Budget WorldClass Drives

Transcription

1 Budget WorldClass Drives PATTAYA AD TE EASTER GULF OF TAILAD BAGKOK CACOEGSAO ß 8 BAG BO Õ. â π æ Ï BAG PLI Õ. ß àõ 4 BA PO Õ. ßæ G U L F O F T A I L A D BAG AM PRIED Õ. ßπÈ ª È «Õ. ߪ ß BAG ÿ PAKOG COBURI BAG SAE ß π Õ.» SI RACA Õ. ß ÿß BA LAMUG Ko Lan Pattaya City Tel: (0) Ko Khram SATTAIP Õ. µà Ko Samae San Uttapao International Airport Õ.æπ Õ. ß â PAOM SARAKAM BAG KLA PLAEG YAO Õ. ª ß «Õ.æ π Õß PA TOG PAAT IKOM Õ.æπ π BA BUG Õ. â π ß Bo Win Õ. â π ß BA CAG Õ.ª «ß PLUAK DAEG Õ. π µ SAAMCAI KET Õ.ÀπÕß À à OG YAI 0 Õ. àõ Õß BO TOG WAG CA 4 «ß π å Õ. â π à Õ. ß BA KAI KLAEG 4 à µ TA TAKIAP Tel: (0) 8 4 Khao Chamao Falls Õß RAYOG Ban Phe Laem at Phayun Laem Ya. æ Mae Phim Laem Charoen Ko Samet 4 ong Khok ROADS I TAILAD G U L F O F T A I L A D All main and most minor roads are sealed. Signs and reflective markers warn of hazards on major highways, and sodium lighting illuminates major intersections. Bilingual (English/Thai) road signs indicate destinations, highway numbers and distances before and after intersections. Kilometre stones show highway number and distance along the road on the front face, and distances to destinations in the direction of travel on the side. The police and military set up road check-points on highways, especially at night, but there are no security problems. W Please remember to drive on the left! General & Emergency Assistance -800-BUDGET (land-line), -40-BUDGET (mobile) Our fastest way to rent a car Online Bookings: hether pristine sandy beaches on idyllic islands or quiet historical enclaves inland, this route along Thailand s eastern seaboard on the Gulf of Siam has it all. Starting from Pattaya, Section of this drive will help you find the nicest beaches with the best seafood and will Õ. å KA0 CAKA Khao Wong Õ. à À à TA MAI 44 â«sa KAEO 0 Õ. Õ «SOI DAO Soi Dao Falls Krathing at Chao Lao LAEM SIG Õ. À ßÀå KLUG Õ. ÿß guide you to nearby inland attractions. Section highlights outstanding family attractions found north of Pattaya on the road to Chonburi and Bangkok. Ban Phe, a coastal fishing port which serves the resort island of Ko Samet, is the starting point for section, which goes east following the sandy beaches between the headlands of 40 Õ. ÕßÀ KLOG AT WAG SOMBU Õ.«ß Ÿ å. ÿàß π π Thung Khanan Trok ong Falls 88 Phliu Falls 48 C A M B O D I A Khlong Pong am Ron Rafting POG AM RO Local border crossing Õ. ªÉßπÈ âõπ Khiritan Dam µ TRAT 48 Õ. À ßÕ LAEM GOP KO CAG at Sai Khao â ß Ao Khlong Phrao Laem Sok Ko Rang Õ.«π π WATTAA AKO ARAYAPRATET Õ.Õ ª» MAKAM Õ. π ÿ CATABURI Local border crossing Ban oen Tak Daet International Border Crossing & Border Market BO RAI Õ. àõ à. à π ÿ æ Dan Chomphu 8 Ao Salak Petch Khao Lan Ko Mai Si Yai Ko Wai Ko Mak at Ban Chuan KLOG YAI Õ. Õß À à Ban at Lek Ko Kut International Border Crossing 0 0km Laem Ya and Laem Phim. Section 4 continues east from Klaeng to the historical provincial capital of Chantaburi. Section covers the well-known resort island of Ko Chang, as well as a scenic inland route through mountainous country around Khao Soi Dao, and the route east from Trat to the international border crossing into Cambodia at at Lek. Oliver argreave

2 SECTIO : 000 kms. R PATTAYA CITY AD EVIROS W atersports, motor sports, exotic zoos and gardens, inland adventures, competition class golf courses within an hour s drive and a beat that pulses through the night till dawn Pattaya has so much to offer for all the family. So when the pace gets too hectic, laze sublime and let Pattaya put life in the pink. The heart of the city lies in South Pattaya at the southern end of Ao Pattaya (Pattaya Bay). Once a fishing village, this was the first area to become an entertainment centre. Since then hotels and entertainment centres have spread north, south and inland. PATTAYA S ROAD SYSTEM POITER OE The T junction of orth Pattaya Rd. (Pattaya ua) with ighway, the Sukhumwit Rd. near KM44 PATTAYA CITY Diana Inn Pattaya Beach Soi Bavaria ouse Soi Post Office Royal Garden Plaza South Royal Cliff Beach Pattaya Wat Khao Phra Bat Royal Varuna Yacht Club 0 km A ightlife Centre Listed Attraction Thip Plaza Pattaya & Rd. Tel: (0) To reach the Budget Office at Thip Plaza by car from the north, drive (one-way) south on Beach Road from Pointer or 4. To get to Thip Plaza from the south, drive (one-way) north on Beach Road from Pointer atural Beach autical Inn Mike Shopping Mall Pattaya Rd. Beach Rd. Soi Soi Soi 0 Tipp Plaza Siam Bayview arisa Green Bottle Pattaya Park Tower G Dusit Resort Amari Orchid Resort Soi Mark Land otel Montien Pattaya otel Soi Sanctuary of Truth A Beach Rd Pattaya 4 D Ripley's Pattaya Land TAT (tourist information) Wat Phra Yai Jomtien Beach Tapphraya Rd. POITER TWO The traffic circle joining orth Pattaya (Pattaya ua) Rd., Beach Rd.(Pattaya ), Pattaya Road, and the road to aklua. POITER TREE The junction of Central Pattaya Rd and the Sukhumwit ighway (), near KM4 4 POITER FOUR The intersection of Central Pattaya Rd. and Pattaya Rd. POITER FIVE The intersection of South Pattaya Rd. and Pattaya Rd. K Pattaya Kart Bungee Jump Paintball aklua Market aklua Rd Pattaya Pattaya Tai (South Pattaya Rd) Thep Prasit Rd Pattaya ua (orth Pattaya Rd) City all Pattaya Klang (Central Pattaya Rd) Mall Tesco Lotus C Mini Siam COBURI PATTAYA.Õà ß» ÿ Ang Sila G U L F BAG SAE O F ß π T A I L A D Oliver argreave Sukhumwit ighway km Oliver argreave Õ.» SI RACA Õ. ß ÿß BA LAMUG Pattaya City Ko Lan Laem Chabang Around Pattaya Ko Khram SATTAIP Õ. µà Siam CC Phoenix Ko Samae San 4 44 Si Racha Laem Chabang Burapha 8 Pattaya CC Õ. â π ß BA BUG Khao Kheow Zoo 8 Green Valley St Andrew's BA CAG Õ. â π ß 4 Map Ta Phut Uttapao International Airport oble Pl. Chonburi Century Treasure ill 4 4 PLUAK DAEG Great Lake Õ.ª «ß BA KAI Õ. â π à RAYOG Õß Laem Charoen POITER SIX The junction of Thep Prasit Road to Jomtien with the Sukhumwit Rd. () near KM48. Pattaya s prime beach along Ao Pattaya is served by Beach Road (Pattaya Rd.), a one-way road north to south along the beachfront that begins at Pointer. orth Pattaya Rd (running west from Pointer ) is the first of three link roads (orth Pattaya Rd, Central Pattaya Rd. and South Pattaya Rd.) which join Beach Road with the Sukhumwit ighway between Chonburi and Sattahip.These roads cross Pattaya Rd. a one-way road from south to north between pointers and 4 and Pattaya Rd. ATTRACTIOS I AD EAR PATTAYA Family attractions in Pattaya's residential hinterland east of the Sukhumwit ighway () are most easily reached by taking 40 from near KM4, or from along a road signposted to the Siam Country Club which goes east from the Sukhumwit

3 ighway from approximately 800m north of Pointer. Before going to any of these attractions, be sure to contact our Pattaya Office to take advantage of any discounts available to Budget customers (regular entry prices from 00 to 00 baht per adult according to attraction). A. The Sanctuary of Truth art objects in a fantastic eleven storey 'Three eaded Elephant Art Museum' (08:00- :00/0:00 according to season daily) and 'special dolphin show' at 0:00, :00, :00, :00. The Sanctuary of Truth has been built by the same organisation that created the Ancient City muang boran a must see attraction near Bangkok (see section ) B. Million Years Stone Park a 40 acre landscaped park with a botanical garden, fossilized plants, rare animals and a crocodile farm (0:00-8:00 hrs) C. Mini Siam - Famous places of Thailand and the world at one twentyfifth scale, as well as go-karting (0:00- :00 hrs. Tel: (0) 84 8) D. Ripley s Believe it or ot Curios and illusions from the masters of makebelieve in the Royal Garden Plaza Shopping Mall between Beach and Pattaya Roads E. Wannasin Farm demonstrations of traditional Thai culture and lifestyles include a floating market (0:00-8:00 closed Tuesdays) F. Phanarak Park a quiet resort with gardens and fish ponds ideal for tranquil retreat G. Pattaya Elephant Village Elephant riding. Pattaya Park Tower an express lift takes you to a high viewing platform offering stunning views followed by a descent by gondola or harness down cableways (Tel: (0) I. orseshoe Point & Three Kingdoms Theme Park a resort and country club with horse riding facilities and a mausoleum park honouring the Chinese heritage of businessman Kiarti Srifuengfung. Sports ear Pattaya International class motor racing can be enjoyed as a spectator sport at the Bira Circuit (J. KM off the westbound lane), but for hands on experience, two go kart circuits are found along Thep Prasit Road (West of Sukhumwit Rd at the lights near KM48). One of these, Pattaya Kart (K) also offers Bungee Jumping and Paintball). orse riding can be enjoyed at orseshoe Point (I). Adventure water sports i n c l u d e Lakeland Water Cable Ski (L) and the Blue Lagoon Water Sports Club (M Wind and Kitesurf - turn west off Sukhumwit Rd between KM and ). For the Pattaya Shooting Club turn east (inland) from the Sukhumwit Road between KM&4. Golf Courses Pattaya is perfectly located to take advantage of the many Golf and Country Clubs beween Chonburi and Rayong. Clubs welcome nonmembers and have equipment AROUD PATTAYA Pattaya City Wat Phra Yai A B C D ß ÿß BAG LAMUG aklua Market K Traffic lights temple Sanctuary of Truth Million Years Stone Park Mini Siam Ripley's Believe It or ot A Pattaya ua Pattaya Klang Pattaya Tai D TAT at Chom Tian (Jomtien Beach) Wat Mai at Krathung Thong B C Wannasin 40 Bira 4 J E Farm Circuit Wat ong Pru Wat F Sutthawat G Elephant Village Wat Khao Soi Thong I Three Kingdoms L Seafood 4 Jomtien Yacht Club Blue Lagoon M Ambassador City Ocean Marina 8 Ban Amphoe (seafood) ong ooch Tropical Garden Ban Sarae (seafood) to Sattahip for hire, but it is recommended that you call first to book your round and accommodation if so desired. Signs on the nearest turn-off from a main highway usually point out the route along minor side roads to the course itself. Golf Clubs Around Pattaya Pattaya Country Club, KM0 Tel: (0) 84 8-, BKK (0) Phoenix Golf & Country Club KM8 Tel: (0) 8 -, Fax: (0) 8 40 Siam Country Club Golf Course KM4 Tel: (0) 84 8-, Fax: (0) 84 8, BKK (0) 4 South of Pattaya at Chomthian is the first of several beaches between inlets fed by small rivers that together follow the coastline in a lazy arc southwards to Sattahip. Fishing villages along the 8 kilometre bay have become prime locations for seafood restaurants. These are found at Ban Amphoe ( KM8 west turn) and 0 Khao Chi Chan Buddha Image 40 Wat Yang Sang Wararam Vihara Sien 0 4 km Khao Din (Buddha footprint) E F G I J to Si Racha Million Years Stone Park Phoenix Golf & Country Club To Motorway & Bangkok Si Racha Tiger Zoo Tel: (0) 8-8 Khao Kheow Open Zoo Tel: (0) Siam Country Club Pattaya Country Club Asian University of Science and Technology 0 to Sattahip 4 Wannasin Farm Phanarak Park Pattaya Elephant Village Pattaya Kart, Bungee Jump, Paintball oreshoe Point & Three Kingdoms Theme Park Bira Circuit (motor racing) to Rayong Ban Sarae ( KM4 west turn). ong ooch Tropical Garden, a resort with restaurants, a mini zoo, culture hall and handicraft centre, children s playground and elephants (showtimes 0:, :00 and :4) is located inland down a side-road east from the Sukhumwit ighway at KM. Wat Yang Sang Wararam and Khao Chee Chan A road inland from near KM goes to Wat Yang Sang Wararam. A royal temple of the first class, Wat Yang has large grounds containing a hill-top mondop with a Buddha footprint (Khao Din), a large chedi and several international pavilions. The Vihara Sien, a Chinese-style vihara which houses Tang dynasty bronzes, and the Khao Chee Chan Budda image, a 0 metre tall image carved into a rockface, are found a short distance from Wat Yang. Oliver argreave

4 SECTIO : 40 kms. R ORT FROM PATTAYA TOWARDS BAGKOK T he town of Si Racha and the island of Si Chang remain interesting places to visit despite the industrial development along the coastline around Laem Chabang. eavy traffic may be expected on the coastal Sukhumwit Road (). If you wish to make a fast journey to or from Bangkok, and 4 (elevated tollway) or the Bangkok Chonburi Motorway () are the best routes to take. itself follows its original coastal route towards Bangkok and is of limited interest apart from the prime near-bangkok attractions of the Ancient City (muang boran) and the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan Province. POITER SEVE The junction of and the Sukhumwit ighway at KM. is a convenient cross country route that skirts the industrial areas around Rayong and is the fastest way to Ban Phe (section ), Chantaburi (section 4 and Trat (section ). It is also the best route to the faster inland route north to Bangkok on. 8 POITER EIGT terminates at looped T junction with near KM. leads to the Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway (tollroad), or via a spur of to 4 and the 0 kilometre long elevated tollway above 4. If using 4 to approach Bangkok, expect traffic queues at Bang a near the the start of the expressway system. is likely to be the faster route into Central Bangkok in conditions of heavy traffic. It is also a better route to take for the airport. (Distances are one-way from Pointer ) Si Racha and Si Chang Island (Ko Si Chang) kms Drive north from Pointer on until you reach Si Racha at KM, where you turn west. Passenger ferries depart hourly from the pier near Soi 4 on a pleasant 4 minute trip to the historical island of Si Chang. Once you have landed on the island, motorcycle 4 PATTAYA to BAGKOK BAGKOK Õ. ß ªî BAG KAPI G U L F O F T A I L A D MI BURI Õ. π ÿ Elevated Tollway Motorway (toll) BAG AM PRIEO Õ. ßπÈ ª È «Õ. ß LAT KRABAG Royal G&CC CACOEGSAO 4 Windmill Pk (projected) ß Thana City Muang Kaew Lakewood ÿ ª Subhaphruek 4 SAMUT PRAKA Green V Kiarti Thani Thai CC Bang Pakong BAG PLI 8 BA PO Õ. ßæ Bangphli Wellgrow Bangpoo IE 4 Õ. â π æ Ï & CC BAG BO Õ. ß àõ Vintage Õ. ߪ ß BAG PAKOG Crocodile Õ.æ π Õß Farm Muang Boran PA TOG Royal 4 Lakeside kms taxis can be hired from the fishing port to see a Chinese temple and the ruins of a palace abandoned when the French occupied the island in 8. The last ferry from the island returns to the mainland at :00 hrs. Si Racha Tiger & Khao Kheow Open Zoo 4 kms Take north from Pointer 8 (at KM4) to the Si Racha Tiger Zoo (If Ko Si Chang Tel: (0) BAG SAE ß π ÿ COBURI Ang Sila Õ.» SI RACA Laem Chabang Õ. ß ÿß BA LAMUG Pattaya City Ko Lan President CC orth of Pattaya 04 Siam CC Amata ikhom Motorway Saithip Butterfly Gdn Õ. â π ß BA BUG 8 Chan Ta Then Khao Kheow Zoo Khao Kheow CC Si Racha Tiger Zoo Tel: (0) 8 4 Bo Win Pinthong Si Racha Office Int. Chonburi Burapha IE ESIE Laem Chabang SEIP 8 Amata City Pattaya CC travelling northbound, turn onto the frontage road north of KM and then turn left at the bridge. Make a U-turn at the first possible convenience to come back over the bridge and drive east approximately kms to the entrance to the Si Racha Tiger Zoo (08:0-8:00 hrs shows hourly Tel: (0) 8-8). A visit to the Tiger Zoo fits well with a visit to the larger Khao Kheow Open Zoo, the best of the Oliver argreave

5 ORT OF PATTAYA Ang Sila seafood Khao Sam Muk Wat Saen Suk at Bang Saen Inst. of Marine Science (Burapha University) Ban Bang Phra seafood» SI RACA seafood 0 4 km atural Park Laem Chabang Ind. Estate & Zone to Pattaya ÿ COBURI ong Mon Market atural Park ill 44 Bangpra 4 Saha Group IP 8 to Bangkok via 4 Saithong Butterfly Gdn. 4 Si Racha Tiger Zoo Pinthong Ind.Est. to Rayong & Pattaya Bypass GOLF COURSES ORT I TE CO-BURI - PATTAYA AREA Bangpra International Golf Club 44 KM0 Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 84 Rsvn BKK (0) 8 00-, Burapha Golf Club KM KM Tel: (0) 84 -, Fax: (0) 84 Chonburi Century Country Club KM Tel: (0) 0, (0) 04 4 Khao Kheow Country Club KM4 Tel: (0) 8 84-, Fax: (0) 8 8 Laem Chabang International Country Club KM Tel: (0) 8, Fax: (0) 8 atural Park ill Resort Country Club 44 KM Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 8 0 BKK (0) 4 0- atural Park Resort Country Club KM0 Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 84 oble Place Golf Resort & Country Club KM Tel: (0) 484 0, Fax: (0) BKK (0) 8-0 Sriracha International Golf Club 4 KM Tel: (0) 8 8-8, Fax: (0) 8 8 Treasure ill Golf & Country Club KM Tel: (0) 84 0 BKK Tel: (0) 08- Motorway 44 to Klaeng & Chantaburi Chan Ta Then Khao Kheow Open Zoo Khao Kheow Golf Si Racha Burapha Laem Chabang to Sattahip Oliver argreave zoological attractions in Chonburi Province. Khao Kheow Zoo has over 00 species in a 000 acre drive-through park (rs. 0:0-8:00. Tel: (0) Map available at zoo office). To go to Khao Kheow, you must similarly turn left and then double back over the bridge if travelling northbound on at KM4 or at KM0. The latter road (44) also leads past the Saithip Butterfly Garden (08:0- :00 hrs. Tel: (0) 8 80) and the small Chan Ta Ten Falls. Bang Saen, Khao Sam Muk & Ang Sila 0kms Bang Saen is kms north from Pointer on. Before the turn off (at KM04 signposted Burapha University and Bang Saen Beach), the road passes through ong Mon Market, a market selling dried seafood products which are popular with Thais returning GOLF COURSES BETWEE COBURI & BAGKOK Bang Pakong Riverside Country Club 4 KM8 Tel: (0) 8, Fax: (0) 8 Bangpoo Country Club KM Tel: (0) 4 00-, Fax: (0) 4 00, Rsvn: (0) Green Valley Country Club 4 KM Tel: (0) 88-, Fax: (0) 80 Kiarti Thanee Country Club 4 KM0 Tel: (0) 0 00-, Fax (0) 0 0- Rsvn: (0) 0 00 Ext. 0 Lakewood Country Club 4 KM8 Tel: (0) 8-8, Fax: (0) 0 Rsvn: (0) - Muang Kaew Golf Course 4 KM Tel: (0) 8-, Fax: (0) Royal Golf & Country Club KM Tel: (0) 8 0-, Fax: (0) 8 08 Royal Lakeside Golf Club KM Tel: (0) 8 -, Fax: (0) 8 8 Subhaphruek Golf Course 4 KM Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 080 Thai Country Club KM Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 8 0, BKK Tel: (0) 00- Thana City 4 KM4 Tel: (0) 8-8 Ext 4, Fax: (0) The Vintage Club 4 KM Tel: (0) 0 80-, Fax: (0) 0 8 Windmill Park Country Club 4 KM0 Tel: (0), Fax: (0) 8 SI RACA Ko Loi (Viewpoint) Ferries to Ko Si Chang Sea Side Municipal office (Viewpoint) to Pattaya m to Chonburi Robinson Department Store District office 4 to Bangkok. The Institute of Marine Science (hrs 08:0-:0 closed Mondays) has a large aquarium open to the public. It is found on the south (left) side of the road heading west towards Bang Saen Beach. Wat Saen Suk, on a lane running east from the inland road () running parallel to the beach road along Bang Saen, contains Buddhist sculptures fashioned in a Chinese theme-park style. Seafood restaurants ring Khao Sam Muk, a promontory inhabited by monkeys. Oyster beds and restaurants line Sila beach to the north. Apart from a large Chinese temple by the highway, Ang Sila is famed for its stone carvings and has an interesting highstreet (one-way street off 44 from where the highway turns sharply inland). Muang Boran 0 kms Located at KM (from Bangkok) on the Sukhumwit ighway, Muang Boran is a historical park quite unlike anything else in the kingdom (rs. 08:00; last entry :00, closes 8:00). The 0 acre drive through park contains over 00 monuments ranging from life-sized or reduced replicas to reconstructed originals of Thailand s historical buildings. Bilingual explanations are given at all points in this unmatched attraction. If travelling along this section of from Bangkok, the extraordinary Erawan shrine at KM, the Crocodile Farm (Turning at KM.) and Wat Asokaram (turning at KM) are additional points of interest. Oliver argreave

6 SECTIO : kms. R PATTAYA BA PE AD KLAEG PATTAYA to KLAEG BA LAMUG Õ. ß ÿß Ko Lan Pattaya City to Bangkok 8 Amata City Pattaya CC Siam CC Great Lake Õ.ª «ß PLUAK DAEG Rojana IP to Chonburi 44 WAG CA «ß π å Ko Khram Chom Thian 4 Phoenix Green Valley St. Andrews Rayong Century Õ. â π ß BA CAG Rayong Ind. Land Rayong IP Suphatra Land (fruit garden) 8 BA KAI 4 0 Õ. ß KLAEG 0 Oliver argreave 0 0 kms SATTAIP Õ. µà Phutaluang Eastern Star Ko Samae San Phayun Uttapao International Airport Purimas Beach otel Map Ta Phut Rayong RAYOG Õß TPP Tapong TAT (tourist information) Talat Tapong (0) Mae Ram Phung Laem Ya Ban Phe. æ Ko Samet 4 Sunthon Phu Laem Mae Phim Laem Ya to Klaeng (from Pointer ) is the best route east from Pattaya. Though Rayong City has some old temples and good seafood restaurants on Laem Charoen (south turn in the middle of Rayong City at KM0 see map ; selected accommodation is listed below and on the maps), it is better to avoid this industrialised area. This section covers the coast east of Laem Ya, where resorts take advantage of unspoiled beaches east to Laem Mae Phim. POITER IE Turn south here for 40 to Ban Phe and Ko Samet and the coastal route 4 east to Laem Mae Phim. 0 POITER TE 44 is the fastest route to Bangkok from all points east of Klaeng ACCOMMODATIO Sattahip to Rayong P.M.Y Beach Resort. 4/4 Mu Beach Rd., Rayong 00 Tel: (0) 8 48, Fax: (0) $$ (at Saeng Chan Saeng Chan Beach) RAYOG to Map Ta Phut, Sattahip PMY to Pattaya Laem Thong Shopping Arcade Saeng Chan Seaview at Saeng Chan km Golden City Rasadonbamrung Rd. Rayong Orchid Chedi Klang am Rayong City Rayong City otel. Ratbamrung Rd. Soi 4 oenpra, Rayong 000. Tel: (0) 8 88-, Fax: (0) 8 4 $ Purimas Beach Resort. 4 Mu 4 Phayun- amrin Rd., Ban Chang, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) $$-$$$ (at Phayun Phayun Beach) Star otel. 0 Rayong Trade Centre, Rayong 000 Tel: (0) 8 40-, Fax: $-$$$ Star Yindee 8 Fishing arbour market Wat Pu Pradu Provincial all Laem Charoen Seafood to Ban Phe TPP Refineries Ban Phe & Ko Samet. Turn south at Pointer to go to the market centre of Ban Phe, a fishing port with an attractive narrow high street (one-way traffic east to west) lined with shops in wooden buildings. Mu Ko Samet Laem Ya ational Park offers a nature trail near the park Q on the mainland, but the main

7 BA PE & KO SAMET to Rayong Sawet Sobha Museum uanthip Pier 40 Ao Phrao Resort Pier P market Khao Laem Ya Mu Ko Samet ational Park Q Laem Ya P P Ban Talat Phe P Sri Ban Phe Pier Ban Pak Khlong Phe Rayong Resort Malibu Vong Duan Villa Candle Light Beach kms Ko Chan to Klaeng & Chantaburi to Laem Mae Phim Pines Beach $$-$$$ Tel: (0) 8-40 Fax: (0) 8 4 Tourist Information Centre Pier R e d u c t i o n k m s. KO SAMET Ban Ko Samet Ao Phrao Ao Phrao Resort Coconut ouse Sai Kaeo Beach at Sai Kaeo Ao Phai Samed Villa Tubtim Resort Samed Ville Resort Park Station 00 Ao Wong Duan Ao Thian Ao Wai Ao Kiu 4 interest is the island of Ko Samet, an island famous for its sandy beaches, which are mainly found on the east side of the island. Many places to stay are found on at Sai Kaeo (White Sands Beach) and Ao Wong Duan (Wong Duan Bay). More secluded resorts are hidden in the coves between these main beaches. Transport is by boat except for a few local pick-ups which ply the island s unsealed tracks. Piers serving Ko Samet are located on the eastern edge of Ban Phe. These piers have safe overnight parking and can reserve accommodation, arranging GOLF COURSES I TE SATTAIP- RAYOG AREA Eastern Star Resort & Country Club KM Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) Great Lake Golf & Country Club KM Tel: (0) 8 0, (0) 8, (0) 8 0 Phutaluang Royal Thai avy Golf Course KM8 Tel: (0) Rayong Century Golf & Country Club KM Tel & Fax: (0) Rayong Green Valley & St Andrews 000 KM4 Tel & Fax: (0) BA PE to KLAEG to Rayong TAT (tourist information) Talat Tapong (0) Mae Ram Phung Bay View $ Tel: (0) km Sea Wind Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) 8-8 boat transport directly to the beach you plan to stay on. Advance booking may not be necessary during the week, but the island gets crowded at weekends during the peak season. ACCOMMODATIO Samet Island Ao Phrao Resort (Ao Phrao) Mu, Phe, Rayong 0 Tel: (0) 8 4-, Fax: (0) 8 $$-$$$$ Sai Kaew Beach Resort (at Sai Kaew) Ko Samet, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 008 $-$$ Samed Villa (Ao Phai) 8 Mu 4, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) , (0) 0, Fax: (0) 00 $ Tubtim Bungalows (Ao Tubtim) Ko Samet, Phe, Rayong 0 Tel: (0) 8 4, BKK (0) 44 $-$$ Vong Duen Resort, Mu 4, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 8 408, (0) 8, Fax: (0) 8 4 $-$$ Saeng Tien, 88 Mu 4 Lo Samet, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 8, Tel: (0) 8 $ Samed Ville (Villa) Ao Wai, Ko Samet, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 8 8-, Fax: (0) 8 8 $-$$$ 40 Laem Ya Ko Samet 00. æ Ban Phe Ban Phae & Ko Samet 44 KLAEG 0 0 Rayong Chalet 0 to Chonburi Khao Chamao Falls Khao Wong Caves Route to/from Laem Mae Phim ovotel Rim Phe Vang Kaew Resort 4 & Ban Phe - Laem Mae Phim & Klaeng 40kms 4 is a pleasant route linking several resorts that take advantage of the long sandy beaches between Laem Ya and Laem Mae Phim. umerous seafood restaurants are located at Laem Mae Phim. goes to Klaeng from Laem Mae Phim, skirting a flat landscape to the east consisting of villages, prawn farms and mangrove swamp typical of river estuaries on this coast. The road passes a park celebrating Thailand s classical th century poet, Sunthorn Phu, kms north of Laem Mae Phim. A side road next to the park gives access to the estuary to the east. Palmeriae Resort Ban Sam Yaek am Pen 44 Õ. ß KLAEG 4 4 ACCOMMODATIO Laem Ya-Laem Mae Phim Rayong Resort. 8 Mu, Phe, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) 8 00 $$$-$$$$ Rayong Chalet 4/ Mu, Chak Pong, Klaeng, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) Fax: (0) 84 88, BKK (0) 0 0 $$-$$$ ovotel Rim Pae Resort. 4/ Mu, Chak Pong, Klaeng, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) , Fax: (0) , BKK Rsvn: (0) 08 $$$-$$$$ Vang Kaew, 4 Mu, Chak Pong, Klaeng, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 8 80, Fax: (0) BKK Rsvn: (0) 40- $-$$$ Palmeraie. Mu, Chak Pong, Klaeng, Rayong 0. Tel: (0) 8 80-, Fax: (0) 8 80, BKK Rsvn: (0). $$-$$$ Ban Phe Cabana $$-$$$ Tel: (0) Kaeng Samed otel $$-$$$ Tel: (0) 8 8 Pakarang Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) Rungnapha Lodge $$-$$$$ Tel: (0) insuai amsai Resort $$-$$$$ Tel: (0) Sunthorn Phu KA0 CAMAO Õ. Ao Khao Seafood Laem Mae Phim Ko Man ai Ko Man Klang 40 4 A YAI AM Õ.π Õ Silver Beach $$-$$$ Tel: (0) Sin Siam Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) Oliver argreave

8 F SECTIO 4 : kms. rom Klaeng, ighway skirts mountains and estuaries. The highest of the peaks, Soi Dao ua (0m), lies to the north of Chantaburi's provincial capital. Waterfalls tumble off the jungle clad heights, the prominence of which creates large amounts of rainfall and has helped the area become the fruit basket of Bangkok. A fruit festival celebrates this fact in the harvest season at the beginning of May. Attractions include Chantaburi City, the waterfalls in national parks and several beaches where seafood restaurants are numerous. If you plan to visit the waterfalls, it is as well to note that they are less crowded during weekdays and at their best as the rainy season progresses. Reaching the different levels may involve sweaty climbs through moist R 44 Õ. ß KLAEG 0 Sunthorn Phu Laem Mae Phim KAO CAMAO 0 0 kms Khao Wong 4 KLAEG CATABURI 40 Khung Wiman to Kaeng ang Maew A YAI AM Õ.π Õ Chao Lao Ban ong Khla KLAEG to CATABURI 40 KA0 KITCAKUT Õ. ŸØ 4 4 TA MAI Õ. à À à Wat Khao Sukim 4 4 Krathing π ÿ CATABURI 48 4 Khung Wiman AROUD CATABURI to Klaeng & Rayong m. Wat Khao Sukim Fruit market Ban oen Sun TA MAI Õ. à À à oen Wong Krathing Falls to Pong am Ron Khao Khitchakut Krathing Resort Ban Krathing KAO KITCAKUT Õ. ŸØ Ban Khanun π ÿ CATABURI 0 Maneechan Resort 8 MAKAM Õ. amtok Trok ong to Khiritan Dam Around Chantaburi LAEM SIG Õ. À ßÀå evergreen jungle up sometimes slippery paths. Take swimming gear to enjoy the cool pools. POITER ELEVE The junction of 4 and with at KM POITER TWELVE turns sharply south at KM. goes north to Sa Kaeo. Oliver argreave Laem Sadet Maldives B. Res. Chao Lao at Sai Thong Res. Chao Lao Sawasdee 0 4 Ban Tha Chalaep Oasis Sea World Tuk Daeng Õ. À ßÀå LAEM SIG Ban Pak Sombun $ Tel:(0) 48 Khuk Khi Kai 4 Ko Proed 4 m. amtok Phliu Õ. ÿß KLUG to Trat seafood Khao Chamao- Khao Wong ational Park ( KM north turn onto kms.) A two kilometre nature trail links the eight levels of the Khao Chamao Falls. Khao Wong ( KM8 kms north on 4) is a modest sized limestone karst with a succession of small, pungent caves inhabited by bats. It is possible to drive directly from Khao Chamao to Khao Wong using dirt roads (4WD) to the north or south of the mountain. This drive that will be of interest as much for the rural scenery you pass through as for the destination. at Kung Wiman, Laem Sadet & at Chao Lao (south turn off at KM0 on or from 8

9 Chantaburi via Tha Mai District. kms to Chao Lao on ) The low hills, headlands and the bay of Ao Khung Kratiane combine to create some pleasant coastline, the best of which is found on the extensive sandy beaches between Laem Sadet and Chao Lao. Chao Lao is a Thai style beach resort consisting of numerous small restaurants serving excellent seafood. Bungalow resorts are found at back and little else. A new bridge across the river estaury makes possible a circular trip via Tha Mai. Laem Singh to the south-east is entirely devoted to prawn farming except for one small beach (see map) TA MAI ACCOMMODATIO (Chao Lao & Laem Sadet) at Sai Thong Resort, Mu Khlong Khut, Tha Mai, Chantaburi 0. Tel: (0) - BKK Rsvn: (0) 4 Ext. $$-$$$ Chaolao Sawasdee Resort, Khlong Khut, Thai Mai, Chantaburi 0. Tel: (0) 08-, (0) 4 $$ Maldives Beach Resort, Laem Sadet Beach, 4 Khlong Khut, Tha Mai, Chantaburi 0. Tel: (0) 00-, Fax: (0) 04. $$-$$$ Wat Khao Sukim & Krathing Falls (Take north form at either KM0 or from pointer kms round route. Krathing Falls may be roach from or direct from at KM4 on 4 (signposted Khao Khitchakut) kms) A meditation centre lies at the heart of Wat Khao Sukim, but the main attraction for visitors is a vast four storey building containing an extraordinary array of artefacts donated to the temple. Krathing Falls in Khao Khitchakut ational Park has thirteen levels accessible from a steep 00 metre to to Laem Sadet & at Chao Lao follow signs for "Khung Krabane" to at Chao Lao via bridge Airfield narrow high street (one-way) to oen Sun path (see accommodation inland section ). oen Wong Fortress (4 approx. 4 kms from Chantaburi) The bastion was built on a bluff south-west of Chantaburi City in 84 as a defence against the Vietnamese. Ramparts for cannon enclose 0 rai of land upon which stands Wat Yotanimittara and a small museum of underwater archeological exploration. Chantaburi (South turn at Pointer. kms.) Chantaburi lies close to saphire and ruby mining regions found in the mountains to the northeast. Deposits near Bo Rai are largely exhausted, but stones come from Phailin in Cambodia and elsewhere. The downtown gem trading area along Si Chan Road throngs with traders on Fridays and Saturdays. Chantaburi was dominated by the Khmer from Angkor in the 4th century, and repeatedly invaded from Cambodia in the th century. In Phraya Taksin occupied the city after the Burmese destruction of the Siamese capital at Ayutthaya. From Chantaburi he began the campaign that was to force the Burmese out of Siam and secure the polity that evolved into modern Thailand. From the 8th century Chantaburi provided a haven for Christians fleeing persecution in Vietnam, to Chantaburi to oen Wong 4 CATABURI to & Pointer to Tha Mai & Laem Sadet Provincial all (Sala Klang) Caribou ai Thian Taksin Memorial City Pillar ight market Taksin Statue Eastern 4 otel to oen Wong and later the city attracted many overseas Chinese. The Catholic Cathedral was completed in 0. It can be reached by footbridge across the river from Rim am Street, a charming narrow street best for walking and sampling the city s Chinese-Vietnamese rice noodles. Chantaburi s night market is also Camp Taksin (Marines) Wat Bot Muang Si Chan Rd. KP Grand otel Rim am Rd Robinson Dept. Store RC Cathedral Wat Phailom Khun Daeng m to & Pointer ( north to Khao Soi Dao) Alternative route to Laem Singh & Oasis Sea World within close walking distance. To the south-west of the city, oen Wong Fortress was built in 84 to defend the increasingly wealthy area, but it had no chance of preventing the French from occupying Chantaburi and Trat provinces in 8 as part of their colonial expansion west of the River Mekong in Cambodia and Laos. The French left in 0 when Siam finally ceded Battambang, Siem Reap and Sisophon provinces to French Indochina. With the Fall of the France in 40, Thai forces retook the lost provinces, though they suffered a naval defeat at Ko Chang (there is a memorial near Laem gop). In 4, the provinces were restored to the French. ACCOMMODATIO to, Trat & Laem gop In Chabtaburi City Caribou ighland otel. 4 Chawanautid Rd., Wat Mai, Chantaburi, 000. Tel: (0) 4-, Fax: (0) 84. $$-$$$$ Eastern otel. 8 Thachalaeb Rd, Chantaburi 000. Tel: (0) 8-0, Fax: (0) 8. $-$$ KP Grand otel. /00-0 Trirat Rd. Chantanimit, Chantaburi 000. Tel: (0) 0-, Fax: (0) 4 4 $ Maneechan Resort. 4 Raksakcha-moon Rd., Tha Chang, Chantaburi 000. Tel: (0) 4-8, Fax: (0) 4 4 $$$ Oliver argreave

10 SECTIO : kms. F rom Pointer, you may turn north to take inland routes to Khao Soi Dao mountain and a scenic backcountry route to Trat, or you can follow ighway to Trat directly. The highlight of this part of the coast is Ko Chang, which is reached by driving to Laem gop and then taking a car ferry. POITER TIRTEE to Laem gop (for Ko Chang) goes south from Ban Saeng Tung at KM. ear KM8, to Bo Rai leads to a pretty inland route to the Khiritan Dam, joining at KM. 4 POITER FOURTEE KM. East turn on 8 for the route to Khlong Yai and an inland route to Bo Rai using. terminates in Trat, becoming 48 to Laem gop. Khao Soi Dao & Back Country Routes East ighway north from pointer gives access to the county around Soi Dao Mountain. The first inland route east takes to the southeast from Makham ( KM. east turn. kms to Khlung), passing the Trok ong Falls. More spectacular scenery can be enjoyed on, which runs east from near KM and passes the Khiritan Dam and joins near KM after 44kms. 0 ACCOMMODATIO Inland Eng Dao ill Resort ( KM west turn) /Mu Tabsai, Pong am Ron, Chantaburi 40. Tel: (0) $$ Also organises rafting trips (max. 8 persons 00 Bt.) $$ Krathing Country Resort (4 KM0) / Mu Phlung, Khao Khitchakut sub-district, Chantaburi 0. Tel: (0) BKK Rsvn. Tel & Fax: (0) 8- $$ Golf near Soi Dao Soi Dao ighland otel & Golf Club ( KM.4). Mu Tabsai, R CATABURI KO CAG & AT LEK Pong am Ron, Chantaburi 40.Tel & Fax: (0) 8. Tel: (0) 8-, Fax: (0) 48 $$ Laem Singh Port & Beach ( kms return to ). Turn south-west at KM4 onto 48, drive for kms and turn left just before a sharp right hand bend near KM. follow signs for 'Dolphin' to go to the Oasis Sea World Dolphinarium and Butterfly Farm One hour shows start 0:00, :00, :00, :00, :00 Tel: (0) southwest form at KM. 48 provides an uncomplicated direct route to Laem Singh avoiding the dolphinarium. Seafood restaurants line the beach near the mouth of the estuary. The French occupation is marked in Laem Sing by an old customs house (tuk daeng) and a second small, lopsided tower that served Õ. Õ «SOI DAO Soi Dao Falls Soi Dao ighland POG AM RO Õ. ªÉßπÈ âõπ Eng Dao 4 LAEM SIG Õ. À ßÀå 0 Õ. MAKAM π ÿ CATABURI KLUG Õ. ÿß Around Chantaburi Airport (under construction) 0 0km as a jail in which Thai prisoners were kept beneath the mesh floor of a chicken coop (khuk khi kai). The coastline between Laem Singh and the mangroves of Khlung to the south-east is dominated by prawn-farming. amtok Phliu & Khlung (KM4 north turn.kms) In 8, King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) built a chedi and the pyramid housing the remains of his beloved Queen Sunantha, who drowned in a boating accident at Bang Pa-In two years after they had visited the falls. A onekilometre nature trail goes round and above the falls. ote the Chinese (Wat Mangkol Ban Saeng Tung LAEM GOP Õ. À ßÕ KO CAG â ß Ko Rang Khlong Pong am Ron Rafting Khiritan Dam Laem gop & Ko Chang Ko Wai 88 KAO SAMIG Õ. ß 48 CATABURI to AT LEK Local border crossing Ban oen Tak Daet 4 Local border crossing Õ. àõ à BO RAI µ TRAT Ban Pu Laem Resort Klat Laem Sok Ko Mai Si Yai C A M B O D I A. à π ÿ æ Dan Chomphu at Ban Chuan Ko Mak Õ. Õß À à KLOG YAI Ban at Lek Ko Kut International Border Crossing Tak Akat $$ Tel: (0) 4, (0) 8 Chanchon Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) 8, (0) Khao Lan Muk Kaew Resort Buppharam) on ighway near the side-road to the falls. The road towards the sea at the main lights in Khlung (near KM) terminates at jetties and some good seafood restaurants. Laem gop and Ko Chang Island Laem gop fishing port is the starting point for passenger ferries to Ko Chang and the smaller isalnds to the south. A nearby memorial museum commemorates a naval battle between the Thai and French in which two Thai vessels were sunk in 4. Three car ferry services serving Ko Chang operate from landings west of Laem gop. Oliver argreave

11 Ko Chang Ko Chang is the largest of more than 40 islands that form an archipelago which became the Mu Ko Chang Marine ational Park. Due to government intentions to make it a prime tourist destination, the island is undergoing rapid change. Ko Chang's jungle clad ridge reaches over 00m in height and runs the length of the island. A U shaped two-lane concrete road ( Be careful on the very steep z bends to the south of Ban Khlong Son!) is being extended and will be fully sealed from Ban Rong Than and Ban Salak Phet round the northern head of the island down and around to just east of Ban Bang Bao. The loop may be completed with a final extension that will only be for use by mountain bicycles. Three superb beaches are located on the west coast Sai Khao, Khlong Phrao and Kai Bae. Than Mayom and Khlong Phlu Falls offer inland attractions (park fees are collected), and there are some minor falls around Ao Salak Phet. Ban Bang Bao and Ban Rong Than have good seafood restaurants in scenic locations. Resorts are being developed Ayapura Ban Pu Ko Chang to Ban Saeng 0 Tung (Pointer ) Ao Tang Ku 4 Ao Sapparot Sai Khao 4 Ao Khlong Phrao Kai Bae Ferry Ko Chang Khlong Son Steep danger! m. R.Thai avy Tha Dan KO CAG Ko Chang Centrepoint ospital m. Khlong Phrao Khlong Phlu Resort 8 Steep! White Sand Beach Res. $-$$ Tel: (0) Steep! Ko Chang Lagoon Resort $$ Tel: (0) Best Garden Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) Ko Chang Grand View Resort $-$$$ Tel: (0) 4 Plaloma Cliff Resort $$ Tel: (0) Coconut Beach Bungalows $ Tel: (0) 04 Chang Park Resort $$ Tel: (0) 8 aval Memorial KO CAG SUB DISTRICT ational Park Q Police Petrol Than Mayom Park Visitor Centre Khlong ung Ban Bang Bao LAEM GOP & KO CAG Ko Chang Ferry Khiripet 4 m. Ban Salak Phet Ao Salak Petch Ban Rong Than LAEM GOP petrol to Trat Laem gop Inn Tel: (0) 044 Ruan Thalae TAT (information) Tel: (0) -0 Kai Bae ut Resort $- $$ Ban Khlong Tian Tel: (0) 8 84 Seaview Resort $$ Tel: (0) 80 aval Siam Bay Resort $-$$ Ko Khlum Tel: (0) 8 Ko Lao Ya 0 km ature Beach Resort $ Tel: (0) 80 8 Ko Chang Boat Chalet $$-$$$ Ko Wai Tel: (0) throughout the length of the west coast and inexpensive huts are still available in keeping with the islands reputation as a haven for young travellers. Increasingly, however, mid to up-market resorts are occupying prime sites along the main beaches. Between these three main beaches, rocky beach is common, especially at low tide. Salak Petch Seafood Tel: (0) 4 8 ACCOMMODATIO Ko Chang Aiyapura, Mu, Ko Chang, Trat 0. Tel: (0) -0, Fax: (0). Bkk Off. (0) 8 < Ban Pu Ko Chang, at Sai Khao, Tel: (0) 4 4, (0) 4 $$- $$$$ Khlong Phrao Resort / Mu 4 Ko Chang, Trat 0. Tel: (0) 80 0, Laem gop Off: Tel: (0), Fax: (0) 0 <www. klongpraoresort.com> Trat to Khlong Yai & at Lek (8 kms from Pointer 4) Wat Buppharam to the west of the provincial capital town of Trat is the main point of interest apart from the fresh market at the centre of town. The Ban Pu Resort, which has an unusual 48 Centre Point Ferry ( KM4) Ferries 0:00-:0 from mainland, 08:00-8:0 from Ko Chang (offseason schedule) Tel: (0) Bt./car & driver. Approx 4min Ferry Ko Chang ( KM0) Tel: (0) 4 0 Bt./car & driver. Approx min Ko Chang Ferry (ear Maritime Museum) Tel: (0) 88 0 bt./car & driver. Approx 0min. battle wrecks Oliver argreave location over mangrove forest and a restaurant with a local reputation, is the best accommodation nearby. The drive to Khlong Yai and at Lek is fast, passing sandy beaches extending from Laem Klad to Khlong Yai. Virtually any side road can get you to nearly deserted beaches. owever, due to their location in the bight formed by Laem Sok and the archipelago, the beaches are not as attractive as those on the islands. The best beach is found at at Chuen (south turn either at KM. or KM). Accommodation is found to Chantaburi to Wat Bupharam (kms) (Temple museum 08:00-:00) Trat Dept. Store Market to Laem gop & Laem Sok () to Khlong Yai Wat Phailom Provincial all (Sala Klang) at at Muk Kaew (KM4) and along the old road between the sea and 8 around KM to the north-west of Khlong Yai District. Apart from quiet coastal backwaters and rural hinterland, 8 passes a small but unusual memorial museum at the site of a former refugee camp at Khao Lan Ratchakarun (KM48). Khlong Yai (KM4) is a small town with wooden houses on streets that become increasingly narrow as they approach the sea. A large fishing port is located a few kilometres to the east at KM.80. at Lek (KM8) is a border market selling cheaper Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese products as well as French wines. To gamble at the Grand otel Casino (Tel: (0) 4 48-) just across the border from at Lek, you will need a visa from the Cambodian Embassy in Bangkok (8 Ratchadamri Rd. Tel: (0) 4 0, Fax: (0) 8). You must leave your Budget Car on the Thai side. ACCOMMODATIO TRAT 0 00m to Tha Dan Kao Ban Pu Resort & Suan Pu Restaurant. - Mu, Tambol ong Khan Song, Trat 0. Tel: (0) 4, (0) 400, Fax: (0) 4 (Turn left at KM. on 48. Restaurant rs. 0:00-:00) Set in a man-grove forest with a recommended restaurant. at Muk Kaew Resort. $$$. 8 KM4. Pleasant isolated setting by beach. Tel: (0), (0) 8. Bangkok: (0) 4-8, Fax: (0) 0.

12 ISTRUCTIOS Shading highlights recommended routes ighway umber Pointer numbers identify important intersections o help you find your way through an unfamiliar landscape, the route is T divided into sections. Suggested routes are marked on the maps and numbered pointers listed in sequence in the likely direction of travel. Kilometre references are noted in two ways: KM = Kilometre stone is the nearest kilometre marker on ighway (Sukhumwit ighway). (west turn kms) If you are travelling north, this means you should turn left and drive kms to the indicated destination. Fill up with petrol! Before entering back country roads, make sure you have enough fuel. In deep country areas, filling stations are reduced to handpumps from barrels, which is inconvenient and more expensive. Broken up and buckled road surface may sometimes be encountered along highways, but this is usually rare on main highways unless there is road construction. Always be very careful driving through areas where there is road construction, especially if you are driving at night (we recommend you avoid driving at night in Thailand). Damaged road surface is commonly found on tertiary sealed roads in rural areas. Avoid driving faster than 0kph on such roads and be ready to slow down frequently. 4 WD Only! If you are driving a vehicle that does not have four-wheel drive, please do not enter roads indicated as suitable for 4WD if driving an ordinary sedan (it is not usually necessary to engage 4WD on most dirt road). Dirt roads are common in border areas and the mountains, and important unsealed routes are regularly maintained. We recommend that you avoid dirt roads, in particular remote ones, as you will be responsible for anything that happens to vehicles off regularly maintained and paved roadways. Should you go on a dirt road, however, please drive slowly to avoid mechanical problems and to keep the dust down, especially when passing people and driving through villages. Remember to always take drinking water allow for emergencies. A torch can be useful as well as an umbrella or warm clothing, depending on season and location. Defensive driving. Be wary of oncoming traffic when approaching the brow of a hill or a blind corner, and be especially vigilant for vehicles entering from side-roads which may not stop as they enter the major road. Always slow right down when entering a village or town, no matter how empty the road might look. elp us get it right! If you have suggestions or find serious errors in this guide, please advise our staff. Music while you drive. Before you set out, take advantage of low prices for audio tapes in Thailand and stock up with some new tunes, or play around with the FM radio to see what you can pick up. IFORMATIO This guide is designed to complement regular guide-books. The offices of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT locations on the maps) at Pattaya (Tel: (0) 84 or (0) 84 80, Fax: (0) tatpty@chonburi.ksc.co.th), at Tapong ( KM0+00m) near Rayong (Tel: (0) Fax: (0) 8 4) and at Laem gop (Tel: (0) -0, Fax: (0) ) can also provide useful information and brochures. ACCOMMODATIO Selected accommodation suggests a range of places that stand out for ambience, but many other places on the map listings can be just as nice. We strongly advise pre-booking accommodation in the high season and during festivals. À ÿ STOP SLIPPERY ROAD O PASSIG STEEP ILL For reservations, please contact your travel consultant or call Budget: Accommodation near the beach is charged at a premium in Thailand, so even 'cheap' rooms can cost between 0 and 0 dollars per night, which can be more than double the inland equivalent. Travel with enough cash to get you to the next ATM machine, which are usually found at banks in main district towns (amphoe). Credit cards can be used at large gas stations and most main resorts/hotels. Fuel prices are around Baht per litre (The baht/us dollar exchange rate is fluctuating around 40-4 Baht=US$) Only indication prices for accommodation are given, as rack rates change according to the occupancy rate. Be prepared for an additional % of government taxes to be added onto a hotel bill. Walk-in rates are indicated as follows: 000 Baht up 000- Baht 000- Baht 0- Baht ATIOAL PARKS Foreigners are charged 00 Bht. (children 00 Bht.) entrance fee to national parks in Thailand. If you can produce a Thai driver s license, you may be charged at the rate for Thai people (0 Bht./adult 0 Bht./vehicle), but this is uncertain. The entrance fee will allow you to enter all sites in that park on the date of purchase. À ÿ µ «STOP (POLICE) CECK FALLIG ROCKS (LAD SLIDE) In the U.K.: 04 -, In the U.S.: (800) -000 In Germany: , In Australia: In Singapore: -444, In Thailand: -800-BUDGET (c) all rights reserved. Compiled by Oliver argreave (<oliverh@loxinfo.co.th>) for WorldClass Rent A Car, Co Ltd. Graphics by Within Design 0