Chon Buri to Suong Road Trip Guide: Hidden Gems & Safety Tips

Stretching roughly 320 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand coast to the Cambodian border town of Suong, this route follows Route 314 then National Highway 33, crossing the Khao Soidao Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive is a transition from lowland rice paddies to the foothills of the Cardamom Mountains, and the final 30 kilometers cross the border at Ban Pakkad. Thai and Cambodian time zones differ by one hour, so adjust your watch if crossing.

For those wondering how long to drive Chon Buri to Suong, expect about four and a half hours without stops, but plan for five to six with breaks. The question is it worth driving Chon Buri to Suong is answered by the chance to see the unusual limestone formations of Khao Soidao and the laid-back border town of Suong, which are hard to reach by public transport.

The road quality is good, but expect potholes in stretches between Sa Kaeo and the border. Patrol by Thai police is present, but in Cambodia, avoid driving after dark due to poorly marked intersections. For families, the Sa Kaeo Rabbit Farm offers a hands-on petting experience, and the Wang Sombun Waterfall has picnic spots suitable for kids. Pet-friendly stops are limited; the Khao Soidao Wildlife Sanctuary allows leashed pets only in the parking area, so plan accordingly.

To combat fatigue, take a break at the PTT Station at Ban Bueng (km 45) which has a clean café and restrooms. Another rest area at Kabin Buri (km 150) has a 7-Eleven and small food court. Remember that Thailand drives on the left; Cambodia also drives on the right, so be cautious at the border crossing. For pet owners, several hotels in Sa Kaeo accept pets, but confirm before booking.

The route passes the Khao Soidao Wildlife Sanctuary, home to gibbons and hornbills, but the main attraction is the Khao Soidao Waterfall, a tiered cascade that flows year-round. Near the border, the Sa Kaeo province offers the Prasat Sdok Kok Thom, an 11th-century Khmer temple complex—though not UNESCO-listed, it's a precursor to the Angkor sites. The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the vicinity is the temple complex of Preah Vihear, but that's a detour north; strict itinerary avoids it.

A local food staple along the route is the 'khao tom mat', a sticky rice dessert wrapped in banana leaves, sold at roadside stalls. The capital of Sa Kaeo, Sa Kaeo town, has a sprawling morning market where you can buy fresh tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteen. Cross-border commerce is brisk; you'll see trucks carrying textiles and electronics into Cambodia.

**Natural Landscapes & Attractions:** The route offers views of the jungle-clad mountains, and the final stretch into Cambodia boasts fields of cashew trees. For the adventurous, a detour to the Chang Phuak Forest Park provides a picnic area and short hiking trails. Climatically, the best months to drive are November to February when it's dry and cool; the rainy season (June-October) makes the road slick near the mountain passes.

Route 314 merges into NH33 near Ban Bueng, and the road is fully paved, two-lane with occasional passing lanes. Toll costs from Chon Buri to the start of NH33 are around 50 THB ($1.50). Fuel stations are plentiful every 20-30 kilometers, especially around Sa Kaeo. Diesel costs about 30 THB per liter, and most stations accept credit cards but not always foreign ones.

• Border crossing at Ban Pakkad is open daily 6:00-22:00; vehicles need Carnet de Passage.
• Exchange money at the border; the official rate is used but negotiate at private booths.
• Cambodian visa on arrival: $30, with two passport photos required.

For prep, check how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to customize your route. Driving at night is not advised due to unlit stretches and livestock crossings.

Fuel and Route Economics

Budget for fuel costs: a typical sedan might spend 1,200 THB ($36) on diesel for the whole drive. Tolls on Route 314 total about 80 THB ($2.50). In Cambodia, fuel is sold in liters, and stations accept US dollars. Keep small bills handy for the border and tolls.