Popular Car Rental Destinations in Thailand

Popular Car Rental Destinations in Thailand

Popular car rental destinations in Thailand are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Krabi. Outside their city centres, these destinations offer plenty of sights in addition to the natural beauty of the countryside and mountains.  

Travellers looking to make the most of their trip can trust Drive Car Rental for all their Thailand car rental needs. Here are a few of our favourite destinations to see in a rental car, organised by which destination you’ll be visiting:

Bangkok

Every tourist who comes to Thailand should see Bangkok at least once. This sprawling metropolitan area of fourteen million people has plenty to explore. Economy cars with their small size are perfect for navigating Bangkok’s narrow streets, making it a great choice for a budget-friendly car rental in Thailand. 

The major sites of Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha), and the Temple of the Golden Buddha, are on the must-see list. Most of these can be visited in a single day, as they are on the same side of the city. 

Outside of Bangkok, a rental car truly shines. The ancient ruins of Ayutthaya lie just ninety minutes north of the city. One of Thailand’s ancient capitals, more than 400 ruins can be visited there, and many are free or reasonably priced. Sixty-seven of them are part of a larger area designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. 

Another nearby destination is Kanchanaburi, situated approximately three hours to the west. Vacationers who love waterfalls and WWII history will find a lot to see here. Erawan and Sai Yok national parks are home to stunning limestone waterfalls. One set of falls in Erawan is famous for its seven levels, the last and tallest of which can be seen after an adventurous two-kilometre hike. 

Kanchanaburi was also home to Japanese soldiers and Allied POW camps during WWII. Visitors can see the real Bridge on the River Kwai, which is still standing. History buffs can also visit the Tham Krasae Railway Bridge, also known as the ‘Wampo Viaduct.’ 

This incredible feat of engineering resulted in a 200-metre-long bridge that hugs a cliff wall above the River Kwai. The last stop on the WWII must-see list is Hellfire Pass where Allied POWs carved a rail line out of solid rock. Here, you can see a seventy-five-metre section twenty-five metres deep that was excavated with little more than a pick axe. 

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is home to innumerable ancient temples up to 700 years old. Once travellers have seen most of them, it’s time to head into the countryside. The Mae Hong Son Loop is an incredible 600-kilometre, three-day adventure. Breathtaking views of the northern Thai mountains wait around every corner. The road also passes through the legendary laid-back town of Pai along the way. 

Chiang Dao and Chiang Rai are also within driving distance. Chiang Dao is famed for Doi Luang, the third tallest mountain in Thailand, which rises straight out of the valley floor. Chiang Rai is home to the famous white, blue, and black temples that are a work of art. 

Phuket and Krabi

Located just three hours from each other on the south coast of southern Thailand, Krabi and Phuket have much more than beaches to offer. Phang Nga Bay is a favourite for its towering limestone karsts rising from the water. 

Another popular destination is Khao Sok National Park. Visitors can find limestone karsts similar to those in Phang Nga Bay but in a freshwater reservoir. Full-day tours including a boat ride, lunch at scenic floating bungalows, and a nature trail should be on every traveller’s itinerary. 

Lastly, Ao Luek is a small town worth seeing for those who enjoy kayaking, nature, and caves. Adventurers can paddle a kayak through a dense bay of mangroves teeming with wildlife; there are also several caves accessible only by kayak. Once the watersports are done, visitors can finish up with a spectacular seafood lunch at the nearby pier.

Plan Your Next Road Trip With Us

Drive Car Rental has locations in all the cities we’ve mentioned and several others throughout Thailand. We have vehicles ranging from economy cars all the way to luxury sedans and SUVs. 

For those intimidated by Bangkok traffic, Drive Car Rental also offers the option for rental vehicles to come with a professional driver. This way, holidaymakers can enjoy watching the city pass by without worrying about the road ahead. Visit our site today and see what vehicles are available for your next Thailand vacation!