Phuket Thailand

Phil_in_Thai · #1 20-02-2008, 04:18

I normally fly from BKK to Phuket but his time I want to take my time and stay close to the ground.

Any BMs actually driven from BKK to Phuket? As long as I have a decent car and know where to get fuel (preferably not out of bottles) then its something Id like to try.

Of course if there are any interesting (bars) or interesting (to see) places then all the better.

I hoping to get to BKK about the 15th April.

Frode10 · #2 20-02-2008, 05:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_in_Thai

I normally fly from BKK to Phuket but his time I want to take my time and stay close to the ground.

Any BMs actually driven from BKK to Phuket? As long as I have a decent car and know where to get fuel (preferably not out of bottles) then its something Id like to try.

Of course if there are any interesting (bars) or interesting (to see) places then all the better.

I hoping to get to BKK about the 15th April.

I have also been thinking about this for some time, but everytime I bring it up my wife answer me;
"Do you know how long time we have to sit in the car? You go alone, I take plane!"

Well, then we fly from Bangkok to Phuket this time too.

F

Mystery · #3 20-02-2008, 19:31

Personally I would not do it. Have gone Phuket to Samui and my nerves were shatterred after that. Then again I am used to Australian roads. If you enjoy driving long distance on Thai roads go for it.

steve w · #4 20-02-2008, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil_in_Thai

I normally fly from BKK to Phuket but his time I want to take my time and stay close to the ground.

Any BMs actually driven from BKK to Phuket? As long as I have a decent car and know where to get fuel (preferably not out of bottles) then its something Id like to try.

Of course if there are any interesting (bars) or interesting (to see) places then all the better.

I hoping to get to BKK about the 15th April.

you do not want to be driving around songkran week ,even more deadly than usual!

Mai Chob · #5 20-02-2008, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve w

you do not want to be driving around songkran week ,even more deadly than usual!

YES...TOO MUCH WATER ON THE ROADS!!!!

Dodger · #6 21-02-2008, 01:37

Well I've done it, takes about 12 hours with stops, plenty of garages on the motorway for fuel and food etc. Instead of one journey I stopped at Hua Hin on the way up and again on the way down, its only about 2 hours out of Bkk, so maybe try for Chumphon or Surratani instead on the way down, grab a cheap hotel and finish the journey the following day.

Easy driving, no problems from Songkhran as you are on the motorway, most of the journey. Good fun learning thai style driving at the same time, two lanes, a choice then off three to overtake in!!!

Jeep · #7 21-02-2008, 02:12

i have also done this trip................bkk to ranong first leg.....this was a mistake............as the turn onto the ranong road is veryy twisty and up and down.............................and slow......................so 2 days via surat thani is the best bet...............................as dodger says all facilities are available................have fun.....................

Phil_in_Thai · #8 21-02-2008, 03:34

Ah yes the water. Keep windows closed because I understand the water falls in all directions and passing farangs can become collecting points.

I was in the Philippines last year and foolishly drove through Manilla. Got a car with gps as requested only to be told there are no maps.

Ill post a report here when Im done. Thanks for the feedback

Phil_in_Thai · #9 24-04-2008, 12:13

Im now sitting in the Narai hotel, Bankok, after sleeping 12 hours.

I did Phuket to Bankok in the biggest 4x4 I could get. Its a good drive but not for the faint hearted.

For those thinking of doing the same :

The police will fine you if you get caught driving in the right hand lane for no reason. People drive on the right because the left hand side has been churned up........becasue of the police making them use it. It can get very bumpy even in a big 4x4.

Different story at night though. Buses tend to stay on the right hand side so you have to pass on the left. Good idea to make sure they see you. The bus trip from Phuket to Bankok is 12 hours with one 20 min break.....same driver. I guess the 'drive time' regulations dont exist or apply here.

Keep a good distance from any lorries. Unripe fruit can bounce a lot when it falls off and a stray coconut can make a mess of any windscreen. Believe me...I saw it happen.

A lot of motorbikes coming down the wrong way on what passes for a hard-shoulder. I understnd that most of them get to complete their journey.

Plenty of stopping places with good shops. Couldnt understand why the shops were so well stocked with toilet paper and other sanitary products....until I saw the toilets.....oh god! Dont expect the taps to be working when you wash your hands.....and you will want to.....your feet as well. I guess thats why the shops also had a lot of water to sell.

Speaking of feet: I sliced the back of my heel off on a gridded drain cover. Had a choice of listerine and hydrogen peroxide to clean it up. It hurts.

Its an interesting drive. With plenty of breaks and keeping your wits about you then it can be fun.

Good luck.