Discovering the Wonders of Thailand by Car: The Best 4-Day Road Trip in Thailand

Home to Buddhist temples and mouth-watering cuisine, Thailand is a sight to behold to many travelers from all across the globe. Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand prides itself as “The Land of Smiles” with locals as warm and welcoming as the golden sun that shines on the country's postcard-perfect white sand beaches. Head south of the country to the sublime island of Phuket, revisit local history at Sukhothai Historical Park and Doi Inthanon National Park, or be enticed by the waterfalls in Lampang, a Thailand trip is always worth it.

If you’re not one to get a tan then don’t fret, Thailand is a popular destination to find inner peace and reflect on one’s journeys. Being one of the most Buddhist-majority countries in Asia, travelers would never run out of sacred temples, monasteries, and shrines to visit. With over 40,000 Buddhist temples and sanctuaries, Thailand’s rich culture and heritage never fail to set a person’s mind at ease.

Ready to explore Thailand? Here’s the ultimate travel guide containing the best road trips in Thailand to help you easily map out your next itinerary in the Land of Smiles and what to prepare to make it extra worthwhile.

Itinerary: Bangkok–Ayutthaya–Kamphaeng Phet–Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai

50 miles, 1H to 2H

Kicking things off, it wouldn’t be a trip to Thailand without going to its capital city, Bangkok. History buffs would want to visit Bangkok’s three major temples: Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Located within the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in all of Thailand. Then it would be just a 10-minute walk to Tha Tien pier where you would take a 5-minute ferry ride to the second temple, Wat Arun. After paying respects to the Indian god of dawn, you can take the ferry back and walk towards Wat Pho. Wat Pho is considered to be the most visited temple in Bangkok because of the infamous Reclining Buddha.

Travelers may spend the rest of their afternoon exploring the intricacies of Bangkok, savoring some of the best local cuisine ranging from street food to world-class dining experiences. You could also hop on a cruise that would take you to see the picturesque Chao Phraya River, one of Thailand’s major rivers.

180 miles, roughly 4H

Assuming you’re too tired from your previous day in Bangkok when you finally arrive in Ayutthaya, it’s recommended to rest up first in the city’s selection of different accommodations. For hotels, you can never go wrong with staying at Baan Thai House or Sala Ayutthaya. If you’re looking for cheap alternatives, there are also many Airbnb properties to choose from.

Being Thailand's former capital before Bangkok, Ayutthaya is well known for its heritage sites that reflect the city’s complicated history. Learn more about the now-Unesco World Heritage site by going first to the Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon temple, the biggest temple in the city. The second temple, Wat Phanan Cheong, is a short drive from the first temple and contains the 19-meter-tall golden statue of Luang Pho Tho. Finally, be fascinated as you go to the third temple, Wat Mahathat, which holds a Buddha image coiled in tree roots.

Before heading off to the third destination, you might be interested in strolling through the city's floating markets like the Ayothaya floating market, which is only seven minutes away from Wat Mahathat via car.

220 miles, 4H to 5H

Going beyond the bustling cities, the quiet province of Kamphaeng Phet now welcomes you. Kamphaeng Phet is a quaint, old province in upper central Thailand. Though frequently put on the backburner in many Thailand itineraries, the province is home to three beautiful historical and national parks, namely: Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Khlong Lan National Park, and Mae Wong National Park, with the Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

All parks can be driven in under an hour if you’re feeling adventurous. However, you could always stick to one and then head on to Phra Ruang Hot Springs for a moment of deep relaxation, which is only 22 minutes away from Kamphaeng Phet. Not feeling like taking a dip? If you have time to spare, you could visit its riverside night market that opens around 5 PM and munch on scrumptious yet affordable delicacies while enjoying some street performances.

120 miles, 3H to 4H

Finally, we’re down to the last stops of your Thailand road trip, the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Thinking of things to do in Chiang Mai? You wouldn’t want to miss the Grand Canyon which offers a variety of activities such as swimming, ziplining, cliff jumping, and many more. Afterward, you can set your sights on seeing some elephants at the Elephant Nature Park. Regarded as the country’s national symbol and a sacred animal in Buddhist culture, elephant sanctuaries put a high emphasis on taking care of these animals, and so firm park regulations such as limited direct contact are to be expected.

Say goodbye to the elephants as you embark on the journey toward Chiang Rai. From Chiang Mai, the whole trip takes roughly 4 hours so it’s best to be well-rested before you begin. The city offers one of the most unique temples in all of Thailand—the Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple. While the temple isn’t a temple in a traditional sense and is more of an art gallery, it still stands out among the rest with its breathtaking all-white exterior and intricate contemporary design.

Wind down in the evening in Chiang Rai’s night bazaar where you can do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs while savoring Northern Thai cuisine. Days in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai will always be filled with excitement when you're an adventurer. Then you could just spend the night in some nearby hotel or Airbnb property, dreaming of your next big adventure.

Here’s a list of what you need to remember when driving in Thailand:

• Know your car rentals. If you decide to rent a car in Thailand, there are a set of policies travelers must adhere to ensure road safety.
• Have your car insured. Car insurance in Thailand is mandatory. Many Thai car insurance providers include comprehensive packages to suit your budget and needs.
• Secure an IDP. Tourists would need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) before they start driving in Thailand, especially for car rentals.
• Remember the speed limit. The speed limit on urban roads is 60 kilometers per hour, rural roads are 90 kph, while highways allow a maximum of 120 kph.
• Drive on the left. Thailand drives on the left side of the road. Always check for pedestrian crossing as well as motorcycles and bicycles passing you by. Be sure to brush up on your knowledge about Thailand’s roads and traffic signs for easy driving.
• Observe local driving etiquette. In Thailand, expect more tailgating and vehicles cutting to avoid traffic. Also, prolonged honking is considered impolite!
• Put your phone away. Unless your car has a hands-free system, using your phone while driving is illegal.
• Have your documents handy. Ready your travel requirements (license, IDP, and passport) for police checks.

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On a budget? We got you covered.

• Expect cost differences between regions. Staying in Bangkok would cost more than in Southern Thailand or Northern Thailand. The northern region is considered the cheapest and is most likely going to be your safe bet when wanting to save.
• Know your lodging alternatives. Most travelers would opt to stay at hotels in Thailand with some splurging on accommodations with swimming pools. Hotels and homestays would usually cost you around ฿250 if you’re budget-conscious. Camping in national parks is also a cheap option!
• Track gasoline prices. Gas in Thailand frequently fluctuates between ฿38 to ฿45 per liter depending on what fuel you use.
• Choose your activities wisely. Plan your trip along with group activities to save time and money. Thinking of temple hopping? Minor temples in Thailand are usually free!
• Take advantage of food markets. Feel like penny-pinching? Thailand’s vibrant food markets will be your best friend when you’re thinking of cutting back on restaurants!
• Stack up on supplies in convenience stores. Convenience stores like 7/11, TOPS Daily, and FamilyMart are all around Thailand when you’re running low on stock.
• Research travel insurance. While travel insurance isn’t mandatory in Thailand, it’s always best practice for travelers to get travel insurance when going to another country. Gauge what you and your group are going to need for a comprehensive travel plan, look up some travel insurance providers, and compare the prices. They can be as low as ฿100!

• Do I need a Visa to visit Thailand? Depending on the nationality, individuals with ordinary passports may enter and stay in Thailand for up to 14 days, 30 days, or 90 days. Check your passport validity here.
• What is the best time to visit Thailand? November to February is generally the best time to visit Thailand since the weather is less humid and the sky is clearer.
• What do I need to pack for the perfect road trip? Bring the travel essentials such as travel documents, a first-aid-kid, blankets, car tools and equipment, blankets, snacks, and entertainment.
• Where do I find ATMs in Thailand? You can spot an ATM almost anywhere in Thailand, especially in major cities and towns.
• Is tap water safe in Thailand? Travelers are highly advised to not drink tap water in Thailand and just stick to filtered or bottled water.
• Do I need a local sim in Thailand? To make the most out of your trip, you can get a Thai sim card so you won’t need to depend on local wifi in most public spaces.

Whether you’re already a seasoned explorer or a budding tourist, Thailand is one of those countries in Southeast Asia that has a pleasant mix of stunning beaches, breathtaking ancient temples, and modern architecture—absolutely everything an intrepid explorer needs to quench the thrill.

Driving in Thailand can be tricky and intimidating for tourists, especially beginners who are just dipping their toes into the country’s local road laws. Luckily, here at IDA, we make traveling abroad a lot easier by helping you secure an IDP in just eight minutes. Make your Thailand road trip hassle-free now!