Thread: Phuket to Bangkok by motorcycle, best route?

I found a nice bike for sale in Phuket so flew down today to pick it up. I've been scouring Google maps for the best route back but haven't made this trip before so don't know more than what I can see on the map. Plan to head out in the morning and will try to make the trip in one day as I would like to be back to work Tuesday morning.

Any suggestions from anyone familiar with the roads between Phuket and Bangkok? I'm mainly concerned with avoiding heavy traffic and don't mind going a bit off the beaten path if it means avoiding homicidal bus and lorry drivers. Thanks all for your suggestions.

Hi Timber
Can not help you much with the route, but thought I would bump this thread for those who might know.

But please be careful, and don't try to rush back just to get to work.
I had a mate a couple of years ago that went to pick-up a bike in Pattaya and didn't make it back.
Ride safe.

you got not a lot of choice really and I have done this trip many times, right one is you always have to get off the island then head to Surat Thani then you join the main highway to Bangkok, the other way is you also get of the island and follow the coast road to Rannong and then head over the mountains to Chumpon and you join the same main highway but much further up.

Most times what I do is to get to Hua Hin and stop the night 6 or 7 hours drive from Phuket get your head down have a couple of beers then get up in the morning have breakfast and get on your way, enjoy your trip mate

Nice to see ya back posting, Timber!

Good luck with your travels!

Thanks much for the responses, I've heard the routes can be a bit hazardous so will definitely cautious.

FarangRed, is either way significantly quicker or less congested? Seems to me that the western route would be a more scenic and enjoyable ride but the eastern route would be quicker?

Cheers RS, good to be back, I'm usually lurking just too busy with working to post much.

Have you thought about riding to Surat Thani (or further north) and then putting the bike on the train ?

^no, hadn't crossed my mind. I will do some research and look into it, thanks for the tip. To be honest though I'm actually looking forward to the ride even if it's a bit rough. I need a break from the city.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Have you thought about riding to Surat Thani (or further north) and then putting the bike on the train ?

that is the best suggestion, Phuk to ST is a nice ride, the rest to BKK is murderous. Done it many times, both bike and car and Happy that I will do it no more.

That ride will take you around 13 hours. What bike have you found ? I hope it has a comfortable seat, or you might need to borrow Butterfly's rubber ring when you get back



Here's a nutter who did Bangkok to Phuket and back on a scooter
Thailand motorcycle trip report: Bangkok to Phuket; 900 kilometers in 16 hours

Originally Posted by Timber

Thanks much for the responses, I've heard the routes can be a bit hazardous so will definitely cautious.

FarangRed, is either way significantly quicker or less congested? Seems to me that the western route would be a more scenic and enjoyable ride but the eastern route would be quicker?

Timber, the western route is more scenic you go through Khao Lak then to Taklua Paa then on to Ranong then the ride over the mountains to Chumpon nice drive you could still get the train in Chumpon if you wanted.

Then stop over in Bang Sapan Noi I've done that before, that's if you dont have to rush back

Originally Posted by Timber

Seems to me that the western route would be a more scenic and enjoyable ride but the eastern route would be quicker?

That's it in a nutshell.

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Have you thought about riding to Surat Thani (or further north) and then putting the bike on the train ?

I would really consider this option.
Last night in Chumphon we had very heavy thunderstorms, with worse predicted for today.
No fun at all for riding in.


Good luck with the trip.

Thanks again for the tips guys. If you seasoned long timers are saying it's smartest to take the train for the second leg I believe it will be in my best interest to listen to you.

I have to meet the former owner at the DLT this morning as he wants the paperwork sorted before I take off for bkk. Then it's on to the western route and I will attempt to catch the train in Chumpon as per FRs suggestion.

Here she is:

[/IMG]

Cafe racer Based on a vintage Suzy? looks cool timba.

Thanks Peter, it's a Yamaha 600srx. I've always been a fan of the single cylinder Thumper and couldn't resist when I saw this one for sale.

single cylinder Thumper

all the more reason not to ride too far. I like them as well, but certainly not for long trips. your arms and hands will be like quivering Jelly after 150 k.

Farang Red gave ya the only routes
i have driven both ways and prefer going via Ranong and stopping at Hua Hin. By car averaging 100kms /hr about 9 hours with stops for gas and food

Thereare twongood route from Phuket to bkk. One takes two days the othr can be done in aday.
The scenic way is north hwy 4 to Ranong. Stay the night in Ranong. From Ranong its a anout 7 hours to bkk.
The faster way is pick up hwy 44 near Krabi. Though the floods last year washed out a bridge.
I preffer the route through Ranong. Some good eating in Ranong too.

Its actually nicer to stop in Ranong and travel that really scenic bit out of Ranong in the morning when its cool and less traffic. In the afternoons that stretch of road between Ranong and Chumpon can be a zoo with all the trucks hussling thier loads of fish to bkk.

Originally Posted by Timber

it's on to the western route and I will attempt to catch the train in Chumpon as per FRs suggestion.

Wise choice, mate. enjoy!

Originally Posted by Timber

Then it's on to the western route and I will attempt to catch the train in Chumpon as per FRs suggestion.

Trains north to Bangkok (from Chumphon) run regularly from 19:30 until about 02:00


Train timetable link Thailand By Train: Thailcnd Southern Line Railway Timetable

There are a few rules re trans MC on train, you goota get there early and tie it down yr self. check before going

Thanks stoke for the train schedule and everyone for your help. Unfortunately stuck in Phuket town until 1300 waiting for the Transport office to give the green book back. So looks like will definitely be making this a 2 day trip. Will Go to Chumpon today and stay overnight and consider my options from there on in the morning. Will snap some photos along the way for a trip report later.

Originally Posted by Timber

Thanks again for the tips guys. If you seasoned long timers are saying it's smartest to take the train for the second leg I believe it will be in my best interest to listen to you.

I have to meet the former owner at the DLT this morning as he wants the paperwork sorted before I take off for bkk. Then it's on to the western route and I will attempt to catch the train in Chumpon as per FRs suggestion.

Here she is:

[/IMG]

Thats is 1 nice looking bike for around 135,000 B.

Thats you sorted Timber all you need now is your green book and get on your way