- \n
- Unesco Sites<\/strong>\u00a0: Ayutthaya &\u00a0Sukhothai &\u00a0Si Satchanalai Park<\/li>\n
- Museum<\/strong> – Chicken Bowl Museum<\/li>\n
- Temple<\/strong> –\u00a0Wat Prathat Lampang Luang temple & White Temple & Doi Suthep<\/li>\n
- Park<\/strong> –\u00a0Singha Beer Park<\/li>\n
- University<\/strong> –\u00a0Mae Fah Luang University<\/li>\n
- Culture<\/strong> –\u00a0Long Neck Karen Village<\/li>\n
- Mountain<\/strong> –\u00a0Mae Salong<\/li>\n
- Attraction<\/strong> –\u00a0Golden Triangle<\/li>\n
- Camp<\/strong> – Elephant Camp<\/li>\n
- Botanical Garden<\/strong> –\u00a0Tweechol Botanic Garden<\/li>\n
- City Tour<\/strong> – Chiang Mai<\/li>\n
- Night market\u00a0 bazaar<\/strong> – Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai<\/li>\n
- Impromptu stop<\/strong> : Truck Museum & Khmer temple & hot springs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Before my departure, there are some preparation work to be done. \u00a0These are the few action item:<\/p>\n
Action item\/Checklist before departure:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Plan your travel route and daily Itinerary<\/li>\n
- Book air ticket in advance during promotion to get cheaper ticket through trip.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Book hotel through\u00a0agoda.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Car rental booking through rentalcars.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Make sure you have your valid driving license and get your international driving permit before you depart.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Tips for Self Driving in Thailand<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Car Rental<\/strong> – Book online and get your car from the airport. Do make sure to indicate you need GPS because not all rental cars has GPS. Our car rental did not have GPS and they told us they have run out of GPS but luckily we have subscribe mobile data so we are able to use google map from our phone. Bring along the car charger, we have forgotten to bring along our car charger<\/strong> but luckily able to get one in the 7 Eleven on the first night.<\/p>\n
If you book car rental online, it is important for you to print out a hard copy of the insurance protection<\/strong> you have paid for. That way, the staff in the car rental will not ask you to purchase again. Some car rental insist you to purchase car insurance even you have told them you have already purchase online because they don’t believe you have already did as they can’t see it from their system. (We experience that in Japan & UK). Rentalcar.com is an online agent not the car rental company. Remember to print out the copy to show them as proof. Or you can opt out for car protection insurance when you book online but make sure you purchase with the staff when you pick up the car. Either way is ok. The key is to have car protection insurance and also don’t need to purchase twice.<\/p>\n
Driving in Thailand<\/strong> – The driver seat is at the right hand side, just like any other commonwealth countries. As long as you don’t\u00a0 go into the major big cities such as Bangkok downtown, it is pretty easy to navigate. The roads trip in outside Bangkok are wide and well paved. I am quite impressed at how well and easy to drive in Thailand. (Well, I mean outskirt and their highway). There are plenty of rest areas, just like in Malaysia highway. Well, if you can drive in Malaysia, I see no reason you cannot do it in Thailand. Nothing like Vietnam which has hundreds of bikes. Always plan and reach your destination before sky turn dark. It is very important as some places may not have the road lights. We usually reach our hotel before 6.30 pm.<\/p>\n
Parking<\/strong> – All parking overnight in the hotel is free.\u00a0 Other sightseeing parking are mostly free too.<\/p>\n
People<\/strong> – Thai people are super friendly and even you are lost, they are always very happy to help you out with their broken English. You will figure out a way to communicate, either with body language and face gesture and some hand sign. It is best way to test out your acting skill here.<\/p>\n
Below map show our 8 days self driving in Thailand, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. \u00a0We rented the car from Bangkok and return our car rental in Chiang Mai and flew back from Chiang Mai Airport. \u00a0Rough estimation – 1120km, but I am sure we did way more than that. \u00a0It was an easy, pretty safe and fun self driving experience one should not miss!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/bkk-google-map_2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Thailand-1024x919.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 1 – Bangkok to Ayutthaya<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
We took our car rental from Bangkok Airport and immediately drive away from Bangkok simply Bangkok is not an easy place to drive. Rule no.1 is get familiarise with the car and environment first, so always drive away from the city area to avoid heavy traffic when you just touched down to any new cities\/country.<\/p>\n
Our first destination is Ayutthaya<\/strong> which is less than 100km from airport. It is an ancient capital of Siam after Sukhotai. It was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century but the ruins is still very incredibly stunning. We saw westerner tourists hired private van to visit here but you can actually do it with rental car, that way you can move up north and not returning back to Bangkok again.\u00a0 It is more flexible and economical. Plenty of photo opportunities everywhere. Bring along an umbrella as the ruin area is not sheltered and can be very hot.<\/p>\n
42C The Chic Hotel is located at Nakhon Sawan, about 2 hours drive from Ayutthya historical site.\u00a0 The hotel is newly built and easy to find.\u00a0 There are also plenty of eateries outside the hotel.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \n
- \n
- Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya city (94.5km)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Highlight –\u00a0Historic City of Ayutthaya –\u00a0second Siamese capital (Unesco)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hotel – 42C The Chic Hotel<\/a><\/strong> at Nakhon Sawan (166km from Ayutthaya)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161224_151517e-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 2 – Sukhothai<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Nakhon Sawan \u2013 Sukhothai (185km)<\/li>\n
- Highlight – Historical City of Sukhothai – First Siamese capital (Unesco)<\/li>\n
- Hotel – Legendha Sukhothai Hotel<\/a><\/strong> at Sukhothai<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sukhotai<\/strong> was capital of the first kingdom of Siam about 800 years ago. From Ayutthaya to Sukhotai the distance is about 350km which took us about 4.5 hours. This is another incredible Unesco World Heritage Site in Thailand. There are several temple ruins in Sukhotai and this place has lesser tourist because it sit in the middle of Thailand and without a car, it is not easy to make it here. The ruins are incredibly remarkable.<\/p>\n
Our hotel has a cultural show at night which start at around 7 or 8 pm for free. So do stay in Legendha Sukhothai Hotel<\/strong>, highly recommended as it is truly a beautiful resort. There are also food offering activities to the monk in early morning, at 6.30am.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161225_165855-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 3 – Lampang<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Sukhothai<\/span> – Si Satchanalai Historical Park (55.7km)<\/li>\n
- Si Satchanalai Historical Park – Lampang (154km)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Chicken bowl museum Lampang<\/li>\n
- Wat Prathat Lampang Luang temple<\/li>\n
- Lampang River Lodge Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Sukhothai to Lampang takes about 3 hours. On the way, we stopped by another Unesco Site, Si Satchanalai Historical Park which is located in the mountain area. This place used to be the second home of the Sukhothai Kingdom. You don’t find many tourists here as it is not easy to reach without a car. However, it is a site worth to visit if you are on your way to Lampang.<\/p>\n
Lampang<\/strong> is famous for it chicken bowl and its history so visit Lampang Dhanabadee Ceramic Museum and see how chicken bowls were made. You can also hands on how to make one and bring home as a souvenirs. There is an English guided tour who walk you through the whole museum.<\/p>\n
Wat Phra That Lampang Luang<\/strong> is an exquisite temples 30 mins away from Lampang city. What made the temple so famous is Buddha once visited the site 2,500 years ago and donated a hair and it was still kept in the temple.<\/p>\n
Lampang River Lodge<\/strong> is the ideal resort for nature lover as it is located on the river banks and surrounded by nature. There are ducks and peacocks roaming freely at the hotel resort. In the morning, you will have your breakfast next to the river, surrounded by whole green forest. The location of the hotel is a bit far from city but it is not a problem if you are driving with a rental car.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161226_163850e-589x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 4 – Chiang Rai<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Lampang \u2013 Chiang Rai\u00a0(227km)<\/li>\n
- Toilet break stopover at Phayao<\/li>\n
- White temple Chiang Mai<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
- Singha Beer Park<\/li>\n
- Outside of one of the Karen Long neck village<\/li>\n
- Mae Fah Luang University<\/li>\n
- Phufa Waree Chiangrai Resort<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
An impromptu stop<\/strong> in a small museum on the road side to Chiang Rai which displayed all sort of antique trucks and huge fancy motorbikes.<\/p>\n
Singha Park Chiang Rai<\/strong> has got something to do with Singha Beer. The park is very big and you need to hop on the tram to visit the park or you may want to rent a bicycle to ride around the park. Entrance to the park is free and the restaurants there are great.<\/p>\n
White Temple<\/strong> is one of the highlight not to be missed. The whole temple is white which is truly stunning to view from afar. Plenty of shopping outside the temple.<\/p>\n
Mae Fah Luang University<\/strong> is the most beautiful university in Thailand and it truly is. Since we have a car, we drive in to check out the university.<\/p>\n
Phufa Waree Chiangrai Resort<\/strong> is a simple hotel compared to the previous hotel we stayed for the past few days. It is far away from Chiang Rai city which is what we choose here as we were heading to Golden Triangle the following day and it is nearer from this hotel.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161227_145211-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 5 – Golden Triangle & Chiang Rai<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle\u00a0<\/a>(70km)<\/li>\n
- Golden Triangle – Mae Salong (1 hour drive)<\/li>\n
- Mae Salong – Long neck Karen Village ( 1 hour )<\/li>\n
- Long Neck Karen Village – Singha Beer Park ( 30 min)<\/li>\n
- Laluna Hotel and Resort<\/a><\/strong> in Chiang Rai city<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Golden Triangle<\/strong>\u00a0is 3 countries borders together, Thailand, Laos & Myanmar. It has no opium activities now. There is an opium museum nearby if you are interested to find out the opium history.\u00a0 The boat ride look interesting along Mekong River.<\/p>\n
Mae Salong Village<\/strong> is a village in the mountain area which was used to stayed by the “lost army” of the Republic of China Army’s 93 Division (Koumingtang\u00a0\/\u00a0KMT descendants). So you will see quite a few of Chinese influence in this village including a Chinese school. This place use to be good harvest place for opium but now all been replaced with tea plantations. The market in Mae Salong offer local souvenirs, quite nice to stroll around and take picture with the minorities ethnic tribe.<\/p>\n
Karen Long Neck<\/strong> is another highlight in Chiang Rai not to be missed.<\/p>\n
Laluna Hotel<\/strong> is well located in the Chiang Rai City which is very near to the night bazaar.\u00a0 Hotel surrounded by lot of green and with a nice big pool.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161228_153848-1024x768.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 6 – Chiang Mai<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai (200km)<\/li>\n
- Stopover at Hot spring\/Khmer Style temple on the highway<\/li>\n
- Doi Suthep<\/a> temple – most famous in Chiang Mai<\/li>\n
- Horizon Village & Resort<\/a><\/strong> at\u00a0Tweechol Botanic Garden, outskirt of Chiang Mai<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai highway<\/strong> is an easy drive but a bit hilly an hour before you reach Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n
Impromptu stop<\/strong> at Old Khmer Style temple with hot spring.<\/p>\n
Doi Suthep temple<\/strong> is located in the mountain which is very famous in Chiang Mai. 300 stairs to climb up to the temple and expect lots of tourists.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161229_163523-625x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 7 – Chiang Mai <\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Exploring Tweechol Botanic Garden<\/li>\n
- Chiang Mai – Elephant camp<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel<\/a><\/strong> in Chiang Mai town area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Horizon Village & Resort <\/strong>is located in the Tweechol Botanical Garden. The Botanical Garden has plenty to offer, such as free tram ride, bicycle riding, petting zoo; complimentary for guests who stay in the hotel resort. You need whole morning to explore this botanical park.<\/p>\n
Elephant Camp Mae Wang<\/strong> is a must visit in Chiang Mai. Strongly suggest you to do the 45 min elephant ride through the river and jungle. You get very up close\u00a0with the elephants such as feeding them and patting them. Elephant Camp Mae Wang does not have elephant show such as elephant painting and other tricks. Elephant Camp Mae Wang only offer elephant ride and the most fun part was when the elephant go down to the river and walk in the water. That was a pretty exciting experience for me. You may need to bring an extra sets of clothing in case you get wet. An elephant can sit up to 3 pax, one at the neck of the elephant and another 2 pax at the elephant back. The cost is 1000 baht in 2015 (SGD42.00\u00a0 or USD 30.00 )for an elephant.<\/p>\n
Explore Chiang Mai Night Market<\/strong> near the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel. Nicely located in the city center.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161230_134318e-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 8 – Chiang Mai City Tour<\/a><\/strong><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Tha Phae Gate<\/li>\n
- Wat Phan Tao -temple<\/li>\n
- Three Kings Monument<\/li>\n
- Wat Chedi Luang Worawihan -temple<\/li>\n
- Wat Thung Yu -temple<\/li>\n
- Phra Singh temple<\/li>\n
- Chiang Mai Airport (less than 30 mins from Chiang Mai town)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
We still have the whole morning to do a city tour in Chiang Mai.\u00a0 The above are the important sites and temples in Chiang Mai city which you can do by walking.<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/20161231_112227-576x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFood Guide :<\/strong><\/h2>\n
- \n
- Tom Yum Gung<\/strong> – Hot & Spicy & Sour Soup<\/li>\n
- Pad Thai<\/strong> – Fried Rice Noodles<\/li>\n
- Kao Na Phet<\/strong> – Served with plate of rice with duck meat<\/li>\n
- Moo Dad Diew<\/strong> – Deep fried pork marinated in dark sweet soy sauce then deep-fried.<\/li>\n
- Larb Moo<\/strong>– minced pork and liver dressed with lime juice, fish sauce, mint leaves, onions, chilies and the essential toasted rice crunch.<\/li>\n
- Nam Tok Moo<\/strong> – Grilled tender juicy pork is mingled with generous portions of lemon juice, green onions, chili, mint sprigs, fish sauce and toasted rice.<\/li>\n
- Pad Ga Pow Moo Kai Dow<\/strong> – Chicken, pork or minced meat is stir fried in oil with garlic, chilies, small green vegetables like green beans and the vibrant basil<\/li>\n
- Thai Dessert<\/strong> –\u00a0Durian Coconut Milk Soup with Sticky Rice & Mangoes Sticky Rice,\u00a0Khao Mao Tod (Fried Banana with Roasted Rice)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
My Budget for 3 pax :<\/strong><\/h1>\n
- \n
- Air ticket<\/strong> : From Singapore to Bangkok and Return – Chiang Mai to Singapore : SGD 400 per pax = Total SGD 1200<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Hotel<\/strong> : SGD 150 x 7 night = SGD 1050<\/strong> for 3 pax<\/li>\n
- Car Rental<\/strong> : SGD 500<\/strong> Toyota Sedan Altis with insurance<\/li>\n
- Other expense (meals & petrol & entrance for Karen Long neck & elephant camp) <\/strong>: SGD 80 – 100 per day for 3 pax => Total of 8 days = SGD (640 – 800)<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Total for 3 pax<\/strong> : SGD 3,550<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Total per pax<\/strong> : SGD 1,184<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Disclaimer –\u00a0<\/strong>The above is based on my budget and it varies depend on what sort of hotel\u00a0stay and where you have your meal at and what you buy.<\/p>\n
The meals in Thailand are relatively cheap compared to Singapore and most of our dinner we had it in our hotel.\u00a0 If you choose to eat out, I am sure it is going to be cheaper. We choose to eat in the hotel because we are too tired to go out to search for food and usually rest early.<\/p>\n
You may also like other self drive destination :<\/strong><\/h2>\n
- \n
- \u00a0Self Drive in Kyushu Island Japan<\/a>\u00a0(Fukuoka, Beppu, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Miyazaki)<\/li>\n
- Self Drive in Central Region Japan<\/a>\u00a0(Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go,Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Nagoya)<\/li>\n
- Self Drive in Britain, United Kingdom<\/a>\u00a0( England, Wales & Edinburgh)<\/li>\n
- Self Drive USA California\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Self Drive in Taiwan Round The Island<\/a><\/li>\n
- Self Drive Malaysia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Singapore Itinerary<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
I have affiliate program with the following booking website, so please click at your preference booking website here to check the hotels or airbnb you like to stay for your Thailand trip.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
- Self Drive in Central Region Japan<\/a>\u00a0(Gifu, Takayama, Shirakawa-go,Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Matsumoto, Mt Fuji, Nagoya)<\/li>\n
- Hotel<\/strong> : SGD 150 x 7 night = SGD 1050<\/strong> for 3 pax<\/li>\n
- Pad Thai<\/strong> – Fried Rice Noodles<\/li>\n
- Tom Yum Gung<\/strong> – Hot & Spicy & Sour Soup<\/li>\n
- The Imperial Mae Ping Hotel<\/a><\/strong> in Chiang Mai town area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Horizon Village & Resort<\/a><\/strong> at\u00a0Tweechol Botanic Garden, outskirt of Chiang Mai<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Si Satchanalai Historical Park – Lampang (154km)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Sukhothai<\/span> – Si Satchanalai Historical Park (55.7km)<\/li>\n
- Hotel – 42C The Chic Hotel<\/a><\/strong> at Nakhon Sawan (166km from Ayutthaya)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Highlight –\u00a0Historic City of Ayutthaya –\u00a0second Siamese capital (Unesco)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Bangkok Airport to Ayutthaya city (94.5km)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Book hotel through\u00a0agoda.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Museum<\/strong> – Chicken Bowl Museum<\/li>\n