Road trips in Thailand

A Thailand road trip can never be too long because there is too much to experience!

It would be hard to pack more excitement into a single country! Thailand offers a wealth of history and culture dating back thousands of years, scenery that includes gorgeous white sand beaches, steamy jungle, towering mountains, and everything in between, along with exotic wildlife, delicious food, and more! Any Thailand adventure tours are the perfect way to experience all of this, and our Thailand motorcycle tours add the thrill of two-wheeled riding.

The diverse geography allows for a variety of riding, as well as other options for Thailand adventure tours. Whether you want an adrenaline rush along twisty mountain roads or casual beach cruises, you will find it in Thailand. Southern Thailand is famous for its beaches, islands, kilometer after kilometer of coastline, and even lush rainforest. Heading north, your Thailand road trip might take you through Bangkok and the lowland plains of central Thailand. Then, far to the north of the country are high plains, mountains, and the city of Chiang Mai. Further east you will find the unspoiled, off-the-beaten-path, agricultural region of Isaan.

There is no shortage of things to do and sights to see in Thailand. You could explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, attend the Full Moon Party at Ko Pha Ngan, or scuba dive off Ko Tao, and still not be bored. There is also trekking along the Burmese border and in other areas, climbing and water sports near Krabi, and the Tarutao National Marine Park, amongst countless other options. Of course, one should not leave Thailand without seeing a Thai boxing match. Just be careful not to overstay your visa, as there are some hefty fines attached to such an offense!

Other Need-to-Know Information about Thailand

The weather will have a big impact on when you take any of the Thailand adventure tours we feature. The geography creates numerous different micro climates throughout the country, but there are three main seasons that cover the majority of the country. The southwest monsoon lasts from May through October, and blankets most areas with torrential rain – not ideal road trip weather! October through February will bring cooler, drier air to much of the country, but parts of the south will still receive heavy rain at times. While it may be a little cooler, these would be the months we recommend for two-wheeled travel. Once February arrives, things will dry up even more, but temperatures will get too hot for comfort, sometimes reaching as high as 40*C during May!

The geography is sure to blow your mind and will be an absolute pleasure to ride through, but the culture you experience during your Thailand road trip will touch your soul! The Thai people are generally very nice and will welcome you to their country if given a chance. Thousands of years of history have left a multitude of phenomenally designed Buddhist temples and statues for you to visit on your road trip adventure. The food is not something that will be quickly forgotten either! Thai people are famed for their cuisine, which includes numerous different rice, noodle, and curry dishes. Maybe you’ve had Pad Thai before, but that will pale in comparison to the real deal. You’ll also have the option to try marvelous fresh salads like som tam, a salad made with shredded raw papaya, or yam ponlamai, which is fruit topped with fish sauce and chilies! Thai cooks make some spectacular sweets as well, like mango sticky rice, or Ka nom cord sai, which must be meticulously prepared.

Unless you happen to be traveling southeast Asia by car or motorcycle, you will likely arrive by plane. The main international airports are located in Bangkok and Phuket. Other international airports are located in Krabi, Chang Mai, Hat Yai, and Ko Samui, but these are mainly limited to flights from other southeast Asian countries. Be aware of the visa requirements! If you are coming from the United States, United Kingom, or European Union by plane, you may stay up to 30 days without a visa. However, different means of arrival and different countries of origin have different rules.

Why Planet Ride should be your only choice for adventure travel in Thailand

No matter which Thailand adventure tours you choose, Planet Ride will provide you a unique road trip experience, and the possibilities are practically endless. We feature everything from 4×4 raids along the Mekong River, to several different Thailand motorcycle tours, and even a scooter tour to Chiang Mai. The expert local partners that we have selected will work closely with you to find a route and vehicle that best fit your trip plans. Once your journey has started that same expert guide will offer a wealth of knowledge, from bike maintenance to local traditions.

To give you a sense of our Thailand road trip tours, a couple of examples are included here. For starters, a 21-day 4×4 adventure will take you through Mae Said, Thailand’s northernmost city, and Chiang Mai, along with numerous stops in Laos and Cambodia. The Toyota HDJ 80 Land Cruisers will handle anything you throw at them and put a smile on your face as you explore the small dirt backroads of these countries.

Thailand motorcycle tours are an incredibly fun way to see the country! From 7 to 13 days, and anywhere in between, you will have unbridled freedom as you criss-cross the country. Take off on a Harley Electra Glide or Road King to explore Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. You’ll arrive in Bangkok and pass through several cities on the way to Chiang Mai. From there, you’ll venture to Thailand’s highest peak, an elephant camp, and several other cities, including the ancient Ayutthaya. Our Chiang Mai scooter tour offers a similar itinerary but lets you ride a zippy little Honda 125cc scooter. You’ll meet and cook with locals, take in the sights of the Mae Hong Son Valley and a few other stops, before returning to Chiang Mai. Another option is to discover the gems of the south. Saddle up and head out to find hot springs, mangroves, waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches near Ranong, then head to Phuket and Krabi. Spend a day trip to Kho Phi Phi island before some more beach cruising. Finally, you’ll have to leave the oceanside resort of Hua Hin and head back to Bangkok.