SU AZIZ takes a leisurely drive in Phuket, heading down south and discovering lush green countryside. Sheer bliss!

DURING the 91km drive from Nai Yang, located on the north of Phuket island, to Khao Lak in Phang Nga, one of the southern provinces of Thailand, lush green countryside was the highlight.

Phuket, except for Patong beach, is a cross between Cherating and Langkawi. The vegetation, architecture and island-style living are similar. The only difference — Thai drivers are somewhat more courteous.

Trucks, small lorries and four-wheelers squeeze themselves to the extreme left, often into the emergency lane, to make space for you to overtake.

Most Thai drivers are safe drivers and even though motorcyclists without helmets are ubiquitous, I feel they are somehow in less danger of their brains being splattered onto the roads than anywhere else in this region!
Patience, I think, is their main forte.

Being predominantly Buddhists, Thais are very kind to their animals. Everywhere one turns, dogs are lazily avoiding traffic or basking in the warmth of the tarmac roads. Cats, chickens and cows scarcely open an eye or raise their sleepy heads even as motorcycles zoom by.

The outskirt of Phuket has a slightly mountainous backdrop but her roads are only slightly hilly.

They make for an easy drive with, say, a 1.4cc Chevrolet Aveo, which is comfortable for not more than three passengers if you want fuel efficiency and moderate engine performance.

A breezy ride can be achieved with either the 1.6cc or 1.8cc Optra Magnum that is an uncomplicated drive, along with all the luxuries a sedan can offer.

Or, if you prefer, a smooth drive with the 1.6cc Optra Estate that is large enough to fit a family of five.

The latter, although a station wagon in the physical sense, drives, manoeuvres and handles like a sedan. Let's just say that it is an expanded sedan. Not a bad thing at all.

Anyway, Phuket road conditions are pretty good, safe and well-maintained, making for a smooth drive.

A speed limit of around 110 km/h on highways of four lanes (and half of that when going through villages) is common practice.

Yes, they also drive on the left side like we do with steering wheels located on the right side of the cars.

It's like driving on a little more expansive but lush and quiet roads of Langkawi.

The downside to this is there is no way you can test the car's Euro-Ride Suspension which reduces impact and enhances traction.

The best part is, you may drive with the windows down. Take in the breeze, a change from the car's dual control air conditioning.

Before you frown and worry about pollution, let me assure you that there is heck of a lot less pollution on Phuket island than most places in the region.

Even though their 4WDs and trucks run on diesel, they use pretty high-end diesel.

One can’t expect anything less when paying around RM3.30 per litre for diesel and RM3.60 for unleaded petrol.

Right, you've got the winds stroking your hair back, lulling you to the rhythm of the island as you approach the bridge that links Phuket island and the country's mainland.

Slowly drive past the check-point that separates the two pieces of lands, salute the guards and drive on into Phang Nga province and Khao Lak town.

Congratulations, you've just driven around 80km.

Khao Lak town may seem uninspiring and unremarkable at first glance but take a closer look.

This is one of the towns that was badly hit by the tsunami. Due to the resilience of its inhabitants, Khao Lak has gotten back onto its feet within the past three years.

Two-storey shoplots and houses that line the wide four-lane main street are new and nondescript, hiding the traumatic incident of 2004.

As you drive on for a few kilometres more, towards the direction of Le Meridien Khao Lak, watch out for a strange sight on your right — a large, grey royal police ship placed on dry ground.

Definitely, far from its original post of guarding a Thai royal who was in Khao Lak at the time of the tsunami and who had died during the tragedy.

The surging waves had dragged the ship and all its occupants inland. Sadly, there were no survivors.

It is still there because there is no way for the ship to be towed back onto the sea. It now serves as a monument.

After that bit of lingering history, a nice spot can be found about three or four kilometres away. Tuck into some superb Thai food in Le Meridien's Lerawadee restaurant. It's also a good point in which to turn and head back to luscious Phuket island.

This whole journey on the 1.6cc or the 1.8cc might cost you a quarter of a tank of petrol each way. Don't worry about petrol stations. There are plenty dotting the highways and coastal roads.

I'm telling you this in case you feel adventurous and steer off course!

Nevertheless, know that these are uncomplicated cars with which to cruise calmly in and on roads leading to lush green, hilly farms and unhurried island life.

Sit back, go easy on the gas pedal and enjoy the ride.

PHUKET FACT FILE

- Time difference: One hour ahead
- Population: 315,000
- Size: 543 square metres
- Capital: Phuket City
- Religion: Buddhist and Islam
- Currency: Baht
- Language: Although Thai, English is widely-spoken.