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Upon arriving at the border crossing, we were greeted by the bustling border market with a wide variety of goods from Thailand and Vietnam. I expected it would take an hour to complete the procedures for the whole group, but surprisingly, thanks to the professional coordination of Angkor Travel Company and GMS Rally, the group only took less than 10 minutes to complete the procedures, and the vehicles were ready to roll again on Thai soil.
The town of Had Lek (Trat province, Thailand) unfolds before our eyes, with endless rows of trees and a smooth, silky road stretching as far as the eye can see. The crisp roar of engines echoes as skilled drivers in Mercedes-Benz vehicles swiftly follow behind the police tourist escort.
A bustling scene at the border market, with goods of all kinds from Thailand and Vietnam.
Military personnel inspect vehicles before they enter Thailand, alongside a police escort vehicle.
To get used to driving on the left side of the road, the lead vehicle spent a long stretch traveling at a steady speed of 60-80 km/h. But thanks to the superior features of the Mercedes-Benz, the members quickly adapted to the high-speed traffic flow in the host country.
The excellent traffic conditions in Thailand impressed and excited the drivers, especially since most of them were driving in the Land of Smiles for the first time.
The lush green trees lining the road seemed to intoxicate each member of the group.
To reach Hua Hin, we had to drive nearly 500km on provincial and highway roads, following a pre-established route through Bangkok. Route 3 from the border crossing to Bangkok traversed over 100km of forest road. The lush green trees along the way intoxicated each member of the group. The heavy rains in the border region didn't affect our journey. This was because, in vehicles with excellent traction and high safety features like the CLA, C, C63 AMG, GLK, ML, and CLS AMG, you had little to worry about. Instead, there was pure joy behind the wheel.
We are very impressed by the excellent support from the authorities.
Occasionally, the convoy was instructed to slow down to pass checkpoints manned by the Thai military. What we appreciated most were the friendly smiles and raised arms of the officers. Even more special were the frequent yielding of the right of way by vehicles from Thailand, with the assistance of traffic police officers along the route. Naturally, we always reciprocated these friendly glances and enthusiastic gestures by waving our hands in thanks.
Sitting in the car with the group leader, Anh Hai, who is also the administrator of the otosaigon.com forum, enthusiastically shared: the purpose of the caravan trips he regularly organizes in this model is to bring new experiences to members who are passionate about driving and speed in other countries. At the same time, with the excellent traffic conditions in Thailand, members have the opportunity to better understand the products they own.
The crew members showed no signs of fatigue despite having to drive continuously at high speeds.
Despite the long journey, thanks to the excellent road system, none of the members showed any signs of fatigue, even while driving continuously at high speeds. Every 150km or so, the group stopped at rest stops that included gas stations. We clearly appreciated the convenience of this integrated gas station model with its many other amenities.
Most gas stations in Thailand have spacious parking lots, enough room for many types of vehicles at the same time. Right next to the gas station, there's always a supermarket open 24/7. Adjacent to it are restaurants selling food.Fast food, fancy cafes, or children's play areas.
The AMG duo at a rest stop.
What's even more remarkable is how cleverly the Thais have incorporated meticulously manicured bonsai trees, resembling lush green oases, into the otherwise monotonous and hot gas stations. Therefore, even travelers without refueling needs are drawn to stop and use the services offered at these complexes.
What really impressed us were the spacious, free, clean, and airy restrooms. We found that most of these service complexes are intelligently designed and can accommodate many large groups of guests at once.
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG V8 undergoes speed testing on the highway.
Having navigated the congested traffic of Bangkok, the highway to Hua Hin became less congested. And the sprint began from here, with the convoy speeding towards the seaside city of Hua Hin at a consistent 130 km/h. Sitting in my Mercedes-Benz CLA200, I felt a sense of stability and safety.
While engrossed in discussing cars with fellow travelers, a roar of exhaust pipes suddenly echoed through the cabin. Turning to the side, a dark C63 AMG V8 sped past and disappeared. After a while, the radio crackled, and a member named Linh, the car's owner, boasted about reaching speeds exceeding 220 km/h. Following this was a high-speed test drive by the C63 AMG V8 and CLS55 AMG, driven by Mr. Thai. It's worth noting that the entire convoy was escorted and guided by tourist police, allowing the drivers to experience such high speeds.
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
The thrill of speeding comes to an end when the sign leading to Hua Hin appears before our eyes. This is a fantastic resort town that no one visiting Thailand should miss..Adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors, from the beauty of the blue sea and crashing waves to ancient temples and palaces, and dazzlingly modern hotels and resorts, Hua Hin has become a favorite tourist destination for visitors from all over the world, and even for the kings and queens of Thailand.
On the night of the second day of the journey, the entire group was "rejuvenated" by the lullaby of the waves and the fresh breeze from the ocean... ready to continue the journey the next day, driving across 650km to the paradise of Phuket.
