DRIVING THAILAND – IT’S NOT AS CRAZY AS YOU THINK
When visitors arrive in the City of Angels (Bangkok) with its nine million residents and see the traffic congestion, many automatically conclude they would never attempt to drive in Thailand. That’s unfortunate. While it’s true the capital is congested, the outlying areas are not. Negotiating Bangkok streets is not for the faint hearted, but a dozen kilometers outside the city, the scene changes. Drivers are surprised to find little traffic.
GET BEHIND THE WHEEL
This opens a whole new world to tourists and visitors to the Kingdom. There is no better way to discover Thailand than by getting behind the driver’s wheel, especially if one wants to get offthe-beaten-track. Explore forested mountains, find forgotten beaches, hidden temples, seldom visited historic sites, small but interesting towns and tranquil fishing villages.
There are plenty of car rental companies in Thailand and most of the major brands are represented. All you need is a valid driving license. If you’re concerned about accidents or liability just beef up your insurance. You can rent a car for around S$50 per day or even less.
MOTORING TRAVEL GUIDE
One of the larger firms, Budget, has a booklet that covers major parts of the Kingdom, (1)
Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and Western Thailand: (2) Pattaya and the Eastern Gulf of Thailand: (3) Chiang Mai-the Golden Triangle Loop; (4) Loei and the Middle Kingdom; (5) Phuket, Samui & Krabi Loop; (6) Loei and the Middle Mekong: and (7) Chiang Mai-sukhothai Loop. No motoring travel guide could be more comprehensive. They not only have maps of the highways but they have city maps as well, with descriptions of the roads and highways, a list of accommodations, alternative routes and inserts called “pointers” that give special tips.
Roads in Thailand are remarkable. An added bonus is that most of the major signs also have English. There are signs and reflective markers to warn of hazards on major highways, and
LED lighting illuminates major intersections. Along the road kilometer stones show highway number and distance on the front face and distances to destinations in the direction of travel on the side. Occasionally, Thai police and military set up checkpoints, especially at night, but there are no security problems.
CHEAPER GAS
Another bonus is that petrol is much cheaper than Singapore. While it’s not as inexpensive as Malaysia, petrol in the Kingdom is about 60% cheaper than Singapore. Filling up the tank full isn’t that expensive. Petrol is a little over one Singapore dollar per liter.
Besides cheap petrol gasoline stations are usually like mini-malls. You can find restaurants, food stalls, coffee shops and more often than not a 7-Eleven, which has everything. These rest areas have neat and clean restroom facilities. This makes for comfortable traveling. Driving in Thailand is like Singapore and Malaysia, on the right. Signs and signals are pretty much the same as with any other country.
TOLL ROADS
One of the great advantages to driving in the Kingdom is that there aren’t many toll roads. In fact, there aren’t any on the main highways (outside of Bangkok). The only chargeable roads are in and around Bangkok’s expressways. Once you’re out of the city it’s pretty much smooth sailing, pardon, driving.
If you plan a road trip it’s reassuring to know there are plenty of four-star hotels to be had. They might not be luxurious but they are neat, clean and usually offer breakfast. A night’s stay can run around S$50. It’s best to choose the hotels that offer free parking. Most hotels either have lots around the hotel or basement car parks. It’s great just to park your car, checkin and then walk around discovering what the destination has to offer. It’s a great way to explore and experience a city.
MORE FREEDOM
Having your own car means you don’t have to worry about arranging for taxicabs or transportation. All the major rental firms allow you to pick up the car at the airport and return it there when you’re on your way home.
So, the next time you touch down in Bangkok and get discouraged by the snarl of the city’s traffic, remember that just a short drive away there is plenty to see, do and experience. All you need are four wheels to set you on your way.