Traffic in Hua Hin, Thailand

Hua Hin Traffic

Traffic in many Asian countries like China, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines is notoriously bad.

It may be described as hectic, chaotic and downright dangerous at best. Most roads are like poorly organized and badly sign-posted race tracks. But, at least the traffic on real race tracks all goes round in the same direction! However, even the etiquette of race track rules does not even apply here in Thailand.

The stringent rules and regulations and tests that are compulsory in many developed countries for their roads are non-existent in some Asian countries. Thailand is no exception to this rule. Basically, there are no rules, well not rules that people observe anyway.

The test to drive legally on the road with a car or motorbike is a joke. Therefore, accidents causing broken arms, broken legs and broken necks along with ?road rash? or ?Thai tattoos? as they are commonly known in Thailand are everywhere. Road rash or a Thai tattoo is when a person from a motorbike either crashes their motorbike or is knocked off their motorbike by someone else. Many Thai people sport these tattoos on their arms and legs. Also, many tourists that come to Thailand and hire motorbikes end up with the same tattoos. Either way, the result is the same: nasty, permanent scars.

Many of the main roads in Thailand ? especially the road from Bangkok to Hua Hin ? are fairly straight. This makes them pleasant to drive on with great views of mountains, salt farms, pineapple plantations and coconut farms. Most roads are three lane highways and there is usually plenty of space once you have left the city limits. Still, you do need to be aware of vehicles that will overtake you not only on the outside but also on the inside too. This is highly illegal in many developed countries but it is normal practice here. Again, take care and constantly check your mirrors.