If you're planning to get behind the wheel in Thailand- whether it's a rented compact car in Phuket or your own motorbike in Bangkok- congratulations. Traveling around Thailand in your own vehicle offers freedom of movement and the chance to see places inaccessible to most tourists. However, traffic in the country is heavy and drives on the left side of the road, and the abundance of nimble scooters can be overwhelming at first. To prevent your trips from becoming a stressful quest, your smartphone should be road-ready. Here's a selection of essential apps that will make life as a driver in Thailand much easier and safer, and your driving experience more comfortable.
In this article, we'll look at the best apps that every driver should install, even if you don't plan on driving long distances.
Google Maps and Waze in Thailand
Without maps, there's nothing to do in Thailand. The interchanges in Bangkok seem to have been built by futuristic enthusiasts, while on the islands, a paved road can suddenly turn into a steep dirt road.
Google Maps is an absolute must-have app. In Asia, Google works great- it updates traffic information quickly, knows most of the small streets (sois), and creates accurate routes. Important tip: before a long trip to the mountains (for example, to Chiang Mai or Kanchanaburi Province), be sure to download an offline map of the area. Mobile service is sometimes lost in the mountains. Google Maps remains the primary navigation app for most tourists in Thailand.
Advantages:
- precise routes throughout the country;
- information about traffic jams, police checkpoints, road repairs, speed cameras in real time;
- search for gas stations, cafes, shops and attractions;
- the ability to download maps for offline use.
But there's a downside: it automatically chooses the fastest and shortest route in terms of mileage, but not the most convenient or quality road. It doesn't differentiate between a jungle trail and a proper road. As a result, travel time increases because speed decreases.
Waze
A true lifesaver for those afraid of cameras and fines. This social navigation app allows drivers to mark police stops, accidents, road construction, and speed cameras on a map in real time. It's indispensable on intercity highways. Waze is especially useful for drivers who travel a lot in cities.
Advantages:
- traffic jam warnings;
- notifications about road works;
- information about road accidents and obstacles on the road;
- current data from other users.
In large cities like Bangkok or Pattaya, Waze can often help you find a faster route.
Google Translate
Indispensable when communicating with Thais anywhere, especially in auto repair shops (which often look like ordinary garages under a canopy) or when trying to understand temporary signs. The "Camera Translation" feature instantly converts Thai script into understandable text. Point the camera at the text and translate in real time, without even taking a photo. If you have a good command of English, this translation app may be useful for you as well.
Useful features:
- translation of road signs through the camera;
- communication with employees of gas stations and parking lots;
- translation of documents and instructions.
The text translation mode from a photo is especially useful.
Grab
Although Grab is known as a taxi service, the app is also useful for drivers.
With its help you can:
- order food or various goods directly to your stop;
- call a taxi if for some reason you cannot continue your trip;
- find out the addresses of popular places in English and Thai.
If you need a break from driving in Thailand, taxi apps In-drive and Bolt are also useful.
Maps.me
The main competitor to Google Maps. It has added many tourist locations not found on Google Maps. It's an excellent option for those planning trips to remote areas.
Advantages:
- completely offline maps. Before your trip, download a map of the desired area and hit the road;
- high detail;
- works without an internet connection;
- suitable for traveling to islands and national parks.
PTT Station
A useful app from Thailand's largest gas station network.
Allows you to:
- find the nearest gas stations;
- find out fuel prices;
- look for stations with cafes and shops;
- plan stops during long trips.
Weather & Radar
The weather in Thailand can change very quickly, especially during the rainy season.
The application helps:
- track the movement of rain fronts;
- plan routes;
- avoid heavy rains and thunderstorms.
This is especially important when traveling through mountainous areas and islands.
LINE
The most popular messenger in Thailand.
People often communicate via LINE:
- owners of rental companies;
- hotel employees;
- local guides and service providers.
Many Thais prefer LINE even to email and phone calls.
Fuelio
If you're traveling in a rental car for weeks or months, Fuelio can help you control your costs.
The application allows you to:
- take into account fuel costs;
- calculate average consumption;
- keep track of trip statistics;
- control your travel budget.
The minimum set of apps for comfortable driving in Thailand looks like this:
Google Maps- navigation.
Waze - traffic situation.
Google Translate - translation.
Grab - assistance on the road.
Maps.me - offline maps and navigation.
Weather & Radar - weather forecast.
LINE - connection to local services.
By installing these apps before your trip, you'll feel more confident on Thailand's roads, navigate unfamiliar places more quickly, and avoid many common travel problems.