The Ultimate Guide To A Delhi to Bangkok Road Trip

A few years ago most of us would have thought that a road trip to Bangkok from Delhi would be impossible. But, these days that is not the case.

Thanks to the construction of a superhighway, road trip enthusiasts and motorists willing to make the journey can now drive all the way to Bangkok.

The journey is long and you will have to pass through a couple of international borders. For the best experience and to make planning the trip easy for you, we have put together this guide on how to undertake a Delhi to Bangkok by road trip.

Why is it popular to go from Delhi to Bangkok by road?

Since the Delhi –-> Naypyidaw –-> Bangkok Highway opened, quite a few motorists have driven on this scenic route. On your journey, you will drive through the clouds in certain parts of India, such as Guwahati. The moment you hit Myanmar, you will pass through scenic backdrops and gorgeous roads. The highlight of the journey is driving through the Myanmar- India Friendship Road.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Despite the hot weather, summers are great for lounging by pools, sailing and it is when the Thai New Year is celebrated with a lot of pomp and show.

May to October, which is when the monsoon hits Bangkok is considered to be low tourist season. This period is preferred by tourists who love good deals on excursions and hotel stays. Hotel stays are at their cheapest during this period.

If you want to make the best of your time in Bangkok, we suggest you go in winter. Temperatures are at their best, generally in the 20s Celsius range, making it comfortable for exploring. This is also the peak tourist season, which means most of Bangkok’s famous tourist experiences are open.

How to Get There

The two common ways to getting to Bangkok from Delhi are by air and road. It is obviously easier and quicker to get to Bangkok by air, but this option is expensive, especially during the peak tourist season. The other option you have is to drive from Delhi to Bangkok.

• Flight: There are flights that depart from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport for Bangkok every day. Flight duration from Delhi to Bangkok is 4 hours.
• Private Vehicle: The construction of the super-fast India Thailand Highway has made it possible for motorists from India to make a road trip to Bangkok.

Delhi to Bangkok Road Trip Route (The India Leg)

Delhi → UP-Bihar → Bengal→ Assam→ Nagaland→ (Imphal)→ Manipur → Tamu-Moreh → Burma

On this journey, you would want to make stopovers at places of your choice to avoid a taxing drive. From Bengal to Guwahati and beyond you will be driving through the clouds and scenic hills along the highways. If you love exploring the outdoors, you can even stop along the way and check out some stunning sites.  Once you reach the Tamu-Moreh border, drive to Burma, spend a day and a half here and then visit all the famous and gorgeous sites around.

• Distance: 2582  kilometres

Burma→ Naypyitaw → Yangon → Bangkok

After you have rested in Burma for a day or two, head out on the final leg of your journey. This is not as long as the India’s leg, but the journey can be taxing. Prepare for this drive well, follow all instructions and stay safe. Take breaks along the way at some splendid places. On this journey, you will come across stunning Buddhist temples where you can stop to click pictures and soak in the culture and architecture.

• Distance: 1274 kilometres

For your journey back to Delhi, you have two options, you can either ship your car via boat to the nearest Indian port or drive back through the same route.

What is Bangkok Famous For

• Temples: Bangkok is a city that is famous for its temples. If you are keen on sightseeing, we suggest that you pay a visit to some of them.
• Street Markets: If you love shopping, you will love the street markets in Bangkok from clothes to jewellery, souvenirs and crockery, everything is available at these markets at reasonable prices.
• Street Food:  A must-do experience in Bangkok is food hopping. Every tourist needs to explore Bangkok’s street food scene.
• Massage Parlours: After driving down from Delhi, your body will be tired. A good way to rejuvenate and refresh yourself is to go for a Thai massage in Bangkok.
• Nightlife:  Bangkok is popular for its nightlife. The city has some of the best bars and live music venues in Thailand. If you are a party animal, you’ll love what the city of Bangkok has to offer.

Best Road Trips from Bangkok

Bangkok → Ayutthaya

Tourists who love sightseeing can explore Ayutthaya, which is about an hour’s drive away from Bangkok. The town is rich in culture and has some great Buddhist temples. There’s also a few historic pictures and elements from Buddha’s life that can be seen in and around temples in Ayutthaya.

• Distance: 79 kilometres

Bangkok → Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi is a great place to visit for those who love sightseeing and nature. There’s plenty of great sites to see in Kanchanaburi including the Erawan National Park. There’s also the spot where the famous Hollywood movie Bridge on the River Kwai was shot.

• Distance: 123 kilometres

Bangkok →  Khao Yai National Park

A three- hour drive away from Bangkok, the Khao Yai National Park is a must visit for every tourist. This UNESCO park has many animals to see and is also popular for its adventure sports. At the park, you can enjoy kayaking, bike trails and trekking.

• Distance: 178 kilometres

Check Points to Keep in Mind Before Going

• Since you will be travelling through different countries, you would need permits and special permissions. For a smooth sailing, it is best that you get all permits done in advance. In Delhi, there are agents who can help you with permits.
• Since you will be driving through Myanmar, you will need to have a temporary import of the vehicle permit. You can get this at the embassy or through an agent.
• You will need to get a temporary driving license for driving your vehicle in Myanmar. The country does not accept IDPs. You will also need to apply for an International Visa for driving in Bangkok.
• Since you will be passing the international border, you will need to get a Carnet and pay a security deposit for the same.

Trip Essentials for a Delhi to Bangkok Road Trip

• Foreign currency for when you are in Thailand and Myanmar.
• Passports and documents
• A lot of food and water for the way. It is better to have home cooked food on the drive.
• All prescribed medication.
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Battery Pack
• An international calling card
• Torch
• Sunscreen

Vehicle Preparations

• Get your car serviced well before the trip
• Check to see if your tyres are in the best condition.
• Don’t overdrive, your battery and carbonator may heat up.
• Carry all car tools.
• Train yourself to do basic repairs.
• Browse the internet to find contact details of mechanics on the routes your taking.

So there you go, now that you have all the details you need for a Delhi Bangkok road trip, all you need to do is jet set and drive off. Have a safe journey and enjoy your drive.

If there is anything else you would like to know from us about road trips, you can always ask us in the comments below and we will be glad to answer them.