Feb 2025 – look out Thailand, we are coming! Part 2
4 Days 3 Nights Road Trip Itinerary: Penang to Phuket
Day 1: Penang → Hat Yai → Trang
- Morning
- Depart Penang early (7:00 AM).
- Cross the Malaysia-Thailand border via Bukit Kayu Hitam/Danok. Ensure all travel documents are prepared, including the car insurance for Thailand.
- Drive to Hat Yai (2-hour drive from the border).
- Explore Hat Yai for brunch at Kim Yong Market or Kan Eng Restaurant.
- Afternoon
- Continue to Trang (4-hour drive from Hat Yai).
- Stop by the Thale Noi Waterbird Park (near Phatthalung) for scenic views and a short break.
- Check in to your hotel in Trang, such as Thumrin Thana Hotel.
- Evening
- Explore Trang Night Market for local street food like dim sum, roasted pork, and sweet desserts.
- Relax and prepare for the next day’s journey.
Day 2: Trang → Krabi → Phuket
- Morning
- Depart from Trang early (7:30 AM).
- Drive to Krabi (2.5-hour drive).
- Visit Emerald Pool and Hot Springs for a relaxing break.
- Afternoon
- Have lunch at a local Krabi eatery (Ruen Mai Restaurant is highly recommended).
- Continue driving to Phuket (2.5–3 hours).
- Check in to your accommodation in Patong Beach or Old Phuket Town.
- Evening
- Enjoy dinner at Baan Rim Pa or Kan Eang @ Pier.
- Explore Bangla Road nightlife or take a quiet stroll along Patong Beach.
Day 3: Explore Phuket
- Morning
- Visit Big Buddha and Wat Chalong for cultural immersion.
- Stop by Karon Viewpoint for panoramic views.
- Afternoon
- Have lunch at One Chun Café & Restaurant.
- Relax at Kata or Kamala Beach, or take a boat trip to nearby islands like Coral Island.
- Evening
- Visit Phuket Weekend Night Market (if it’s the weekend) for shopping and street food.
- Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Phuket → Penang
- Morning
- Depart Phuket early (7:00 AM) for the return journey.
- Drive back to Hat Yai (7-hour drive with breaks).
- Afternoon
- Have lunch in Hat Yai. Optionally visit Samila Beach or Central Festival Mall for a short break.
- Evening
- Continue driving to Penang (4 hours from Hat Yai).
- Arrive in Penang by evening or night, marking the end of your road trip.
Travel Tips
- Documents: Ensure your passport, vehicle insurance, and driving permit are valid for Thailand.
- Currency: Carry enough Thai Baht for tolls, petrol, and small expenses.
- Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze for accurate routes.
- Safety: Observe speed limits and follow local driving regulations.
- Flexibility: Add extra time for unexpected delays or detours.
Would you like suggestions for specific hotels or restaurants?