Driving Directions and Google Map of Thailand — Roads, Routes & Navigation Guide
Thailand — officially the Kingdom of Thailand — occupies the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, sharing borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. With a population of approximately 71.8 million and one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies, Thailand is a major destination for both tourists and overland travellers. Its road network spans a country approximately 1,650 km from north to south, linking the mountainous forested north (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), the vast Central Plain (Bangkok), the semi-arid Northeast plateau (Isan), the Eastern Seaboard (Pattaya, Rayong), and the long southern peninsula stretching to Malaysia (including the resort islands of Phuket and Koh Samui).
Thailand drives on the left-hand side of the road — a legacy shared with neighbouring Myanmar and Malaysia. Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h). Bangkok’s elevated EXAT expressway network is the primary fast-road option in the capital and requires an Easy Pass transponder or cash payment for toll access. Highway 1 (Phahon Yothin Road) is the main north–south artery to Chiang Mai; Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) runs the length of the southern peninsula.
Thailand’s drink-drive limit is 0.05% BAC for private drivers — zero tolerance applies for professional and probationary licence holders. The country records one of the world’s highest road fatality rates; the most dangerous periods are the Songkran festival (Thai New Year, April) and the New Year period, collectively known as the “Seven Dangerous Days.” Foreign nationals must carry a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country licence. The Tourist Police number 1155 is specifically for foreign visitors needing English-language assistance. Use the route planner on our homepage to plan driving directions across Thailand.
The Thai Road Network
Thailand’s road network is one of the most developed in Southeast Asia, administered by two principal national agencies. The Department of Highways (DOH — กรมทางหลวง) manages approximately 55,000 km of national highways (numbered routes 1–4xxx) connecting provinces and regions. The Department of Rural Roads (DRR — กรมทางหลวงชนบท) oversees approximately 47,000 km of secondary rural roads. Urban expressways in Bangkok are operated by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM) under PPP concession agreements.
Highway 1 — Phahon Yothin Road (Bangkok to Chiang Rai, ~950 km): Thailand’s most important north–south trunk road. Runs from Bangkok through the Central Plain north via Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai, ending at Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. The primary driving route from Bangkok to the north; single or dual carriageway throughout (no motorway standard).
Highway 2 — Mittraphap / Friendship Highway (Saraburi to Nong Khai, ~497 km): The main artery of northeastern Thailand (Isan). Runs through Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and on to Nong Khai at the Laos border. Part of the ASEAN Highway Network (AH12). Named the “Friendship Highway” to commemorate Thai–American cooperation during the Cold War era.
Highway 4 — Phetkasem Road (Bangkok to Sadao, ~990 km): Thailand’s longest national highway, running the entire length of the southern peninsula. Passes through Hua Hin, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Hat Yai, and Sadao to the Malaysian border at Bukit Kayu Hitam. The main driving route for the entire south, including access to Phuket, Krabi, and all Gulf and Andaman Sea coastal destinations.
Highway 3 — Sukhumvit Road (Bangkok to Trat, ~350 km): The main eastern corridor; connects Bangkok to the Eastern Seaboard (Pattaya, Rayong), and continues to the Cambodian border at Aranyaprathet via Highway 33.
Highway 7 / Eastern Outer Ring Road (Bangkok to Pattaya / Laem Chabang): Expressway-quality sections east of Bangkok; the primary industrial corridor serving Laem Chabang port and Thailand’s automotive manufacturing zone. One of the few motorway-standard sections outside Bangkok.
Bangkok expressway network (EXAT): Multiple elevated expressway corridors within Bangkok and its inner ring — the Sirat Expressway, Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, Burapha Withi (toward E7), and others. Total approximately 224 km of elevated urban expressway; all require Easy Pass or cash toll payment. The Outer Ring Road (Highway 9) encircles Bangkok at a larger radius (~168 km), linking all major radial highways and carrying freight bypassing the urban core.
Driving Rules and Legal Requirements
Thailand’s road traffic legislation is the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and subsequent ministerial notifications. Thailand is a signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
Driving side: LEFT. Thailand drives on the left-hand side; overtaking is on the right. Steering wheels are on the right in Thai-market vehicles. Drivers accustomed to right-hand traffic must adjust, particularly when turning, at junctions, and when pulling out from roadside stops — the instinct to drift right is the most common cause of accidents for foreign drivers.
International Driving Permit (IDP): Foreign nationals must carry a valid IDP alongside their home country licence to drive legally in Thailand. Without an IDP, the driver is technically unlicensed; insurance claims may be void in the event of an accident. IDPs cannot be obtained in Thailand; arrange one from your home country automobile association before travel. Many tourist-area rental companies do not check for IDPs, but this does not make driving without one legal.
Insurance: Compulsory third-party insurance (Phara Ratchabanyat — พ.ร.บ.) is legally required for all vehicles. Rental car agreements include the minimum required insurance; additional comprehensive cover is strongly recommended, particularly for tourists. Confirm whether your policy covers motorcycle or scooter rental before renting one.
Documents to carry: Driving licence + IDP (foreign drivers), vehicle registration booklet (สมุดคู่มือจดทะเบียนรถ), and valid insurance certificate. All must be produced on demand at police checkpoints.
Seatbelts: Mandatory for the driver and all front-seat passengers by law. Rear seatbelt enforcement is legally required but less consistently enforced. Children under 6 (or under 135 cm) must use a child safety seat.
Helmets: Compulsory for both motorcycle rider and pillion passenger. Thailand has one of the world’s highest motorcycle fatality rates; helmet compliance is higher in cities than rural areas. Police run enforcement operations in tourist areas; fines apply.
Mobile phones: Handheld use while driving is prohibited. Fine up to 1,000 THB. Hands-free use is permitted. Phone use is commonly cited in accident investigations.
Traffic police checkpoints: Royal Thai Police operate checkpoints on national highways, particularly at provincial boundaries and during major festivals. Officers may check licences, documents, and conduct breath tests. Tourist Police (1155) officers speak English and are specifically deployed in tourist areas to assist foreign visitors.
Speed Limits on Thai Roads
Speed limits in Thailand are set under the Land Traffic Act and ministerial notifications. All posted limits are in km/h.
| Road Type | Cars / Light Vehicles | Trucks / Buses |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok EXAT expressways | 120 km/h | 80 km/h |
| National highways (outside urban areas) | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Urban areas (general, outside Bangkok) | 80 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Bangkok urban zones | 60 km/h | 60 km/h |
| School zones and residential areas | 30 km/h | 30 km/h |
Speed limit enforcement uses radar cameras (fixed and mobile). Police conduct speed operations particularly on approach roads to major cities, on Highway 1 north of Bangkok, and on all roads during the Songkran and New Year periods. Speeding is widespread on open intercity highways but fines are issued on the spot at checkpoints; police cameras are becoming more common.
Drink-drive limit: 0.05% BAC for private drivers. 0.00% zero tolerance for professional drivers, bus and minibus operators, and probationary licence holders. Driving under the influence (DUI) carries fines up to 20,000 THB, up to one year imprisonment, and licence revocation. Alcohol is widely available in Thailand but strictly prohibited before driving. Breath tests are routine at police checkpoints, particularly during festival periods.
Bangkok Expressway Tolls and Easy Pass
Bangkok’s EXAT expressway network charges tolls at entry and exit points. Two payment methods are available: Easy Pass (electronic RFID transponder — allows barrier-free passage through dedicated lanes) and cash (in staffed cash toll booths). The newer M-Flow (multi-lane free-flow) gantries deduct from registered accounts or issue post-trip bills via numberplate recognition.
Toll costs per expressway segment range from approximately 25 to 85 THB depending on entry and exit points. A cross-city journey using multiple EXAT segments may cost 75–150 THB total. For short-term visitors, cash payment at toll booths is the most practical option — have small banknotes (20–50 THB) available as toll booths prefer exact change. For frequent users or extended stays, an Easy Pass transponder can be obtained from EXAT offices (minimum balance applies).
Outside Bangkok, national highways (1, 2, 3, 4, and most others) are generally toll-free. The main exceptions are Highway 7 eastbound expressway sections toward Pattaya and Laem Chabang, and selected sections of the Outer Ring Road (Highway 9).
The Don Mueang Tollway (elevated from central Bangkok to Don Mueang Airport and continuing north) is separately tolled from the EXAT network; cash and Don Mueang Tollway cards are accepted. This is the key route for departures toward the north from Bangkok.
Fuel, LPG, and EV Charging
Fuel stations are widely available throughout Thailand, operated by PTT (state oil company — the dominant brand), Shell, Caltex, Esso/Esso, Bangchak, and Susco. PTT stations are the most numerous and commonly have the best facilities (restrooms, convenience stores, cafes).
Petrol grades: Thailand offers several petrol grades including Gasohol 91 (E10 — 10% ethanol blend), Gasohol 95 (E10), Gasohol E20 (20% ethanol), and Gasohol E85 (85% ethanol — for flex-fuel vehicles). Premium 95 (no ethanol) is available at PTT and some other major brands. E20 is the most common standard grade and is suitable for most modern petrol vehicles; check your vehicle manual for compatibility. Diesel is widely available. NGV (natural gas for vehicles) is available at PTT stations in urban areas, used primarily by converted taxis.
LPG: Available at some stations; less common than in Turkey or Eastern Europe. Some converted taxis and private vehicles use LPG.
EV charging: Electric vehicle infrastructure is growing in Thailand, supported by government policy. PTT operates the largest EV charging network (EV Station PluZ); EA Anywhere is the second major network. Tesla Superchargers are available in Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. CCS Type 2 is the fast-charging standard. EV range planning is practical for routes between major tourist cities (Bangkok–Pattaya, Bangkok–Hua Hin, Bangkok–Chiang Mai with planned stops); remote northern mountain areas and some northeastern routes have limited coverage.
In remote northern areas (Mae Hong Son, border areas with Myanmar), rural northeastern provinces, and the deep south, fuel stations become less frequent; fill up before entering mountain or border areas.
Driving in Bangkok and Major Cities
Bangkok
Bangkok is home to over 10 million people in its urban core and approximately 17 million in the greater metropolitan area. Its traffic is among the worst in Southeast Asia — peak hours (07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays) regularly triple journey times compared to off-peak. The EXAT elevated expressway network significantly reduces cross-city transit times, but even expressways become congested during the worst periods.
For most tourist journeys within Bangkok — between the airport, the old city (Rattanakosin), Sukhumvit, Silom, and the river — the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are dramatically faster and less stressful than driving. The Airport Rail Link (SARL) connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok (Phaya Thai) in approximately 26 minutes. For visitors, the combination of BTS/MRT plus occasional Grab or metered taxi is almost always superior to self-driving in Bangkok.
If driving in Bangkok is necessary, use the EXAT expressways (Easy Pass or cash tolls) to bypass surface road congestion. Key junctions to avoid during peak hours: Asok/Sukhumvit, Rajprasong, Victory Monument, and Lat Phrao. Google Maps and Waze both provide reliable real-time traffic routing for Bangkok.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai — Thailand’s northern capital — is a far more manageable city to drive in than Bangkok. The moat road system (Thanon Superhighway, Outer Ring Road) circles the old city and provides efficient access to suburbs and highways. Traffic is significant on the main arteries (Nimman Road, Huay Kaew Road, Highway 11 bypass) during peak hours but rarely gridlocked. Chiang Mai is an excellent base for exploring northern Thailand by rental car or motorbike, with easy access to Doi Inthanon, the Mae Hong Son Loop, Chiang Rai, and Pai.
Phuket
Phuket is a large island (~543 km²) connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. The island’s road network is manageable but suffers from resort area congestion (Patong Beach, Karon, Kata) particularly on weekends and during the November–April high season. Renting a scooter or car in Phuket is common and practical; the main highway (Route 402 north–south spine) is fast outside resort zones. Parking in Patong and Kata can be very limited. Road discipline from some tourists on scooters is poor; exercise defensive caution.
Long-Distance and Regional Routes
Bangkok – Chiang Mai (~700 km via Highway 1): Approximately 8–10 hours of driving. Highway 1 is entirely single or dual carriageway — no motorway sections — passing through towns where speed drops to 60 km/h. Many travellers choose to fly Bangkok–Chiang Mai (1 hour from ~500 THB) and rent a vehicle in Chiang Mai for local exploration. If driving, allow 9 hours and plan an overnight stop or rest break at Nakhon Sawan (halfway point).
The Mae Hong Son Loop (~600 km from Chiang Mai, circular): One of Thailand’s most celebrated road trips. The loop takes in Pai, Mae Hong Son, and Mae Sariang via Highways 1095 and 108, passing through mountain scenery, hill-tribe villages, and forested passes. The route features over 1,800 curves between Chiang Mai and Pai alone. A minimum of 2 days is recommended; 3 days allows for stops. A well-maintained car or medium-sized motorcycle is suitable; be cautious in wet conditions (May–October) when mud can affect unpaved viewpoint tracks.
Bangkok – Phuket (~870 km via Highway 4): Approximately 10–12 hours of driving; typically split over two days. Highway 4 (Phetkasem Road) runs the full length of the peninsula through Hua Hin, Chumphon, and Surat Thani before reaching the Phuket causeway. The route is largely single carriageway with occasional dual sections; heavy truck traffic on some sections. Overnight stopovers are recommended at Hua Hin (~230 km from Bangkok), Chumphon (~480 km), or Surat Thani (~650 km). Flying is typically faster and similar in cost for most itineraries.
Bangkok – Pattaya (~150 km via Highway 7): The most popular day-trip drive from Bangkok. Highway 7 is expressway standard from Bangkok’s Bang Na to Pattaya; approximately 90 minutes outside peak hours. EXAT toll fees apply on the elevated Bang Na section; the remainder is free. The Eastern Outer Ring Road (Highway 7 extension toward Laem Chabang) continues to the major port.
Bangkok – Aranyaprathet (Cambodian border, ~255 km via Highway 33): A straightforward drive through flat plains; approximately 3–4 hours. Highway 33 is dual carriageway for much of the route. Aranyaprathet – Poipet is the main overland crossing for Siem Reap and Phnom Penh.
Border Crossings: Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia
Thailand–Myanmar: The main crossings are Mae Sai – Tachileik (Chiang Rai province; the busiest northern crossing) and Mae Sot – Myawaddy (Tak province; major trade corridor). A third-country national crossing requires a valid Myanmar visa or applicable border zone entry pass. Due to the ongoing political and security crisis in Myanmar following the February 2021 military coup, border crossing status changes frequently and many crossings have experienced closures. Always check current status with your national government’s travel advisory before planning a Myanmar border crossing.
Thailand–Laos: The main crossing is Nong Khai – Vientiane via the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge 1 over the Mekong River. Note that Thailand drives on the left and Laos drives on the right; vehicle crossings on the bridge switch sides at the midpoint. Visa on arrival for most nationalities at Laos border crossings. Additional crossings at Mukdahan – Savannakhet (Friendship Bridge 2), Nakhon Phanom – Thakhek (Friendship Bridge 3), and Chiang Khong – Huay Xai (Friendship Bridge 4 — gateway to the slow boat to Luang Prabang).
Thailand–Cambodia: The main crossing is Aranyaprathet – Poipet (Sa Kaeo province) on Highway 33/AH1; Cambodia visa on arrival available. Known for long queues and border touts; allow extra time. Additional crossing at Hat Lek – Cham Yeam (Trat province) for Koh Kong / Sihanoukville access.
Thailand–Malaysia: The main crossing is Sadao – Bukit Kayu Hitam (Songkhla province) on Highway 4/AH2; open 24 hours. Both Thailand and Malaysia drive on the left, so no driving adjustment is required. For most nationalities, visa-free entry into Malaysia applies. Note that the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla in Thailand’s deep south have experienced an ongoing separatist insurgency since 2004; most Western governments advise against non-essential travel to these provinces. Travel via Hat Yai and Sadao is generally unaffected, but journeys through the deep-south interior should be assessed against current travel advisories.
Road Safety and Emergency Procedures
Thailand consistently ranks among the world’s most dangerous countries for road safety, with approximately 17,000–20,000 road fatalities per year — one of the highest per-capita rates in Asia and globally. The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety has repeatedly highlighted Thailand’s fatality rate. Motorcycles and scooters account for approximately 75% of all road deaths. The most dangerous periods are the Songkran festival (Thai New Year, 13–15 April, often extended) and the New Year period (31 December–2 January), officially termed the “Seven Dangerous Days” — when alcohol-related accidents, fatigue, and traffic volume spike sharply. Foreign drivers should exercise significant caution during these periods and strongly consider avoiding intercity road travel altogether.
Motorcycles and scooters: Renting a scooter is extremely popular with tourists in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pai. However, travel insurance frequently does not cover motorcycle accidents if the rider does not hold a valid motorcycle licence in their home country, or for motorcycles over 125 cc. Always: wear a full-face helmet; avoid night riding, particularly in rural areas; avoid riding in monsoon rain on mountain roads; and stick to well-surfaced roads if unfamiliar with the destination.
Night driving on intercity highways: Strongly inadvisable on national highways and provincial roads. Hazards include unlit trucks and buses, stray dogs and cattle on the road, motorcyclists without lights, and potholes. If driving at night is unavoidable, reduce speed significantly and stay on dual-carriageway sections where possible.
Breakdown and accidents: On Bangkok expressways, emergency phones are installed at regular intervals. Switch on hazard lights and move to the hard shoulder. Call 191 (police) or 1669 (ambulance). For tourist areas, 1155 (Tourist Police) provides English-speaking assistance. On national highways, the Highway Police (Trafik Polisi equivalent) patrols major routes. In the event of an accident involving injuries, call 191 and 1669 immediately; do not move injured persons unless there is immediate danger.
Required safety equipment: Vehicles must carry a warning triangle. A fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are strongly recommended. For motorcycles, the helmet requirement is non-negotiable for both rider and pillion.
Emergency numbers summary: Police: 191. Tourist Police (English): 1155. Ambulance / Emergency Medical: 1669. Fire: 199. Highway Police: 1193. These numbers operate 24/7.
FAQ: Driving in Thailand
Q: Does Thailand drive on the left or the right?
A: Thailand drives on the left. This is a legacy shared with neighbouring Myanmar and Malaysia, and is consistent with former British colonial influence in the region. Steering wheels are on the right in Thai-market vehicles. Drivers from right-hand traffic countries (continental Europe, the Americas, most of Asia) must consciously adjust — particularly when turning, at junctions, and when pulling out from parked positions on the roadside.
Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Thailand?
A: Yes — Thai law requires foreign nationals to carry a valid IDP alongside their national licence. Without an IDP, you are technically unlicensed in Thailand and any insurance claim may be voided in an accident. IDPs cannot be obtained in Thailand; apply for one from your home country’s automobile association before departure. Rental companies in tourist areas frequently do not verify IDPs, but this does not make driving without one legal or adequately insured.
Q: Is it safe to rent a motorcycle or scooter in Thailand?
A: Motorbike rental is practical and popular in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pai, but carries significant risks. Thailand records one of the world’s highest motorcycle fatality rates. Key precautions: verify your travel insurance covers motorcycle accidents (many policies require a valid motorcycle licence and exclude bikes over 125 cc); always wear a full-face helmet; avoid riding at night on mountain or rural roads; stay on well-surfaced routes if unfamiliar with the area. Short-distance scooter hire in resort areas at low speeds is lower-risk than intercity riding.
Q: What is Songkran and why should I avoid driving during it?
A: Songkran is the Thai New Year festival (13–15 April, often extending to a full week), celebrated with water-throwing nationwide. The Songkran and New Year periods are Thailand’s deadliest road times — officially the “Seven Dangerous Days” — with fatalities spiking due to drunk driving, extreme traffic volumes (tens of millions of Thais travelling home), and fatigue. If road travel is unavoidable, travel only during daylight hours, avoid intercity highways, consume no alcohol, and use expressways rather than national highways where possible.
Q: How do I pay tolls on Bangkok expressways?
A: Bangkok EXAT expressways accept cash at staffed toll booths (have small notes: 20–50 THB) and Easy Pass electronic transponders. For short visits, cash is most practical. For frequent expressway use, an Easy Pass transponder is available from EXAT offices. The newer M-Flow (free-flow gantry) system deducts from a registered account or sends a post-trip invoice via numberplate recognition; foreign visitors without accounts should settle any M-Flow bills before leaving Thailand.
Q: What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
A: For most visitors, flying is the best option — Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes 1 hour by air and costs approximately 500–1,500 THB on budget carriers (AirAsia, Nok Air) from Don Mueang Airport. Driving is approximately 700 km on Highway 1 (8–10 hours), without motorway-standard roads. The overnight train (approximately 13–14 hours) is a comfortable and scenic alternative, with first-class sleeping berths. Driving makes most sense if you want to stop along the route or if you already have a vehicle in Chiang Mai and want to return it there.
Q: Can I drive from Thailand into Malaysia?
A: Yes. The main crossing is Sadao – Bukit Kayu Hitam (Songkhla province / Kedah, Malaysia) on Highway 4, open 24 hours. Both countries drive on the left, so no adjustment is needed. For most nationalities, Malaysia offers visa-free entry. Cross-border vehicle insurance should be confirmed before crossing. Hat Yai is the main southern Thai city before the crossing; from the border to Kuala Lumpur is approximately 470 km (~5 hours). Note: the deep-south Thai provinces have a security advisory; use the Hat Yai / Sadao corridor and avoid inland cross-border routes in the Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat area.
Q: What navigation apps work best in Thailand?
A: Google Maps provides the best overall coverage of Thailand — excellent live traffic in Bangkok, reliable routing on national highways, and integration with BTS/MRT transit lines. Waze is popular in Bangkok for real-time police checkpoint and hazard warnings. For offline use in remote northern areas (Mae Hong Son Loop, Chiang Rai mountain roads, Doi Inthanon), OsmAnd (OpenStreetMap-based) provides detailed offline navigation including mountain tracks. Grab is the essential ride-hailing app for non-driving transport in Bangkok and all major provincial cities.
Sources and Update Note
This guide was compiled from the following primary sources: Thailand Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and associated ministerial notifications; Department of Highways Thailand (DOH — กรมทางหลวง) official highway network data; Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) official toll and network documentation; WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023; CIA World Factbook — Thailand; Wikipedia — Transport in Thailand and Roads in Thailand; OpenStreetMap Thailand; and official tourism and road authority publications. Speed limits, toll rates, fine amounts, and traffic regulations are correct as of early 2026 and are subject to change. Border crossing status — particularly for Myanmar — is highly dynamic; always verify against your government’s current travel advisory. This page will be updated as regulations change.