (362 miles), allow three to four days

For the adventurous, starting from Bangkok, the journey to Chiang Mai is filled with rich history and some of Thailand's most remarkable ancient sites. The toughest part is getting out of Bangkok on route 347. Thankfully, it’s just a 90-minute drive to Ayutthaya, your first landmark along the way.

Discover the ruins of the former imperial city that served as Siam's capital from 1350 to 1767. After exploring, continue north on route 32, taking a brief detour east to see Lopburi's monkey-filled Prang Sam Yot temple. Once back on the main highway, it’s a steady drive north to Phitsanulok, where you can pay homage to one of Thailand's most venerated Buddha statues at Wat Phra Si Ratana Mahathat.

Next up is the breathtaking Sukhothai, home to the remnants of stupas and temples that were once the heart of a powerful Thai kingdom from the 13th to the 14th century. Consider breaking up your journey with a homestay at Ban Na Ton Cham or an overnight stay in the trendy Lampang, filled with hip cafes and local creatives. Don’t miss Lamphun as well before you finally arrive in Chiang Mai, where you can dive straight into the night markets for a culinary delight.

Detour: To infuse some modern history into your journey, consider a detour to Kanchanaburi between Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Known for its connection to the Burma-Siam Railway, this town along the Mae Nam Khwae Yai river is now a focal point for historical encounters and day trips to enjoy the waterfalls at Erawan National Park.

4. Mae Hong Son Loop

Ultimate road trip for a traveler's spirit Chiang Mai–Chiang Mai; 604km (375 miles), set aside four days

For a more adventurous road trip, set off from Chiang Mai and wind your way through the lush hills to the southwest along Route 108 and Route 1095, passing through the vibrant traveler town of Mae Hong Son. This winding loop is renowned for its 1864 curves, and the local Chamber of Commerce offers souvenir certificates to drivers who complete the journey. Along the way, explore some of the most captivating towns in northwest Thailand.

Departing Chiang Mai on Route 108, your first destination is Doi Inthanon National Park, a verdant mountaintop where you can experience some of Thailand's coolest temperatures. Consider spending a day or two in Mae Sariang, a peaceful riverside town that's an excellent base for hiking and eco-friendly adventures in the surrounding hills.

Make a stop at Khun Yuam to delve into wartime history before arriving in Mae Hong Son, a prime location for visiting monasteries and trekking to hill tribe communities. On your return to Chiang Mai via Route 1095, don’t miss the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge, the scenic “Little Switzerland” of Pang Oung, and the lively hub of Pai, where you can unwind with activities ranging from hiking to yoga classes and cooking workshops.

Tip for planning: Be prepared for chilly conditions at Doi Inthanon National Park; misty fog can envelop the summit year-round, so pack a warm layer.

5. Hua Hin to Surat Thani

Ideal road trip for relaxed beach vibes Hua Hin–Surat Thani; 580km (360 miles) one-way, plan for three to four days

Southern Thailand's elongated shape isn't ideal for circular road trips, but the coastal route offers plenty to explore. Begin in Hua Hin, Thailand's first beach resort, where you can arrange one-way car rentals through Thai Rent a Car. Head south through laid-back beach towns like Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ban Krut, and Bang Saphan Yai until you reach Chumphon, where the distinct Muslim culture of southern Thailand begins to emerge. Before concluding your journey in Surat Thani, venture inland to Khao Sok National Park, a 160-million-year-old rainforest that shelters bears, tapirs, gibbons, elephants, tigers, numerous bird species, and the colossal Rafflesia kerrii – the largest flower in the world. The adventure doesn’t have to end at Surat Thani; the town serves as a gateway to the Gulf Islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-Ngan, and Ko Tao, where you can relax, party, and dive at some of the most affordable scuba spots around.

6. Chiang Rai to Phayao

Ultimate road trip for breathtaking views Chiang Rai–Phayao; 250km (155 miles), allow three days

Chiang Rai stands as the second great city of northern Thailand – filled with temples and cultural landmarks like Chiang Mai, but lacking the heavy backpacker scene. A visit to the stunning “white wat” of Wat Rong Khun is essential, especially to admire its pop culture murals that feature everything from the 9/11 attacks to Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.

To reach the Lao border town of Chiang Khong, take back roads through an area once infamous as the epicenter of opium cultivation in the Golden Triangle. Take your time exploring the villages nestled along forest-covered ridges, then spend a day or two in Chiang Khong to soak in the Lao influences coming from Huay Xai across the Mekong River.

Head south on the 1020, then follow routes 1093 and 1155 through stunning emerald hills to spectacular viewpoints like Pratu Siam and Phu Chi Fa. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the hot waterfall at Nam Tok Phu Sang before continuing on to the tranquil town of Phayao, an often-overlooked gem of northern Thailand characterized by charming wooden homes, beautiful wetlands, and a timeless atmosphere that reflects the region's pre-mass tourism charm.

Tip for planning: This route takes you along several back roads away from the main highways; while most turns are marked, feel free to ask for directions at roadside cafes and gas stations if needed.

7. An Isaan loop

Ideal road trip for off-the-beaten-path exploration Nakhon Ratchasima–Nakhon Ratchasima; 830km (515 miles), one week

Travelers rave about Thailand's Isaan region – the area stretching northeast from Bangkok along the borders of Laos and Cambodia. In this tranquil part of the country, the food is exceptional, life moves at a relaxed pace, and crowds are few... in short, it's perfect for a leisurely motorcycle road trip. Skip the drive out of Bangkok by taking a bus or train to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and rent your wheels from there.

Embark on a journey eastward through Phanom Rung Historical Park, an impressive Khmer temple complex perched on an extinct volcano. Follow the Cambodian border to Ubon Ratchathani, an off-the-beaten-path town adorned with beautiful monasteries and nestled along the Mae Nam Mun river. Make a detour to Yasothon (especially lively during the mid-May rocket festival) and lake-filled Roi Et before arriving at Prasat Puay Noi, a remarkable 12th-century Khmer Hindu temple complex. Continue the Khmer exploration at Phimai, a majestic temple ruin that beautifully blends Hindu and Buddhist elements, before completing the loop back to Nakhon Ratchasima, where you can savor Isaan delicacies at RN Yard.

Planning tip: A key part of your Isaan journey is indulging in the local cuisine. Must-try dishes include laab (a spicy ground meat salad with lime, mint, chili, and toasted rice), som tam (a vibrant salad of green papaya, green beans, peanuts, and shrimp), and sai grok isaan (a tangy, smoky fermented pork sausage).

Driving advice for Thailand

In Thailand, driving is on the left side of the road, but watch out for locals ignoring traffic rules, especially motorcyclists who may ride against traffic on the shoulder. Yield to larger vehicles like buses and trucks, and be cautious of pedestrians. It's wise to drive slowly. You can rent cars, motorcycles, and scooters with a valid home driving license; opt for maximum insurance coverage and keep your license and passport (or copies of the relevant pages) accessible for police checks.