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Is it a good idea to drive from Bangkok to Phuket in December-January?

Bangkok Phuket Driving in Thailand Travel Advice Weather in Thailand International Driving Permit Thailand Road Safety Road Trip Itineraries

Nov 24, 2024

2 days ago

Kay ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi everyone,

I'm from America and am planning to be in Thailand  and drive from Bangkok to Phuket from 16th of December to 4th January and i would like to ask, if it's feasible to do the trip and still enjoy it.

How is the weather? Is the journey still worth it even in cold or hot? 

Please come with other ideas, that could give us a better journey for my first visiting in Thailand. Anyone that can assist me can DM for more informations about Thailand. 

Thank you much for your advise.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

A road trip from Bangkok to Phuket is indeed feasible during December to January, but it comes with considerations regarding the weather and road conditions. While the weather is generally warm and inviting, the driving experience in Thailand can be quite different from that in the U.S., with unique challenges such as heavy traffic, erratic driving behavior, and a high accident rate. Many recommend flying instead of driving for safety and convenience. If you choose to drive, it's advisable to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and to take precautions, especially in urban areas. The journey can be enjoyable with planned stops at scenic locations, but be prepared for a long drive.

Linhof *********

Lots of cool beaches on the way down. Stop as you need

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Steve *******

train it to ST then bus to phuket

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Tim *********

There are some beautiful spots to stop at along that route found the gulf coast. You could take a few days over it, since you have time. But I guess most would fly, be there in an hour and it costs much less than driving, especially with a couple of hotel nights along the way. Oh and don't listen to those who warn you against driving, so long as you have International Driving Permit

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Stuart ***********

Once you get out of Bangkok it is quite an easy drive if you are a competent driver, it is dual carriageway all the way. Watch out for the orange (roadworks) signs as they often give very little notice of roadworks.

It is a long drive to do in one day, I have done it a few times from Hua Hin, but that is 3 hours less than Bangkok.

The statistics are high for road deaths here, but I suspect that is because of the number of deaths at night time on scooters when under the influence of alcohol (Thai and Foreigners), so avoid driving past about 6pm if you can. Good luck.

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Chance ********

If you are going to do it remember to get your IDP before coming and remember they drive on the wrong side of the road here lol. I finally drove here (I normally just use a scooter) and I just have to say it is extremely weird to drive on the opposite side of the road and from the opposite side of the car. Luckily for me it was all country driving and my Thai friend did the city portions of the drive. I would recommend flying, taking the train or a buss.

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Michael *******

I've been going to Thailand for 22 years. I always hire a car and driver, take a VIP bus or fly. I use Grab for local travel. I just think there are a lot less potential problems.

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Bryce *******

I agree with the flying suggestions too. I'm from America too, and I'll offer this 2 cents, I enjoyed Bangkok much more than Phuket. Maybe because I'm an old coot?

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Barry ********

Check your life insurance then engage a long distance taxi

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Paul **********

First why driving🤔 2nd no need worry bout cold/hot-Thailands hot. 3rd a day in Phuket more than enough with so many other destinations more appealing. Koa Tao, PhiPhiDon, Kph Lipi, and head northeast to experience the Isaan vibe🇹🇭

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Tony *******

MAGA

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Paul ********

Drive and enjoy take it in stop often you will love it

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Trevor *************

Get a flight. You're not ready for that drive if you think it can be done in the 'cold' 😏

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Bo ********

We just had this choice to drive or fly to Krabi for a 7 day vacation and made the decision to fly and then rent a scooter.

Air Asia tickets are still reasonable, but all flights are 100% full. Busy season is already here, Ao Nang was a madhouse.

If we were told we could not fly, I would rent a van or take the bus before I would drive it. And I love driving here. 3 hours to Jomtien is just super fun watching the chaos. 13 hours to Phiuket would be exhausting for all of the reasons mentioned above. Is there and overwhelming reason to drive vs all of the other options?

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Tony **********

If you like out the way small family owned resorts and variety of scenery you should go for it. Driving Thai highways is not bad. Cities are the areas that you'll have to be very careful of. And if you can go for a week without turning on the windshield wipers when signaling a turn, my hat is of to you. Seriously, the journey will be well worth it. Anybody can fly from point a to point b and not see or experience a thing. I spent a month driving the whole south looking for where I wanted to live. Having a Thai speaker with you will be very helpful.

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Robert *****

Driving in Thailand is like Mr. Toads Wild Ride at Disneyland. I would fly or hire a car/transport. When we decide to travel we use people that own a van. It holds my wife’s relatives and we’ve ventured everywhere south of Bangkok but going north to chaing mai (sp) we take the night train. The van is comfortable and I think we paid $1200 baht per day.

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Nicolas ********

Leave it to a genius fellow American to think Bangkok to Phuket would be even the slightest bit "cold" 🤡 and just to think this person might be sharing the road with a lot of of us..

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Brian *******

@Nicolas *******

50kph on a scooter it could be chilly

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Brian *******

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Steve *******

Fly from Bangkok to Phuket

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Steven *******

It's never cold between Bangkok and Phuket.

If you're planning to drive in Thailand, you must get an International Driver's Permit (IDP) before you leave your home country. Also, make sure your travel insurance covers you in a rental car.

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David **********

Done it many times. Better and so cheap by Bus.

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Dava ***********

We did it (with a hired driver) about five years ago. We took three days to get there, stopped at beaches & temples along the way. It’s doable. But I would hire a driver.

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Jack ****************

One of the least beautiful drives in the country. If you want road trip that's not the one to do.

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David *****

The trip south of Bangkok is fairly congested for three hours then it's awesome, the roads are really good quality and opposing traffic is separated for most of the way. Watch out for trucks and courier utes, they are inclined to move lanes quickly. Awesome scenery most of the trip. Definitely break it up, Chumpon is nice but there are numerous coastal towns worth stopovers.

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Mike *******

That would be a nice 18 day road trip. I have enjoyed several 1 to 2 month road trips around Thailand, and it’s a great way to experience the countryside (in fact my next trip in Jan-Feb will be in the south). If you don’t already have it, download the Booking dot com app for excellent accommodation choices. Happy trails.

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Tony **********

I used agoda and it was great.

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Tony **********

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Thomas *******

I drive for a living in the U.S and I drive when I come to Thailand. That being said, if you haven't driven in Thailand before, you might want to have someone drive you. Thailand driving requires you to know everything going on around you and that isn't something U.S driving gets you ready for. In the the U.S you won't have scooters on your left and right at the same time, not to mention the ones going the wrong way to get home. Factor in looking the opposite direction before you pull out so that you don't kill someone is a bit of a thing too. Have a great time here, but let others get you where you are going until you get some time on the ground here. Bangkok to Phuket is a big undertaking.

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Joshua ************

I was there in the beginning of January and the weather was just fine!

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Randy ******

THAIS DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE….. UNLIKE AMERICA…… LOCO!😜

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Tim *********

Thailand drives on the LEFT, Like Japan, Australia, New Zealand and UK.

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Luit *****************

they drive left just like their southern neighbours Malaysia and Singapore

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Luit *****************

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Christian ***********

First time in thailand.. From Bangkok to Phuket.. Get a plane from Dom Meung Bangkok airport. It's about £60

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Christian ***********

left. Thailand is like the UK.. DRIVE ON LEFT.

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Jon ******

Thais drive anywhere they like lol, but should be on the left 🤣🤣

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Adam ******

Thais drive on the left in the part of Thailand I live in.

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Randy ******

When they are DRUNK?

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Luit *****************

when Thai are drunk they drive in the middle of the road.

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James *********

seems you're the impaired one....

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James *********

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Mark *******

And Thailand has one of the worst traffic accident records in the world! Fact!

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Robert **********

Yeah. If you haven't driven in Thailand before, don't even think about it. Spend some time as a passenger and you will see how crazy some drivers are. And it is getting worse, everyone is in a hurry these days.

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Frank *******

don't drive

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Julian *******

It’s a scenic drive. Suggest you stop overnight in chumphon as it’s a long way. I do the drive regularly but I live just north of Phuket.

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Tai **********

Cold?

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Phil ******

@Kay **********

have you driven here before? Will you have an IDP with you?

Thailand driving is different.

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Giraffe *********

different u mean dangerous

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Phil ******

@Giraffe ********

yes

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Phil ******

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Brandon **********

what is different? If you have driven over 1,000,000 miles should it be strange or hard ?

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Steve *******

@Brandon *********

For a start they drive on the left in Thailand and if if you've ever driven here then you'll know the difference!

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Brandon **********

if u can’t figure out left from right maybe it’s time to rethink life

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Steve *******

@Brandon *********

Easy to figure out. But just for your information the left is DIFFERENT from the right. Perhaps you didn't know that?

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Linhof *********

@Brandon *********

dude, driving here is next level dangerous and stress. Not even comparable

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Frank **********

@Brandon *********

just to add cars and motorbikes pulling out from side roads when you are in your doing 100k and they pull out when your about 100 feet away. Motorbikes and even some cars with no lights working. There is road construction going on where I live and they lack the safety that road crews in the US have. Such as people flagging traffic when it is down to one lane. Having signs up when there is a major depression in the road from construction. Thai drivers that think they have the right of way at traffic lights etc etc.

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Frank **********

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Phil ******

@Brandon *********

me too but its harder here, believe me. Bikes without lights at night is just one thing. Cars and trucks coming directly at you on roads etc. My Thai wife won't use a motorcycle here in Bangkok. Its too dangerous she said.

Road toll is high on world standards.

But let Kay answer my 2 questions please.

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Brandon **********

a random guy on Fb? Trust? Maybe just give some data please …

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Ken ***********

@Brandon *********

is absolutely correct in his warnings about Thailand roads; you need to do a few internet searches about Thailand road deaths before you comment.

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Phil ******

@Ken **********

thanks Ken

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Brandon **********

. 3x higher than USA . Need to calculate for this

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Phil ******

@Brandon *********

I know

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Paul *****************

@Brandon *********

you really don’t have a clue do you ..

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Declan **********

@Brandon *********

"a random guy on FB" 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ Its a well known fact Thailands road traffic accidents are skyhigh & 1m miles is going to do fuck all to prepare you for road users in thailand, unless the majority of those 1m miles were in countries like India, Vietnam, China or the likes... People willingly and regularly cut across 3-4 lanes without indicating or even looking to take an exit. The will slam on and stop abruptly in the middle of a highway and start reversing because they missed their exit....... Bikes and cars all around giving zero fucks about their surroundings and even driving the wrong direction without lights... Example, of how bad the stats are? by October 2023 (from January 2023) in Bangkok alone there were over 87k road accidents... Per year Thailand has well over 20k deaths and over 1m injuries caused by traffic accidents. It ranks in the top 10 for most traffic accidents in the world, top 5 for deaths and is number 1 in all categories in Southeast Asia.

The family guy Asian reporter "good luck everybody, I turn now" is what happens regularly here. (Google it, if you don't know it)

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Phil ******

@Brandon *********

google it. Readily available. Let Kay answer please

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Milan ********

i like driving here more as in Europe :)

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Milan ********

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Michael ********

I can give you an itenary if you want depends on what you like beaches temples, nature

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Tom ***********

Driving bangkok to Phuket is dangerous, tiring and boring. Don't waste your time.

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Michael ********

Its not a bad drive i like going via Ranong via the isthmus of Kra. But if you are not used to Thai driving i wouldnt recomend it, totally different. I was just in the States and i only drove twice didnt like it 555.

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Mark ***********

I think you are much better to fly to Phuket and if you really want to drive yourself around, hire a car in Phuket

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Christian ***********

@Mark **********

driving in Phuket is awful... When were you last there... Patong especially.... Solid traffic.. Russians and middle Eastern yiung males showing ofc riding like idiots on large cc scooters with no silencers 🤣.. Hes coming from the USA so he's also got to contend with different side of the road and steering wheel.. 🙄

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Mark ***********

@Christian **********

totally agree, I wouldn’t drive anywhere in Phuket or anywhere around Bangkok. I have driven around Buriram before and that was OK but no way would I drive anywhere around the popular tourist destinations

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Mark ***********

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