Thailand has a reasonable network of roads and highways throughout the country, designated by numbers. Traffic drives on the left and the wearing of seat belts is compulsory with on-the-spot fines for offenders. The speed limits are 60kph (37mph) in the city, 90kph (56mph) on main country roads and 120kph (74mph) on expressways. A national driving licence or International Driving Permit are required but long-term visitors staying over three months would need to obtain a Thai driving licence. The minimum age for driving is 18 years. It is illegal to drink and drive in Thailand.

Driving in Thailand is not for the faint-hearted as drivers tend to take risks and overtake on bends and hills, while buses and lorries drive as if they own the road. Driving at night is to be avoided as most heavy trucks travel at this time. The incidence of traffic accidents is high and, when foreigners are involved in accidents, it is always assumed that it is they who are at fault and they are expected to pay the costs. Having said all that, driving is the best way to see the country and reach out-of-the-way places.

Emergency breakdown service: There is no national breakdown service but all car hire companies will provide a telephone number to their clients for use in case of a breakdown or emergency.

Routes to the city: The national highways are all designated by numbers. National Highway 4 goes south to Hua Hin; National Highway 3 goes east to Pattaya; and National Highway 32 and 11 go to Phitsanulok.

Approximate driving times to Bangkok: From Hua Hin - 3 hours; Pattaya - 3 hours; Phitsanulok - 5 hours 30 minutes.  

Coach services: Bangkok has three main bus terminals serving different areas of the country. Both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned buses operate, but the air-conditioned ones tend to be faster and to make less stops en route. Buses south to Hua Hin, Phuket and the Thai-Malaysian border operate from the Southern Bus Terminal, Boromratchonnani (tel: (02) 435 1199). Buses to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the north and Ubon Ratchathani and Nong Khai in the northeast operate from the North/northeastern Bus Terminal, Kampaeng Petch 2 Road (tel: (02) 9362 85266). Buses to Pattaya and Trat in the east operate from the Eastern Bus Terminal, Soi 40 Sukhumvit Road (tel: (02) 391 8097).