Driving in Thailand is generally both straightforward and safe and a great way to get off the regular tourist trail to explore more hidden corners of the country.
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| guide to driving in Thailand |
The road system is quite good and is well signposted, with traffic signs, warning signs and regulatory signs in both Thai and English.
Much of the main north-south route is dual carriageway, which makes it possible to cover long distances in relatively quick time.
Driving on open roads at night is not recommend however due to the large amounts of heavy goods vehicles.
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| speed limit in Thailand |
Truck drivers in particular have gained a reputation for not respecting car users, while motorbikes also pose a particular hazard as they are at times ridden into oncoming traffic.
Staying on the right side of the road
There are many car, motorbike, and jeep rental firms, including many international firms, in Bangkok and throughout Thailand.
While it is legal to drive in Thailand with a valid licence from most countries, it’s worth noting that most will not give you a car or provide insurance without an international driver’s licence.This licence and a valid passport must be carried at all times while driving.
In Thailand the legal limit for drinking and driving is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. In UK the limit is 80mg.
Star drive
A Golden Triangle tour is high on most visitors’ wish lists.
Depart Chiang Mai and head for Chiang Rai.
Along the way see the orchid farms and waterfalls of the Mae Saa Valley, visit the Chiang Dao Cave and elephant camp, and go sightseeing in Doi Mae Salong.
You can also visit hill tribe villages and see the former capital of the first Thai Kingdom, Chiang Saen, located on the Mekong river border between Thailand and Laos.
After experiencing Chiang Rai’s Wat Phra Kaeo, make your way toward Lampang.
In Lampang discover Burmese style temples and pagodas.
On your way back to Chiang Mai, stop in at Wat Phra Dhat Lampang Luang to see the only other emerald Buddha in Thailand beside the one in Bangkok.
- Seat belts are mandatory for those travelling in front seats.
- In Thailand vehicles drive on the left.
- Helmets are required for motorbike riders.
Laws of the land
Thailand speed limits
Most communities have speed limits in place, but motorists seldom obey these.
Thailand speed limits | ||
|---|---|---|
Road type | Speed limit | |
Towns | 60 kmh | |
Highways | 90-100 kmh | |
Motorway | 120 kmh | |
Local knowledge
- Most drivers in Thailand are well mannered and polite, but the traffic is a lot more hectic and haphazard.
- You’ll seldom hear horn honking, but a more aggressive style of driving is the norm in Bangkok, where traffic jams are common.
- On many rural roads (and even in some of Bangkok’s small alleys) you’ll occasional happen upon motorcycles, cars and even 12-wheel trucks maneouvering against one-way traffic.
Did you know?
It’s illegal for men to drive topless. The law doesn’t mention women, but we assume the same must go for them.
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