By Car

Thailand has a good up-to-date network of well-maintained roads and highways between all main centres. Much of the north-south route is dual carriageway. Road signage follows international convention and usually are in Thai and English. Often the smaller roads, known as Sois, are in Thai only.

Night driving is not recommended on the open road due to heavy truck traffic, which tends to have little respect for cars. Motor bikes can also be a hazard, particularly as they are often ridden into oncoming traffic. Driving on the most of the major routes outside Bangkok and around resort areas is both a safe and an enjoyable experience. A self-drive holiday offers the opportunity to experience wonderful Thai culture and the opportunity for travellers to stop as long as they like at the many points of interest in the Kingdom.

Most cars in Thailand use unleaded petrol, which is sold by the litre. While vans use diesel. Both fuels are freely available throughout Thailand and prices generally range between Baht 14. to Baht 17.- per litre for them. Fuel stations are plentiful and most of the larger ones accept major international credit cards. In more remote locations cash will be required. Check the daily oil prices here

Road Rules

Thailand uses the left-hand system. The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60 km/h (35 mp/h) and varies between 100 and 120 km/h (60-72 mp/h) on expressways and country roads.

Police regularly check motorists' speed. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drunk driving laws apply. All insurance is invalid if drivers exceed the legal alcohol limit.

Car Rental

While there are numerous car rental companies as well as comprehensive self drive holiday packages available it is worth noting that rentals from many of the smaller companies are not covered by insurance and you will be liable for any damage to the vehicle regardless of who is at fault.

Several Internationally recognised car rental companies either have offices in Thailand or have allocated agents here. While these companies are generally more expensive they do tend to offer better insurance coverage.