Road Trip to Eastern Thailand: Hidden Gems in Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat!

Klook Thailand

Last updated 30 Apr 2025

Renting a Car for a Trip to Eastern Thailand is a convenient travel option, perfect for those who want to explore at their own pace, relax, and stop wherever they like. This is especially true for routes from major cities to secondary cities, where the roads are smooth, the views are beautiful, and there are plenty of hidden nature spots, cafes, and secret check-in locations. In this article, we’ll share tips for renting a car to explore Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat – an easy drive from major cities to secondary cities.

Advantages of Renting a Car for a Trip to Eastern Thailand

✔️ Easy to drive, with smooth roads and long coastal routes.
✔️ Flexible – you can stop, visit, or change routes anytime.
✔️ More cost-effective, especially if traveling with a group; the average rental cost per person is cheaper.
✔️ Access hidden attractions that public transportation can't reach.

Tips for Renting a Car: Get the Best Value and Stay Safe

✅ 1. Book Your Car in Advance Especially during long holidays or festival seasons, rental cars at airports and train stations fill up quickly. It’s best to book online early, compare prices, and read reviews before choosing.

✅ 2. Choose the Right Car for Your Route

Mountain roads and winding routes: Go for an SUV or Crossover.
City driving and smooth roads: An Eco Car is fuel-efficient.
Island hopping trips: Rent a car near the pier for easy parking and convenience.

✅ 3. Check the Rental Insurance Choose a package that covers accidents, property damage, and theft to minimize risks during your trip.

✅ 4. Prepare All Required Documents

National ID card
Driver’s license
Booking confirmation

4 Car Rental Routes for Exploring Eastern Thailand: From Major Cities to Hidden Gems

Route 1: Chonburi → Bang Saray – Sattahip – Koh Si Chang

If you're familiar with the bustling, lively atmosphere of Pattaya — with its crowds and noisy shops — try changing the vibe by driving out towards Bang Saray and Sattahip. Here, you'll discover a more peaceful side of Chonburi, featuring relaxed seaside villages that have beautifully preserved their local charm.

Bang Saray An old seaside fishing village that still preserves its traditional way of life. Here, you’ll find a long fishing pier, charming small cafes, and fresh seafood restaurants right by the water — all at very friendly prices. Tip: Take a walk along the pier in the evening to enjoy the cool sea breeze and the beautiful blue waters. It’s a perfect spot for photos, with mountain and village views in the background.

Sattahip From Bang Saray, drive another 15–20 minutes to reach the quiet beaches managed by the Royal Thai Navy, such as Nang Ram Beach and Nang Rong Beach. These beaches are clean, the sea is clear and perfect for swimming, and they are much less crowded than Pattaya.

Koh Si Chang Another must-visit destination is Koh Si Chang. Catch a ferry from Koh Loy Pier (in Si Racha) — it’s just a 20-minute ride. This small, peaceful island is packed with charm. Highlights include:

The old royal palace of King Rama V (Phra Chudhadhuj Rajthan Palace)
The Asdang Bridge, a striking white pier extending into the sea
Chong Khao Kad Viewpoint, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views

Route 2: Rayong → Ban Phe – Ao Khai – Koh Man Nok

When people think of Rayong, many immediately think of Koh Samet. However, the route from Ban Phe to Koh Man Nok is equally charming — perfect for nature lovers, café hoppers, and those who prefer peaceful, uncrowded beaches.

Ban Phe Ban Phe is famous for its seafood markets, offering both fresh and dried goods. Local specialties include shrimp paste, dried squid, and salted mackerel — highly recommended by the locals. Popular stores include Mae Somchit and Jae Oung Seafood.

Ao Khai A small, quiet beach with soft white sand and clear blue waters. There’s a relaxing wooden pier extending into the sea — an ideal spot for evening photos, especially when the lighting is beautiful. Around the area, you’ll find charming beachfront cafés and peaceful seaside resorts.

Koh Man Nok A private island just a 15–20 minute speedboat ride away. The island has only one resort, offering total tranquility and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for true relaxation, featuring a private beach and fantastic snorkeling right off the shore.

Route 3: Chanthaburi → Ao Khung Kraben – Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint – Chantaboon Riverside Community

The coastal road along Chanthaburi is incredibly romantic, offering endless ocean views and rich natural scenery — from mangrove forests and waterfalls to beaches and a winding cliffside road, often called the most beautiful coastal drive in Thailand.

Ao Khung Kraben A nature study center with a long wooden boardwalk through the mangrove forest, allowing visitors to experience and learn about the ecosystem up close. Along the walkway, there are scenic spots perfect for relaxing and capturing stunning photos. Activities: Walking, photography, cycling, kayaking.

Noen Nangphaya Viewpoint This beautiful coastal road is so picturesque it has earned the nickname “the most romantic seaside road in Thailand.” From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the blue sea and rolling hills. Activities: Taking photos, enjoying the view, and relaxing at seaside cafés.

Chantaboon Riverside Community A historic riverside neighborhood over 100 years old, featuring charming old wooden houses and Thailand’s largest and most beautiful Catholic church. Activities: Strolling, taking photos, relaxing at cozy coffee shops. Recommended Cafés: Chan Café, The Little Cottage Recommended Eats: Baan Luang Rajamaitri, Mae Pom’s Mantis Shrimp Noodles

Route 4: Trat → Ban Nam Chiao – Banchuen Beach – Koh Kood

Trat is the easternmost province of Thailand, known for its small-town charm, fresh air, crystal-clear sea, and preserved fishing village lifestyle. If you're looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path journey, this route is perfect.

Ban Nam Chiao An old fishing village known for its canal-side life and mangrove forests. Visitors can take a boat ride through the lush “Kradoong” mangroves or explore the bay by boat. Activities: Boat tours, mangrove planting, learning about local ways of life.

Banchuen Beach A beautiful, uncrowded beach with clear water and soft white sand. Even locals in Trat love coming here to swim and picnic. Activities: Swimming, picnicking, watching the sunset.

Koh Kood One of Thailand’s top paradise islands with some of the clearest waters in the country. It’s peaceful and scenic, with eco-style resorts that blend into nature. Activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, visiting Khlong Chao Waterfall

Summary: Why Rent a Car for an Eastern Thailand Road Trip?

Renting a car to explore Eastern Thailand is one of the most worthwhile ways to travel. It gives you the freedom to discover a wide variety of attractions — from serene beaches and charming local communities to lush nature spots and cozy cafés. With the flexibility to stop anywhere that catches your interest, it’s perfect for those seeking a unique and enjoyable trip. Try driving the route through Chonburi – Rayong – Chanthaburi – Trat — you’re guaranteed to fall in love with the journey!

Bangkok Pattaya Thailand