Driving around Hua Hin area

[Have a cigar]

Hi, I am curious to how safe people regard it to hire a car and explore the surrounding areas of Hua Hin & Cha`am etc. Are the rules of the road pretty much the same? Is my UK license valid for use in Thailand?

[dtaai-maai]

I'll leave insurance aspects to someone who knows more, but driving requires more caution and considerable awareness, especially if you're not accustomed.
Never assume you have the right of way.
If someone flashes their headlights at you it does not mean "after you", but "get out of my way, I'm coming through regardless".
The rules are pretty much the same as on UK roads, but are largely ignored. Motorcycles are a constant hazard, along with overtaking fever, a complete inability to turn right without cutting the corner and unmanned railway crossings.
Your UK license may not be technically valid for driving here, but it has done me nicely for 8 years and numerous stops.

In short, it's safe enough, just so long as you aware of the dangers!

[LolaBeltran]

"Rules of the Road"? An unknown concept here.

You will be lucky to have most of the traffic traveling in the same direction as you are.
Play it like a gigantic video game . . .expect things to jump out at you from any corner and be ready to take evasive action at all times.

One bit of real advice, start off at a time when the traffic is light and head first for a back road. . . and get used to things gradually.

[buksida]

There's a Hua Hin driving guide here: http://www.expathuahin.com/driving-huahin.php

Amusing and frightening at the same time but all very accurate!

[PeteC]

Another one anywhere here is the slight swerve right before going left into an entrance or side road. If you happen to be driving by at the time it can give you a good fright. I've been told by many reliable sources that they actually teach that at their driving school/test centers....to be used only when turning into a very narrow soi though. However, people seem to do it all the time no matter how wide the entrance is they're turning into. Human nature?

Another is beware of the timid motorbike rider who wants to make a right turn but seems afraid to stay on the far right side of the lane with signal on, and turn in when clear. They seem to want a totally clear path front and back, and will pull all the way over to the left curb (with their right turn indicator still on )...and wait for an empty road both ways before zooming across both lanes and into their turn off. Seeing is believing! Pete

[Have a cigar]

Thanks for the informative responses.
Ive experienced the crazy driving in other parts of Thailand before, albeit from the back seat of a taxi and not really paying too much attention. I do remember thinking that I wouldnt fancy getting behind the wheel though. From what you are saying it sounds like driving around Hua Hin can be a bit of a handful but safe enough if you have your wits about you. I`ll possibly hire a car for a day and try it out to see how I get on. If it gets a bit stressful or dangerous theres always taxis. Cheers.

[Dannie Boy]

Another is beware of the timid motorbike rider who wants to make a right turn but seems afraid to stay on the far right side of the lane with signal on, and turn in when clear. They seem to want a totally clear path front and back, and will pull all the way over to the left curb (with their right turn indicator still on )...and wait for an empty road both ways before zooming across both lanes and into their turn off. Seeing is believing! Pete

"Timid" but sensible is what I would call your quote, albeit using the right turn signal is not a good practice. If you get stuck in the middle of the road waiting to turn right, you run the risk of somebody who is overtaking a car (coming from ahead or behind) turning you into a meat sandwich - I have never seen it but can imagine it happens far too frequently!!

[DSB]

A UK driving license will probably be ok, but to be sure for insurance purposes, I would say that an international license would be better.

[traveller2]

Thanks for the informative responses.
Ive experienced the crazy driving in other parts of Thailand before, albeit from the back seat of a taxi and not really paying too much attention. I do remember thinking that I wouldnt fancy getting behind the wheel though. From what you are saying it sounds like driving around Hua Hin can be a bit of a handful but safe enough if you have your wits about you. I`ll possibly hire a car for a day and try it out to see how I get on. If it gets a bit stressful or dangerous theres always taxis. Cheers.

That sounds a sensible option. When I go over I always get an international driving permit from the post office, costs £12 and lasts a year. Ive not had to produce yet, but its in many languages, including Thai.

t2

[Have a cigar]

[/quote]

That sounds a sensible option. When I go over I always get an international driving permit from the post office, costs £12 and lasts a year. Ive not had to produce yet, but its in many languages, including Thai.

t2[/quote]

I was thinking of getting the IDL but reading on the AA website it says you have to apply 3 months before you intend to use the license. Its now 2 &1/2 months till i leave for Thailand. So too late

[dtaai-maai]

I was assuming you were already here - as you're still in the UK, I'd be inclined to pop into the post office and ask if I were you.

[Have a cigar]

When i return to Terra firma I will do...currently in the middle of the North sea.

[Big Boy]

The last one I got was just a matter of going to the post office with my license and a passport sized photo - they did it there and then.

[Dannie Boy]

The last one I got was just a matter of going to the post office with my license and a passport sized photo - they did it there and then.

I can't remember whether it is terminal 2 or 3 at LHR but there is/used to be a Post Office where you could pick up an IDL while you waited. I only ever bought one by post from the RAC and from memory it took about one week to arrive.

[caller]

[quote="Have a cigar]I was thinking of getting the IDL but reading on the AA website it says you have to apply 3 months before you intend to use the license. Its now 2 &1/2 months till i leave for Thailand. So too late [/quote]

I think you should re-read the advice on their website as you've got it wrong. You cannot apply more than 3 months before the date of travel, so you have plenty of time. I checked this as I always get mine from the AA and never book to travel so far in advance.