Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip

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With COVID-19 still on our hands, our travel plans have turned into surfing through the internet and sighing at old Instagram posts. However, as the world continues to battle the coronavirus, planning a trip for the future is the best thing we can do to fuel our wanderlust right now. For an international trip that packs a mix of safety and serenity, there’s no place more fitting than Thailand. While Thailand's international borders remain sealed, it is worthy to note that the Southeast Asian country is one of the safest countries to visit in the wake of the pandemic. Topping the charts amongst 184 countries for effective recovery from the virus globally, Thailand is a lucrative option with its glittery sun-drenched beaches and emerald forests.

Thailand is a lucrative international travel option, with miles of tropical coastline, ancient architectural wonders, and verdant beauty tinged with culture and heritage. The best way to enjoy Thailand is by taking it slow. When international travellers can visit the country, a road trip meandering through the breathtaking landscape of Thailand will surely hit the right spot after months of staying home!

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 1/13 by Prerna Prakash
The beauty of Thailand (C) Unsplash

Most international flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Beginning your Thai holiday with a few days in Bangkok is arguably one of the best introductions to the country. Before heading off for your international adventure, make sure you update your driving license to accommodate international driving and brush up on Thai traffic rules to make your journey seamless!

Here are some promising road trips across Thailand that promise to make their way into your journals and photo-albums.

A Historical Jaunt

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 2/13 by Prerna Prakash
For representational purpose only. Image Credit: Nishant Tripathi

Route: Bangkok–Ayutthaya–Kamphaeng Phet–Chiang Mai–Sukhothai–Bangkok

If history is what gets you going, the perfect road trip would be from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and back, all in eight days! This is a great opportunity for those with a soft spot for admiring heritage locations, exploring ruins and learning more about the kingdom of Thailand. Stretching across Northern Thailand, this road trip will take you through some picture-perfect roads and historical parks like Kamphaeng Phet.

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 3/13 by Prerna Prakash
The ruins of Ayutthaya (C) Unsplash

Ayutthaya should be your first stop as you leave Bangkok. Explore the ruins of Wat Phra Si Sanphet and visit Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Try the famous ba mee (wheat and egg noodles) at Kamphaeng Phet. You will go through many gorgeous national parks, including the Wiang Kosai National Park, Doi Khun Tan National Park and the Si Satchanalai National Park.

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 4/13 by Prerna Prakash
The gleam of the Chiang Mai night markets (C) Unsplash

The perfect time to reach Chiang Mai is just as the sun begins to sink and the city lights start popping up. Put Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, San Kamphaeng Road, the night safari and night markets on your itinerary for a visit that will not disappoint. While returning to Bangkok, stop at Lampang to explore its natural hot springs, nine-million-year-old limestone caves and unique temples. A detour to Sukhothai is also recommended before finishing up your week-long trip. Sukhothai Historical Park and Sri Satchanalai Historical Park are great places to spend the day here.

An Abundance of Nature

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 5/13 by Prerna Prakash
For representational purpose only. Image Credit: Nishant Tripathi

Route: Bangkok–Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai

This road trip is for nature lovers and those looking to unwind in the lap of Mother Earth. Northern Thailand is famous for its alpine scenery, and the three-hour-long journey between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai promises just that. The roads between the two cities are dotted with waterfalls, lakes and tropical foliage, making for a gorgeous drive!

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Mouth-watering street food and midnight markets of Chiang Mai (C) Unsplash

If you plan on renting your car in Bangkok, Chiang Mai is not too far away. You can either break your journey overnight at Sukhothai or start driving early in the morning to complete the eight-hour-drive in the same day. Spend a few days in Chiang Mai savoring the heartbeat of the city by exploring the night markets, museums, and Buddhist temples. The Mae Khachan Hot Spring en route Chiang Rai is a popular stop. People take a break here to soak their feet in the warm water and some even boil eggs in the hot spring! You can stretch your legs and take some Insta-worthy pictures in this area. When in Chiang Rai, make sure you schedule a visit to Wat Rong Khun and Wat Rong Suea Ten.

A Seaside Soirée

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 7/13 by Prerna Prakash
For representational purpose only. Image Credit: Nishant Tripathi

Route: Bangkok–Khao Yai–Hua Hin–Chumphon–Khao Lak

What is a Thai getaway without some sunshine and beaches? The Bangkok to Khao Lak road trip in South Thailand promises to etch itself into your dreams. This route takes you through the Thai countryside and promises gorgeous views of the ocean as you drive. Roll down your windows for that fresh salty sea breeze and take a moment to stop and admire the verdant greenery of the southern jungle-clad mountains of Prachinburi and the valleys of Wang Nam Kheo. This is the quintessential road trip with islands and beaches, but none of the crowd!

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The inviting islands: a short boat ride away! (C) Unsplash

While stopping at Khao Yai, you should visit the Pirom Khao Yai Reserve and Sawasdee Chenin Blanc vineyards. Spend a few days at Hua Hin and check out Santorini Park, the Sheep Farm, the beaches and the night market. Next, stop at Chumphon for some island hopping! The sandy beaches of Koh Samui, Koh PhaNgan, and Koh Tao promise a crowd-free experience. End your long road trip at the lush green mountains beside the seas at Khao Lak. You can experience snorkeling, fine-dining, and nightlife before bidding adieu to Thailand!

A Blooming Drive

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 9/13 by Prerna Prakash
For representational purpose only. Image Credit: Nishant Tripathi

Route: Chiang Mai–Lamphun–Doi Mae U Kho–Pai–Chiang Mai

The Mexican sunflowers (or Bua Tong) of the Doi Mae U Kho mountains are a sight to behold. Take a road trip through the northern mountains of Thailand to watch the yellow and green blooming slopes. The undulating, curving roads of the area are unforgettable, especially in the winter when the flowers are in full bloom. This is a short road trip for shutterbugs and travel enthusiasts who want to tread beyond the usual.

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 10/13 by Prerna Prakash
A field of Mexican sunflowers (C) Unsplash

Start off your travels from the bustling city of Chiang Mai where you can enjoy exciting shopping and street food experiences. Head to Lamphun next, where you can dabble in a bit of history and check out its gorgeous temples and ruins. The Bua Tong fields are next on the itinerary. You will also pass one of the highest waterfalls in the country, Mae Surin Falls, just beyond Doi Mae U Kho. From Doi Mae U Kho head through the green-lined road to Pai village where you can visit the Tha Pai Hot Spring and the Mo Paeng Waterfall. Take a leisurely drive back to Chiang Mai and end your trip on a high note!

A Laidback Excursion Down South

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 11/13 by Prerna Prakash
For representational purpose only. Image Credit: Nishant Tripathi

Route: Phuket–Phang Nga–Krabi–Hat Yai–Songkhla–Pattani

Southern Thailand has an easygoing vibe which has attracted many tourists over the years. Krabi and Phuket are crowd-pullers, but the scenic routes further south are perfect for those looking for offbeat road trips. This road trip offers seaside driving as well as meandering routes through the hilly regions of Pattani and Songkhla. This road trip gives you a peek into the rural, countryside life of Thailand. Immerse yourself into the culture and lifestyle of Thailand with excellent food, arts, people, and markets on this road trip.

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 12/13 by Prerna Prakash
Floating markets of Southern Thailand (C) Unsplash

Start off your adventure at Phuket and make your way to Phang Nga for its tall limestone rock-like islets. Thereon, en route Krabi, break your journey at Than Bok Khorani National Park for its mangrove forests, undersea vegetation and nature trails. From Krabi, head south to Hat Yai where you can experience its unique floating markets. End your adventure in Songkhla, where the picturesque Songkhla Lake and the Wat Hat Yai Nai warrant a visit.

Photo of Five Road Trips in Thailand That Are Perfect for Your Long-Awaited International Trip 13/13 by Prerna Prakash
A country full of heritage, beauty, and culture (C) Unsplash

As you carve your way through Thailand’s gorgeous offerings, be safe in the knowledge that restaurants, hotels, resorts, spas and other attractions are being inspected and are being awarded with SHA (Safety and Health Administration) Certificates so you can have a comfortable and seamless vacation.

While the best thing we can do right now is to stay safe, it doesn't mean we can't build the hype, get inspired and figure out which road trip we want to embark on when Thailand's international borders open up. Your long-awaited international trip should start with a bang and driving through the charming cities and excellent highways of Thailand is all that and more!

In association with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

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