Thai maps for a UK Satnav

[Big Boy]

I considered that, but where is the degrees button?

Found it

[Edit] That seems to work OK.

[Dannie Boy]

If you’re using a smart phone, I find Waze very good - can’t say it’s better than Google Maps but I’m sure it’s on a par.

[STEVE G]

Having used a stand-alone satnav in the past, I must confess that having an app on a mobile phone is much better. With the phone you can be online and get frequent (where applicable) map upgrades unlike with the satnav. Some upgrades are also downright expensive so the satnav app on mobile phone thing is the way to go.

Google maps is great *if* you have a data plan and have connectivity. While they do have a offline map capability, you do have to plan ahead and download beforehand. Also, only sections of where you're going, not the whole country.

I use something called Sygic and have for years. It's not the best offline map but all in all works for me. A one-off purchase of the SE Asia maps and lifetime updates for less than 2,000 baht at the time.
Get a windscreen mount for the phone and you're good to go. Has a HUD function but hardly ever used it, the novelty wore off soon enough..

I also use Sygic and it's very good, they use the maps and traffic information from Tom-Tom, so it's pretty much the same as many inbuilt car satnavs anyway.
As you say, the main advantage over Google is that you don't need a data plan, it works offline. I very rarely get lost around here but the last time I did, we were way out in the hills beyond the Monsoon valley vineyard and there is no mobile signal out there, so I was glad to have it.

[laphanphon]

Another thing to pay attention to, is look forward where you're going, especially in 'the city', as happens a bit when I'm in Krung Thep. Probably the worst place to make a wrong turn, as may take a few kms to get back on track.

Usually happens at stand still, intersection, and Google Map will get disoriented until moving again. Suggesting you turn, and a few seconds before, it was straight on.

So have a ball park idea where your next turn is, and how close or far you are away from it, in case it goes nutty. Once moving again, it corrects itself.

[Big Boy]

I used my phone as my satnav, in anger for the first time today (when travelling somewhere that I needed a satnav). I must say, it did exceptionally well, and had features that my >10y.o. satnav never had. It seemed to know all delays and routed me around them where it could. I still prefer my old fashioned satnav (because I'm used to it), but the phone passed with flying colours. I was using Google Maps.

The only downside was the display size, and layout, which I'm not used to yet.

[Jimbob]

I bought a Garmin nuvi 42 four years ago in Australia and bought on-line a mini SD card with Thai maps that I fitted to successfully drive in north Thailand. I lent it to a friend but his thai wife wouldn't use it cos she knew everything. No Thai language option for her to argue with.

[Big Boy]

I was considering the same device on recommendation from a friend, although I think it's now morphed into 52. I just thought I'd try the phone first, and yesterday it got me there and back without problem, and used different roads that my old satnav has never taken me down.

I will need a lot more confidence before using the phone for Bangkok Roads though.

[HHTel]

The beauty of using Google Maps in BKK is that it knows where the BTS is being constructed and will route you around it. My car satnav will send me straight into the melee causing a headache of traffic jams.

[VincentD]

While I am comfortable using Sygic offline maps on my smartphone, I am also aware that the map data comes from TomTom and is slightly less detailed than Google maps. This is especially so in the lesser-known regions. The search engine is also not as up-to-date, to the point where I will use Google maps to find a place and the gps coordinates and use these coordinates with Sygic to navigate. It may sound counterintuitive, but I still prefer to navigate with an offline map should there be a problem with my data package.
HHTel, I usually use Google maps traffic display to choose a route before I start as a general guideline.
Both have their pros and cons. Fortunately (for me) I have both and will use whichever is more suited to the navigation at hand.

[huahin4ever]

While I am comfortable using Sygic offline maps on my smartphone, I am also aware that the map data comes from TomTom and is slightly less detailed than Google maps. This is especially so in the lesser-known regions. The search engine is also not as up-to-date, to the point where I will use Google maps to find a place and the gps coordinates and use these coordinates with Sygic to navigate. It may sound counterintuitive, but I still prefer to navigate with an offline map should there be a problem with my data package.
HHTel, I usually use Google maps traffic display to choose a route before I start as a general guideline.
Both have their pros and cons. Fortunately (for me) I have both and will use whichever is more suited to the navigation at hand.

You are aware that you can use Google Maps offline by downloading the maps you need in advance?

YNWA

[VincentD]

Yes, I am aware you can download Google maps and use them offline, though I have not tried to do so, nor do I think I will as I already have Sygic. The other thing about Google maps offline is that it is for a fairly specific area and not the whole country so will need forward planning, something I'm quite hopeless at. Sygic is there when I need it and it is usually when I am out of wifi and/or Internet range.

[Big Boy]

Just an update on my situation. I did not buy a new Satnav, but persevered with Google Maps on my phone.

A few weeks back I did quite a long tour around Thailand (avoiding Bangkok) with relatives, and it was a huge success.

Yesterday I drove to Ayutthaya for the football, and back to Hua Hin again this morning. It took different routes both ways, avoiding hold-ups along the way. Both ways, it took me through central Bangkok and was spot on. I've concluded there is absolutely no need to purchase a dedicated Satnav.

[HHTel]