Thailand is undoubtedly a destination we find ourselves revisiting almost annually. After all, what’s not to love about cheap shopping, aroy mak mak street food and gorgeous temples? With Bangkok just a short two hours flight away, it’s the ideal city getaway for Singaporeans — which makes Thailand one of the last places you’d consider doing a road trip! Severely underrated, we’ve come up with the ultimate Thailand Road Trip Guide covering both popular and lesser-known places to visit, where to eat, and things to do!
We recommend exploring a few days in Bangkok before beginning your Thailand Road Trip. Drive down to Hua Hin and Kanchanaburi and check out some attractions like the iconic Maeklong Railway Market in Ratchaburi and the stunning Khao Sam Roi Yat National Park along the way. From adrenaline-inducing water sports to bathing rescued elephants, there’s nothing short of things to do.
While exploring Thailand by car seems pretty daunting, driving in Thailand is surprisingly easier than we expected, only taking less than 3 hours to drive from Bangkok to Hua Hin (if there are no traffic jams). Plus, you might get lucky and spot hidden gems and cows along the way!
Don’t know where to go on your Thailand Road Trip? Check out our Thailand Road Trip Guide: 5 Epic Ideas Under 3hrs from Bangkok for more inspiration!
Must visit attractions on your Thailand Road Trip
BANGKOK – 0:16
0:20 – Jay Fai — Known for her crab omelette, her restaurant was awarded a Michelin star four years in a row and is featured in Netflix’s Street Food series.
0:29 – Wattana Panich — This street-side restaurant has been run by three generations and its famous beef broth has been simmering for over 45 years!
0:40 – Jek Pui Curry — Simply delicious, this streetside curry stall is popular amongst locals and tourists after it was featured on Netflix’s Street Food series.
0:46 – Watchara Muay Thai Gym — Put your boxing gloves on and get a taste of Thai martial arts. Plus there is air-conditioning!
0:59 – Bangkok E-Go Kart — Hit the accelerator and challenge your friends to a round around the race tracks.
1:14 – Sompong Thai Cooking School — What better souvenirs to bring back than the knowledge of cooking your own authentic Thai cuisine?
1:26 – Chic Car Rental — Start your road trip with a quick and hassle-free car pickup.
KANCHANABURI – 1:35
1:38 – Elephants World — Get up close and personal with 10 rescued elephants and spend your time feeding or bathing them.
1:55 – Wat Tham Suea Temple — Known as the Tiger Cave Temple, this temple houses the largest Buddha image in Kanchanaburi.
2:09 – River Kwai Death Railway Museum — Learn more about Thailand’s history during the World War 2 period and check out the relics from that period.
2:17 – River Kwai Death Railway Bridge — Witness the stunning views of the river while paying memory to the railway’s tragic history. Stay around to catch the train whoosh past on the tracks.
RATCHABURI – 2:28
2:31 – Maeklong Railway Market — An operating railway track runs through this bustling market. Witness the tracks clear within seconds when a train passes by the narrow trail.
2:41 – Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — Hop on a boat tour around the canal and sample the delicious street food from the comfort of your sampan.
HUA HIN – 2:58
3:02 – Maven Stylish Hotel — This sleek hotel is situated in a prime location and a short drive from most of the attractions. The Maven Stylish Hotel is also a short walking distance from Hua Hin Night Market and Hua Hin Beach!
3:14 – Ziplining in Hua Hin — Fly through the tree canopies in this Treetop Adventure Park.
3:20 – Watersports in Hua Hin — Catch the wind and go kiteboarding at Hua Hin’s pristine beach. If you want to take it slow, try stand-up paddle boarding and enjoy the calm lull of waves.
3:32 – Vana Nava Sky Bar — Soak in panoramic views while watching the sunset at the highest bar in Hua Hin.
3:50 – Hua Hin Night Market — Gorge on fresh and affordable seafood while indulging in some late-night shopping at this night market.
4:02 – Vana Nava Waterpark — Beat the heat by having a splashing good time on the many waterslides and rides at this waterpark.
KHAO SAM ROI YOT NATIONAL PARK – 4:13
4:32 – Khao Daeng Viewpoint — Just a 30-minute minute hike to the viewpoint, catch the sunrise over the scenic national park.
4:46 – Kui Buri Elephant Safari — Hop on a ranger-led jeep and try spotting one of the 300 wild elephants around the park!
4:57 – Phraya Nakhon Cave — Go on an hour-long hike to a royal pavilion hidden within the walls of a huge cave.
5:15 – Bueng Bua Wood Boardwalk — Cruise through a serene lake that’s completely covered by lily pads and lotus flowers.
Getting around Thailand
While getting around Bangkok is convenient with the availability of public transport and ride-hailing apps, that’s not the case when travelling out of the city. We were surprised to find out that driving in Thailand is a lot easier than anticipated — just follow Google Maps and you’re all set! The car gave made the itinerary flexible and allowed us to chance upon several hidden gems and photo spots along the way! Check out our guide for 5 Thailand Road Trip ideas from Bangkok.
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
Embarking on a Thailand Road Trip from Bangkok? Some places to visit include Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park — here’s a list of what to see and things to do there! We’ve also listed the prices of the attractions you can visit.
Bangkok
Kanchanaburi
Ratchaburi
Hua Hin
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park
Where to eat in Thailand
These are the places we ate at in Thailand. Do take note that there may be long queue times for some thanks to the power of social media (and we mean hours)!
We didn’t list down prices for some places like Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Hua Hin Night Market, since there are many food places or stalls you can choose from here.
