Routes to the north

[grs90 49]

Hi guys

 

Later this month I'll be driving a hire car from Pattaya to Phimai and back.

 

Looking on a map, and on Google, it looks like there is basically a choice of 2 routes so, if anyone has done this journey recently, I would appreciate advice on the pros and cons of each.

 

First option is to get on the Sukhumvit road, then route 36, 3240, then 331, followed by the 304, then join route 2. The second option takes the route 7 motorway back towards Bangkok, then route 1 and route 2. The options then come together on route 2 and the 206.

 

According to google the trips are roughly the same duration, about 5 hrs 40 minutes, although this seems excessive for a drive of around 390-430KM depending on the option I take. At the moment I'm leaning towards taking the first option on the way up as I'll have more time on my hands and could stop off if there is anything particularly worth seeing. I'll probably come back on the motorways.

 

So, are there any particular advantages or disadvantages with the two routes?

 

 

Cheers

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Hi guys

 

Later this month I'll be driving a hire car from Pattaya to Phimai and back.

 

Looking on a map, and on Google, it looks like there is basically a choice of 2 routes so, if anyone has done this journey recently, I would appreciate advice on the pros and cons of each.

 

First option is to get on the Sukhumvit road, then route 36, 3240, then 331, followed by the 304, then join route 2. The second option takes the route 7 motorway back towards Bangkok, then route 1 and route 2. The options then come together on route 2 and the 206.

 

According to google the trips are roughly the same duration, about 5 hrs 40 minutes, although this seems excessive for a drive of around 390-430KM depending on the option I take. At the moment I'm leaning towards taking the first option on the way up as I'll have more time on my hands and could stop off if there is anything particularly worth seeing. I'll probably come back on the motorways.

 

So, are there any particular advantages or disadvantages with the two routes?

 

 

Cheers

 

I drive close to Phimai on route to Selaphum - Roi Et. I have a sat nav with Thai map (Garmin) but I went by your first option route, not rout 7 m/way. Leave about 6 am from Pattaya and the roads pretty clear. Need to watch out the otherside of the mountain for police checks. Been done twice for NO international licence, 500 baht. No much you can do about it if you are travelling by day.

 

Driving at night a lot more stressfull though

[logan 1]

Try this link, it is a good one.

http://www.thailand-guide.org/maps/index.htm

[joekicker 53]

I'd go up via your route 1, it's scenic, through the national park, etc. Then come back on the vanilla, speedier highway, basically through Korat and Bangkok.

 

Check the roads shortly before your trip. There has been absolutely horrendous flooding, and your Route 1 has been damaged for sure - just how bad it will be in a month is anyone's guess.

 

.

[jacko 8,766]

Hi guys

 

Later this month I'll be driving a hire car from Pattaya to Phimai and back.

 

Looking on a map, and on Google, it looks like there is basically a choice of 2 routes so, if anyone has done this journey recently, I would appreciate advice on the pros and cons of each.

 

First option is to get on the Sukhumvit road, then route 36, 3240, then 331, followed by the 304, then join route 2. The second option takes the route 7 motorway back towards Bangkok, then route 1 and route 2. The options then come together on route 2 and the 206.

 

According to google the trips are roughly the same duration, about 5 hrs 40 minutes, although this seems excessive for a drive of around 390-430KM depending on the option I take. At the moment I'm leaning towards taking the first option on the way up as I'll have more time on my hands and could stop off if there is anything particularly worth seeing. I'll probably come back on the motorways.

 

So, are there any particular advantages or disadvantages with the two routes?

 

 

Cheers

First option is the one I normally use.... shorter and I don't like the Bangkok traffic.

You have to go over the hills after Kabinburi, not a rainy weather scenario and the police are there to give you a ticket for passing a truck doing 3kph up the hill..

You could also cut the 36/Sukhumvit corner by going down soi siam country club, around the lake and over 36 on 3240 to 331.

Edited November 8, 2010 by jacko

[grs90 49]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Looks like I'll be taking the scenic route up then, with an early-ish start. Doubt I'll manage the 6.00am suggested by Mr Pastry but will probably be on the way by 8 or 9.

 

Being a cautious chap I've got a current international driving permit so will hopefully avoid that 500 baht fine. I'm also intending to keep the speed within the limit although from what I have read that won't necessarily mean I'll avoid a fine for that!!

 

Any recommendations for a good place to stop off and maybe do some sight seeing and get a feed around 2 or 3 hours in to the trip? I'm in no rush to get to Phimai and am happy to have a look around somewhere on the way if there is anything worth stopping for.

 

Cheers