Local driving tips
52 practical tips from 21 places across Phuket and southern Thailand – the things rental desks rarely tell you.
Use U-turn slots, not right turns
On divided roads such as Route 402 you often cannot turn right. Drive past your turning and use the next marked U-turn gap.
PhuketLow gear on the hills
The roads over Patong Hill and up to the Big Buddha are steep and twisty. Use a low gear going down instead of riding the brakes.
PhuketWatch for scooters on both sides
Scooters pass on the left and the right. Check your mirrors every time before you turn or change lane.
PhuketRed-and-white kerbs mean no parking
Park only where the kerb is unpainted or in paid lots. Parking on red-and-white kerbs can get your car clamped or towed.
PhuketPark on the edge of the Old Town
Old Town streets are narrow and several are one-way. Leave the car in a paid lot on the edge and explore on foot.
Phuket TownSunday market closes Thalang Road
On Sunday afternoons and evenings Thalang Road closes to traffic for the walking street. Plan your route around it.
Phuket TownRush hour on Route 402
Traffic between town and the airport is heaviest on weekday mornings and evenings. Allow extra time when you drive to a flight.
Phuket TownPatong works as a one-way loop
Beach Road and Rat-U-Thit Road run in opposite directions. Missing your turn often means going round the loop again – set your GPS before you drive in.
PatongBook a hotel with parking
Street parking in central Patong is rare in high season. A hotel with its own car park saves a lot of time.
PatongPatong Hill: steep and busy
Route 4029 over Patong Hill has tight bends and heavy traffic. Keep your distance and stay in a low gear going down.
PatongBangla Road is pedestrian at night
Bangla Road closes to cars in the evening. Avoid driving into the centre after dark if you can.
PatongArrive early at the viewpoints
The car parks at Karon Viewpoint and Promthep Cape are small. Go before 10:00 or after the sunset crowds have left.
Kata & KaronSteep coastal road south
The road from Kata Noi to Nai Harn climbs and drops sharply. Take it slowly, especially after rain.
Kata & KaronRed flags mean no swimming
During the rainy season (May–Oct) rip currents are strong on west-coast beaches. If red flags are up, stay out of the water.
Kata & KaronAvoid the 4029 junction at rush hour
The junction where Route 4029 meets Route 402 is one of the busiest on the island. Outside rush hour it moves much faster.
KathuFill up before the hills
Petrol stations are easy to find along Route 402 and 4029. Fill up there rather than hunting for one in the hills.
KathuLeave early for boat tours
Most tours leave Chalong Pier between 08:00 and 09:00. Allow time to find a parking spot near the pier.
Rawai & ChalongUse the paid pier car parks
Parking on the road near the pier can block traffic and lead to a fine. The paid car parks are cheap and safer.
Rawai & ChalongRoute 4 has slow trucks
Route 4 is mostly a good road, but expect slow trucks and scooters on the shoulder. Overtake only where you can see far ahead.
Khao LakSimilan boats leave early
Hotel pick-ups for Similan trips can be before 07:00. With your own car you can drive to the pier instead – check where to park.
Khao LakThe islands close in the rainy season
The Similan Islands national park normally closes in the monsoon season. Check the dates before you plan a trip.
Khao LakGo to Samet Nangshe before sunrise
Sunrise is the best time and the road is quiet. The last stretch is steep and narrow – some visitors park lower and take a local 4×4 shuttle.
Phang NgaKeep food out of sight at cave temples
Monkeys at Wat Suwan Khuha are bold. Close the car windows and do not leave food on the seats.
Phang NgaFill up in Khok Kloi or Phang Nga
Petrol stations are spread out on the smaller roads. Fill up in the bigger towns before heading to the viewpoints.
Phang NgaYou cannot drive to Railay
Railay is only reached by boat. Park in Ao Nang or at Ao Nam Mao pier and take a long-tail boat across.
KrabiBeat the tour buses at the Emerald Pool
Arrive soon after opening; by late morning the pool is crowded with tour groups.
KrabiOne-way trips between Phuket and Krabi
Many suppliers let you pick up in Phuket and drop off in Krabi for a fee. Compare that with returning to Phuket.
KrabiPark at the piers for island day trips
Pak Meng and Hat Yao piers have parking. Agree a fee with the attendant if there is no ticket machine.
TrangRental cars cannot cross into Myanmar
Ranong is on the border, but Thai rental cars are not allowed to cross it. Leave the car in Thailand.
RanongExpect heavy rain May–October
Ranong gets very heavy rain in the monsoon. Drive slowly and keep your headlights on in downpours.
RanongAsk before taking a rental car on a ferry
Many rental companies do not allow their cars on ferries, or their insurance does not cover it. Check your terms before you drive to Donsak.
Surat ThaniRoute 401 is the scenic way
Route 401 between Takua Pa and Surat Thani runs past Khao Sok's limestone hills. Allow time for stops.
Surat ThaniSteep roads inland
Some roads to hilltop villas and viewpoints are very steep. A car with a bit more power than the smallest economy class helps.
Koh SamuiSamui's rain comes later
The Gulf side gets its heaviest rain roughly October to December – later than Phuket. Plan wet-weather driving accordingly.
Koh SamuiRent on the island
Bringing a mainland rental car by ferry is often not allowed. Renting at Samui Airport is usually simpler.
Koh SamuiMountain roads near Khiriwong
Roads up into the hills are narrow. Drive carefully after rain and give way to local pickups.
Nakhon Si ThammaratTemple dress code
Bring something to cover shoulders and knees for temple visits – keep it in the car.
Nakhon Si ThammaratTake breaks on long drives
Route 4 between Phuket and Chumphon is long. Stop every two hours – petrol stations along the way have cafés and clean toilets.
ChumphonLeave the car on the mainland
Koh Tao is small and car ferries are limited. Park at the pier or return the car before you sail.
ChumphonCarry your passport at Ao Manao
Ao Manao is inside a military base. You may need to show ID at the gate.
Prachuap Khiri KhanPhraya Nakhon Cave: start early
The hike to the cave is hot. Start early in the morning and bring water.
Prachuap Khiri KhanNo rental cars into Malaysia
Thai rental cars are generally not allowed across the border. Check your rental terms before planning a cross-border trip.
Hat YaiCheck official travel advice
Some provinces further south carry government travel warnings. Check your country's current advice before you drive beyond Hat Yai and Songkhla.
Hat YaiOld Town streets are narrow
Park near the seafront and explore the Old Town on foot.
SongkhlaCheck official travel advice
Some southern districts of Songkhla province carry government travel warnings. Check your country's current advice.
SongkhlaFill up in Surat Thani
Petrol stations are spread out on rural roads. Start with a full tank.
Tha ChangWatch for farm vehicles
Slow tractors and pickups loaded with palm fruit use the same roads – overtake with care.
Tha ChangNarrow roads near the hills
Roads towards the mountains are narrow and can be slippery after rain.
Ron PhibunCheck official travel advice first
Read your government's current travel advice and your insurance terms before driving in Narathiwat.
NarathiwatNo rental cars into Malaysia
Thai rental cars are generally not allowed across the border.
NarathiwatRead more
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