Thailand Southbound: Caves, Coasts & Tropical Roads: 5 Days Self-Drive

Leave the city behind and journey south on a self-drive adventure through changing landscapes, limestone caves, coastal national parks, quiet seaside towns and the tropical west coast of Thailand. From the dramatic scenery of Khao Sam Roi Yot and the impressive Phraya Nakhon Cave to the peaceful roads along the Myanmar border and the natural hot springs of Ranong, this journey gradually shifts from urban Thailand to a slower, greener and more coastal side of the country. The journey takes you from Bangkok through Nakhon Pathom, Phetchaburi, Hua Hin, Bang Saphan and Ranong, before continuing to Phuket, Khao Lak or Krabi on Thailand’s Andaman coast.

Day 1: Bangkok – Nakhon Pathom – Petchaburi - Hua Hin

Your car will be delivered to your hotel in Bangkok. You will receive all the instructions in regard to your vehicle for your overland self-drive adventure down south. Travel on the highway from Bangkok to Hua Hin via Nakhon Pathom, Phetchburi and Cha - Am to Hua Hin.

On the way to Hua Hin we recommend taking various stops, such as the Phra Pathom Chedi, the highest Buddhist building in Thailand or the stone park Khao Ngu at Ratburi with various limestone mountains, lakes and countless monkeys. In Petchaburi it is worth visiting Tham Khao Luang, a cave shrine full of stalactites and Buddha figures.

Overnight in Hua Hin.

Estimated driving distance: approximately 300 km.

Day 2: Hua Hin - Khao Sam Roi Yot - Bang Saphan (B)

After breakfast and check-out, explore a bit more of Hua Hin and continue your journey southwards via Khao Sam Roi Yot to Bang Saphan.

The Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is certainly a highlight of this trip. The name of the park “Mountain with 300 peaks” already describes the impressive natural landscape very well. Huge swamps, rugged limestone mountains and mangrove forests stretch over a 100 km² coastal area. Take a boat to Laem Sala Beach and venture up the impressive Phraya Nakhon Cave.

Overnight in Bang Saphan, Prachuab Khirikhan.

Estimated driving distance: approximately 180 km.

Day 3: Bang Saphan – Ranong (B)

After breakfast and check-out, continue your journey to Ranong. Today you drive along the border with Myanmar to the west coast of Thailand. Finally, the road runs alongside the Maenam Kraburi River, which separates the two countries from each other towards the coast and flows into the Andaman Sea. 

Overnight in Ranong.

Estimated driving distance: approximately 230 km.

Day 4: Ranong (B)

Recommend to visit: The Raksawarin Ranong Hot Springs are a bit on the outskirts of Ranong City. These natural hot springs have been a popular tourist destination since King Rama V visited Ranong in 1890. There are three sources of hot water in the same area. Water comes out at 65 °C. This is the purest natural source of hot water in Thailand as there is no Sulphur contaminated at all which allows visitors can drink the water at the hot spring. In the park dedicated to Raksawarin Hot Springs, there are basins forming a spa open to the public.

Overnight in Ranong

Day 5: Ranong – Phuket/Khao Lak or Krabi (B)

After breakfast and check-out, drive to Phuket/Khao Lak or Krabi to deliver back your rental car at your hotel before 17:00 hours.

Suggested Itinerary: All visits and activities mentioned are suggestions only and are not included to the tour prices.

Included services:

Accommodation in shared Twin/Double room with air-conditioning and private bathroom (Hua Hin/Prachub Khirikhan and Ranong)
Meals as mentioned in this programme (Breakfast only)
Internet SIM card valid for 8 days (upon activation) incl. 3GB data for selfdrive package

Recommended travel period:

01 November – 30 April

Excluded services:

Supplement for the specific language requested
Meals and services not mentioned in this programme
The tour itinerary is suggestion only. All admission fee/boat are pay locally by clients
Car rental and any related costs to the car rental such as fuel, tollway and parking fees – pay locally by clients.
Donations to temples; these are voluntary and are not included in this programme.
Optional tours.
Personal expenss, such as additional meals, drinks, gratuities, souvenirs, etc.
Thailand visa fee (if required).
Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, unless mentioned in this programme.
Compulsory Dinners (see surcharge section)
Supplements for travelling during peak seasons (see surcharge section)
Expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry, etc.
Travel insurance (cover against all cancellation costs, medical expenses, including repatriation, in the event of accident or illness)

Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand
Image Source. LCC DTH Thailand