Those who wants to read Public Way journey from JB to Phuket, please read here : http://www.drivetothailand.com/publicway-driving-to-phuket/

Am doing this posting in my Phuket budget hotel (http://phuket-blueoceanresort.com/rooms/studio/) room now. I ony searched for hotel when i arrives Patong beach yesterday. Drove around looked at some hotels and liked this one (blue ocean studio). asked the price the want charge me RM150, then i went to a few agency website and finally manage to online book through booking.com with only RM75!! IT IS EXACTLY THE SAME ROOM. So much defferent in rate. i always compare online booking and hotel walk-in during my this trip and i have save atleast 40% in rates. sometimes hotel walk-in direct offer much better rate than online booking. do compare. we like this way i.e. able to drive around look at the hotel options (go in look at the room also) then only make final decision with best rate. i tried once pre-booking before trip through net by turn out room not as nice as in website :(, so never do this again liao.

My drive from JB – Phuket is very relaxing and exciting. THANKS KENT FOR HIS BLOG, IT REALLY MAKE THE DRIVING SOUNDS SO SIMPLE (AND IT REALLY IS!).

This is my 1st time dirving to Thailand. AND I DO NOT HAVE A GPS! I STILL DO IT THE TRADITIONAL WAY, AND IT CAN BE FUN ALSO I.E. YOU WILL GET TO THE TOWN’S ROADS BETTER IN YOUR MEMORY. Just obtain those free maps when you reach every town. However i did buy 1 Southern RM12 and it is very useful when i drive between towns.

16Dec – JB>Penang
17-18Dec – Hatyai
19-20Dec – Trang
21-23Dec – Krabi
23Dec-2Jan – Phuket
>3Jan – Msia…

1) The signboard in Thailand are in English, if you are going to Krabi, you are going to take highway No. 4 to Phatthalung, Trang then Krabi.
2) If you are lost, speak to the local in simple English. Talk to student will be a better bet if you can find one. or you may call Thailand Tourism Board office 66-2250-5500. GSM prepaid card is widely available, you may get one from Chang Lung town before crossing the border as well.
3) I use Garmin with ESRI Thailand map. During my last trip to Songkhla, I also tried Garmin with Malaysia Free Map – http://www.malfreemaps.com/, they covered most of the important destination.
4) The route to Krabi is quite straight forward. From Hatyai to Phatthalung is a dual carriage highway like Malaysia North South Highway, Phatthalung to Trang is a bit hilly and some section are single carriage. Trang to Krabi is similar to Malaysia federal trunk road, single carriage. Petrol kiosk cum rest area are available along the road. Please refer to http://www.drivetothailand.com/krabi/ for more information.

Enjoy your trip.

Kent

1. how do we know the highway from had yai to krabi,is it the signboard clear for us when driving?is there any signboard in english?

2. if im lost what should i do?

3. what is the best gps did u used before?is it okay if im using my phone gps garmin?

4. can u give ur advise about the route to krabi

The chicken rice shop is located on your left hand side from border to Hatyai.

If I am not mistaken is the second town after the border, a roll of shop by the main road, look for 7-11 under a overhead bridge before a traffic light junction.

2 shops selling same thing next to each other, and you can see a lot of chicken hanging in the glass cabinet from main road.

I am going with a few cars this time, in fact I will go even if I am alone.

Driving in Thailand is safe for me, makesure you have your car service in tip top condition and change all those necessary parts such as battery, radiator host, alternator, belt if necessary.

Even so, it might not guarantee no break down. It happened to me once on my trip to Koh Samui 2 years ago where my newly replace radiator host gave way, luckily I brought along a spare unit.

Of course it will be more fun and safe with more car.