Inter Province travel

[Whistler]

I had an 10:30 flight Feb 26, so took the air conditioned sleeper that got into BKK around 6am. No complaints. Taking the same when I go to Singapore may 6. Ticket options from cattle class, fan only to aircon, sleepers and private cabin for one, prices from around 600 to 2300 baht

[Drunk Monkey]

On the subject of travel ..DM not a fan of flying so if going to Bkk for a break not business i fancy trying the train method from UD ..has anyone used it recently ? if so how long does it take and what are the different seat classes and services on board ?

DM
https://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm#Ban ... _Nong_Khai

Perfect thanks

DM

[deankham]

Driving to pattaya next week then back to udon.

Only done the drive once before so don't have much reference but what's opinion on bedt route to take based on the 2 main options from Google maps?

Note sure if the route that heads towards bangkok would use that new highway DM mentioned is now partially open?

Plan is to drive straight through with only a couple wee,coffee and petrol stops. Probably leave around 5am from udon.

[tamada]

Driving to pattaya next week then back to udon.

Only done the drive once before so don't have much reference but what's opinion on bedt route to take based on the 2 main options from Google maps?

Note sure if the route that heads towards bangkok would use that new highway DM mentioned is now partially open?

Plan is to drive straight through with only a couple wee,coffee and petrol stops. Probably leave around 5am from udon.

Option 1. It's been my route since forever. Nicer scenery and loads of options for a coffee break as you pass through 'little Switzerland' in the daytime. I usually take my piss-break at the first PTT south of Korat.

That used to be an easy 7-hour overnight drive about ten years ago. More traffic (and traffic lights) these days, but I would still prefer to do it overnight. Quieter roads, most lorries parked up, very few police checks after 10 pm and only the overnight buses and minivans to watch out for.

[Laan Yaa Mo]

We're going Chonburi way next week and will make the turn at Saraburi. Our pit stop will be at The Terminal in Korat for either peanut butter doughnuts at Krispy Kreme or ice-cream at Cold Stone Creamery.

[Drunk Monkey]

All our trips are Ud To Bkk thus always your option 2 .....but IMO if going to Patts i would go daytime taking your option 1 over the mountains via Wang Nam Keaw , Kabin Buri etc .. this route has been massively improved over many years and mostly multi lane not the single file snail trail it was before still need to be careful as many serious blind twists n turns from Talad 97 through the national park.

If you do go option 2 get on the new M6 just outside the KK side of Korat (well sign posted) take it until where it currently ends which is quite away before Saraburi .... remember no services etc on M6

Have a safe Journey.

DM

[tamada]

.... remember no services etc on M6

Have a safe Journey.

DM

Oh yes there is!

[deankham]

Thanks for the advice guys.

[Drunk Monkey]

As info for anyone traveling from Bkk to Udon by road.

A short extra section of the new M6 motorway is now open and it shaved off a good 30 off traveling time ... we joined the M6 just before Pak Chong then came off M6 onto the 209 HW (sign posted Khon Kaen / Chaiyaphum) that re joins the Mitraphab rd (HW 2) to Phon , Khon Kaen, Udon.

Still not services on M6 , no speed cameras ,BIB nothing and only 4 wheel vehicles allowed...speed limit is signed posted as Min 80 max 120

Toll booths are being constructed looks like when the full M6 is completed Saraburi to Korat it willl be 100 bt when open fully...M6 certainly makes a difference on the old Mitraphab HW with considerably less traffic.

Being the first day time trip on M6 i did notice you actually go through an elevated 1km steel tunnel at Sikhio as the motorway goes directly past the wall of both the Khlong Phai male and female prisons so motorists cannot see inside or catapult packages over the walls.

DM

[samster]

Yeah, I did that stretch myself last week. Similar time saving for me. The speed limit signs confused the hell out of me as the 80 signs are white with red borders not blue as they are in the UK.

[Drunk Monkey]

Yeah, I did that stretch myself last week. Similar time saving for me. The speed limit signs confused the hell out of me as the 80 signs are white with red borders not blue as they are in the UK.

What makes it more confusing is that on the Motraphab HW 2 that runs parallel and under the M6 in some sections the 80 speed signs are in a white 80 on a Blue background. When the M6 is fully complete and open to all vehicles it will IMO make a huge difference to the old Mitraphab HW traffic flow in both directions.

As a side note the very long HW 24 Korat to Ubon which takes in Buriran Surin Sisaket provinces is just about complete with just some resurfacing to be done on the old sections its massively improved and long gone are the single lane snail trail of the past and lots of excellent food n bev , rest stops etc.. as always a few more BIB check points and cameras on that route now.

DM