2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand

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This is our 4^th epic road trip from Singapore to Thailand. The past three years, the destination was Phuket. This year, we set our sights further north, to Bangkok and ultimately Rayong province to visit some of my friends there.

Although this is our 4^th trip, uncertainties still abound. Things have changed: We hear that the Sadao immigration construction work has been completed and is now a drive through experience. If you are planning to drive your own vehicle into Thailand via Sadao, it is important you read about the new procedure HERE.

We wonder how it would be like to drive north of Phuket, and how difficult it will be to navigate Bangkok’s famous traffic jams.

This is the route we will be taking for this trip:

Singapore – Kuala Lumpur – Taiping – Hatyai – Chumphon – Bangkok – Rayong – Hua Hin – Phuket – Jitra – Taiping – Putrajaya – Singapore

Click HERE for the Route Summary

Do join me for the next 3 weeks as I chart our 4000km journey. I appreciate all of you who read my blog, especially my subscribers and those who have left their comments and encouraging words.

This is part 1 of my 2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand Blog Series, click HERE for part 2!

2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand Blog Series:

I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read my blog. Please subscribe by dropping me an email at lenniechua@gmail.com and do also feel free to contact me if you have any queries or comments!

Blog Series

2019 Thailand Fly & Drive (Bangkok, Khao Kho, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son Loop, Chiang Khan, Khon Kaen, Khao Yai, Pattaya)
2019 Cameron Highlands Brothers Drive
2018 Bali Drive
2017 Hungary Winter Drive
2017 Hokkaido Winter Drive
2019 Drive from Singapore to Thailand (Krabi, Phuket)
2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand (Bangkok, Rayong)
2017 Drive from Singapore to Thailand (Krabi, Phuket)
2016 Drive from Singapore to Thailand

Road Trips–Asia Facebook Group

28Comments

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1

Vincent on Jun 1, 2018 at 8:51 am
Reply

I have drove in Bangkok too. Need not worry too much. Just need to be caution that certain time you need to drive into one of the opposite lane to make right turn. I rely on the GPS that came with the rental car which provide such information. Hope that you got a good GPS. Good Luck! Do update more on Sadao Custom clearance. See if we should do the vehicle import first or custom clearance.
- 2
  
  Len Chua on Jun 4, 2018 at 2:53 am
  Reply
  
  Hi Vincent, thanks for the encouragement! We have crossed over the Sadao border safely into Thailand. Do read my latest post about the updated procedure here>> https://lenniechua.wordpress.com/2018/06/04/2018-singapore-thailand-drive-a-completely-new-border-crossing/
  - 3
    
    Vincent on Jun 4, 2018 at 8:57 am
    
    No problem. After reading your previous roadtrip, I brought my family for roadtrip to Phuket too last December. Quite a interesting drive into Thailand. It was my second time driving into Thailand, hoping to do another one to Bangkok soon. It will be also a dream to drive to Chiang Mai in the near future.
  - 4
    
    Len Chua on Jun 4, 2018 at 9:42 am
    
    Cool bro, I want to drive to Chiangmai too sometime. Maybe someday we can do a convoy haha. Unfortunate we might not be able to do the drive next year. So this year will be our last drive for awhile
  - 5
    
    Vincent on Jun 4, 2018 at 12:25 pm
    
    Hmm… Sounds like getting ready for P6 exam?
  - 6
    
    Len Chua on Jun 4, 2018 at 6:04 pm
    
    Haha no la, I started a new job thay might not allow me so much time off in June.
  - 7
    
    Vincent on Jun 5, 2018 at 8:05 am
    
    I see. Mean time just enjoy your road trip now. 🙂
8

2016 Drive from Singapore to Thailand – Day 1 | Little Lion's Lifebook on Jun 4, 2018 at 1:56 am
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[…] 2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand Blog Series […]
9

2016 Road Trip from Singapore to Thailand – Day 2 – Crossing the Border at Bukit Kayu Hitam / Sadao | Little Lion's Lifebook on Jun 4, 2018 at 1:58 am
Reply

[…] 2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand Blog Series […]
10

2016 Drive from Singapore to Thailand – Day 2 – Driving Conditions from Sadao to Phuket | Little Lion's Lifebook on Jun 4, 2018 at 1:59 am
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[…] 2018 Drive from Singapore to Thailand Blog Series […]
11

joythegreat on Jul 8, 2018 at 12:40 pm
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Hi Len just wondering if there’s Euro Deisel 5 in Thailand (after Sadao crossing from Malaysia)? Pls advise with thanks. Also thanks for your detailed of your road trip, very inspiring to do one with family soon!
- 12
  
  Danny on Jul 17, 2018 at 9:46 am
  Reply
  
  Regards to Euro 5, i understand Thailand was using Euro 4 since 2005 which had much less sulphur than Euro 2. But I’ve bought a 20 liter fuel tank to supplement Thai fuel for my Phuket Koh Samui trip next year.
- 13
  
  Lennie Chua on Jul 17, 2018 at 9:58 am
  Reply
  
  Hi now Thailand has Euro5 at selected fuel stations. Lookout for the signs for Premium Diesel
14

Roy on Jul 16, 2018 at 2:28 pm
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Just want to say that your blog inspired my family to take the drive to Thailand last month. Looking forward to the next one. Have a great road trip!
- 15
  
  Vincent on Jul 17, 2018 at 8:27 am
  Reply
  
  Hi Roy, where did you go too? I have done 2 trips into Thailand. First was to Hatyai and last year end to Phuket. It was quite a fun drive if all family members enjoy road trip.
  - 16
    
    Roy on Jul 20, 2018 at 2:17 pm
    
    Hi Vincent. We visited Trang, Phuket. Khao Lak, Krabi and Hatyai. Chiang Mai next? 🙂
  - 17
    
    Vincent on Jul 20, 2018 at 6:13 pm
    
    Hi Roy, me too. Looking forward to Chiang Mai too.
- 18
  
  Lennie Chua on Jul 17, 2018 at 9:59 am
  Reply
  
  Thanks Roy! Please subscribe to y blog!
19

Jijosh on Mar 31, 2019 at 10:51 pm
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Encouraging and detailed blog to guide for a road trip. My current Singapore car insurance is valid up to 80km from Malaysia border in to Thailand. Will the third party insurance mentioned in the blog be sufficient or need to extend it from Singapore agent ? The extension quote is ~50SGD + GST per day.
- 20
  
  Lennie Chua on Apr 1, 2019 at 12:12 pm
  Reply
  
  You have to decide for yourself I didnt extend it
  - 21
    
    Jijosh on Apr 1, 2019 at 6:38 pm
    
    Basically I wanted to understand what is covered with the third party insurance taken from Malaysia? And even if we extend current insurance from Singapore, must take this one ?
  - 22
    
    Lennie Chua on Apr 2, 2019 at 8:03 am
    
    The third party coverage in thailand doesnt cover your own vehicle, it only covers damage done to other vehicles. Even if u extend your singapore coverage, you are still required by Thai law to purchase the 3rd party insurance in Thailand. So if you dont extend your Singapore coverage, you are taking a risk for the time you drive in Thailand.
  - 23
    
    Danny on Apr 3, 2019 at 10:39 am
    
    Hi, I’m Danny writing from T.intan, Msia. Last December 2018, I bought a 800 baht 3rd party insurance in Betong. And yes, it’s for damage and hospital coverage for 3rd party. Better be safe than sorry later.
    Lennie, reads like you’ve made the trip to Rayong already? Would like to convoy with you to as far as Bangkok, break off and proceed north, Kancanaburi, Ayuthia, to ChiangRai. If your itinerary clicks.
  - 24
    
    Lennie Chua on Apr 3, 2019 at 10:41 am
    
    Hey Danny thanks for the reply and for sharing. Can you drop me an email at lenniechua@gmail.com we can plan something out. In June Im only going short to Phuket, but im thinking of driving to Changmai in December.
25

Jijosh on Apr 2, 2019 at 12:05 pm
Reply

Thank you so much. Well clarified:)
26

Lynn on Nov 27, 2019 at 12:40 pm
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Hi Lennie, reading your blog gives me confidence to drive in to Thailand. Would like to check with you on motor insurance. As our vehicle’s geographical coverage is “part of Thailand i.e. within 80.5 km of the border between Thailand and West Malaysia” an extract from policy wording, wonder did you get additional insurance in Singapore to cover your trip all the way to Phuket? Or how do you get your vehicle covered for the coverage outside local motor insurance will cover? Thank you
- 27
  
  Lennie Chua on Nov 27, 2019 at 10:49 pm
  Reply
  
  Hi Lynn, thanks for reading my blog. Unfortunately, almost all SG insurers do not cover beyond that geographical limit. You can check out AXA car insurance which covers “Peninsular Malaysia” whatever that may be. Some people have managed to get special arrangements with their insurance companies but it doesn’t come cheap. Like S$500 for two weeks coverage. At that sort of prices, you might as well save up that S$500 and put into your emergency kitty. Driving is quite safe in Thailand, provided you drive conservatively and defensively. Park only at your resort and avoid driving out after sunset. Take necessary precautions and you should be fine.
28

Alvin Yeo on May 26, 2020 at 10:48 am
Reply

Hi All,
I have driven to Thailand on my 17 days trip all the way to Chiang Rai, Chiangmai, Sukhothai, Phitsunulok, Petchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Angthong, Ayuthaya, Don Mueang, Bangkok, Petchaburi, Phuket, Krabi, Hatyai and back Singapore . If you allowed, I can give you tips on driving. It’s just a breeze. lovely trip.
Can also see my facebook at Yeo Alvin.