Caravan & Motorhome Thailand

“Caravan and Motorhome Thailand Meeting” is the country’s one-of-a-kind event dedicated entirely to the motorhome lifestyle. First held in 2022, it has now entered its fourth year, hosted at the TAT Ecotourism Learning Center in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima. Widely regarded as the best motorhome gathering in Southeast Asia, the event draws nearly every Thai manufacturer of motorhomes and camping gear, all eager to showcase their latest innovations. As night falls, the venue comes alive with lively activities and live performances by well-known artists—entertaining visitors long into the night. This year, the event welcomed over 800 motorhomes, a testament to its growing popularity among enthusiasts.

For many who love to travel, owning a motorhome means freedom—the freedom to go wherever the road leads, to stop and sleep wherever the heart desires, and to spend meaningful time with friends and family. It’s a dream that quietly lives in the hearts of those who long for the open road.

Just a few years ago, the motorhome lifestyle was still relatively new to most Thais. But that’s no longer the case. Thanks to the wealth of information available online—especially through social media—more and more people are discovering the joy of camper living. If you look closely, motorhomes are becoming an increasingly common sight at tourist destinations across the country.

As Thailand’s camper community grew, so did the need for a space where enthusiasts could gather, exchange ideas, and celebrate their shared passion. That’s when Mr. Aweirut Veerapong, also known as "Tae" from Classic Car Group, who has been immersed in the motorhome scene for over a decade, came up with the idea for a dedicated event. In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, he launched the “Caravan and Motorhome Thailand Meeting” to bring together dreamers, DIY builders, families, and professionals alike. This year’s edition will be held on February 8–9, 2025, once again at the TAT Ecotourism Learning Center in Pak Chong, Nakhon Ratchasima.

Now in its fourth year, Mr. Tae says the event is meant to be a “motor show just for motorhomes.” Having observed the camping scene closely, he notes that the overall trend is positive year after year. While traditional ground tents may be on the decline, that doesn't mean campers are giving up—quite the opposite. They're upgrading. From rooftop tents to truck campers, detachable cabins, towable caravans, and eventually full-fledged motorhomes, the evolution is clear. This year, more than 800 motorhomes and caravans joined the event, showing just how vibrant and diverse the community has become.

“The motorhome scene in Thailand today consists of both veterans and newcomers, cycling in and out of the spotlight,” says Mr. Tae. “But if you ask me about the overall direction—it’s growing, year after year.” As the event organizer, he gains firsthand insights from manufacturers who are eager to exhibit. “This year, we’ve had nearly 100 legal manufacturers attend. Every motorhome factory in Thailand is represented here, along with most of the key players in the camping gear industry—from companies that build custom suspensions to suppliers of fridges and fixtures. It’s all here under one roof. When we look at sales figures, the number of vehicles on display, and visitor turnout, we can clearly see the whole market is rising.”

So what makes motorhomes so appealing? In short: they offer all the comforts of home, in a mobile format. “Everything you have in your house, you can have in a motorhome,” Tae explains. “And the beauty is convenience—you don’t have to set up and pack things away. You just start the engine, head to your destination, enjoy your time there, and drive home. What used to be complicated becomes easy.”

Motorhomes aren’t just for vacationing, either. Many owners use them in their everyday lives. “Take Mr. Arewat Klinkasorn, for example—he joined us at the event this year. He lives in his motorhome every day, driving it to filming locations and business meetings. It’s incredibly convenient.”

As for the common question: “Are motorhomes practical in Thailand?” Mr. Tae responds with confidence. “People ask this all the time—Is it too big? Where can you park it? Are Thai roads suitable? I’ve been in this scene for over 10 years, and Thailand has proven itself. With just a bit of planning—researching your destination and knowing where motorhome stops are—you’ll find that it’s entirely possible to travel comfortably without issue.”

As demand grows, so too does supply. The expanding motorhome community has prompted responses from both public and private sectors. Several national parks in Thailand have started to add motorhome parking areas, while private businesses are quickly adapting—developing new campsites, setting up camper stops, and researching what motorhome travelers truly need. Companies producing related products are also stepping up, integrating smarter technologies and enhancing quality. All of this makes Thailand’s motorhome market one to watch.

Another notable trend is the rise in motorhome use among soon-to-retire and retired individuals—now one of the industry's primary customer bases.

“Once people retire, they often feel the urge to travel,” Tae says. “Many decide to invest in a motorhome. Of course, price matters—ground tents are affordable and tend to attract younger people. But motorhomes, which can cost anywhere from 1 to 4 million baht, are more suited to older individuals who have the means and want comfort on the road.”

For those considering their first motorhome, Tae’s advice is simple: do your research. “Know what you want. Know what your family needs. There’s a ton of information out there on social media today. Take your time to figure it out. This lifestyle is part of a growing future trend—and I believe it’ll remain popular for a long time. Thailand is especially well-suited to motorhome travel.”

The event has even attracted international attention. “Visitors from Malaysia and Laos told us this is the best motorhome event in Southeast Asia. And after some research, we realized: they’re right. No other country in the region has anything quite like this.”

As for the choice of location, Khao Yai stands out for good reason.

“I see Khao Yai as the capital of motorhome culture in Thailand,” says Tae. “It’s a camping hub. People immediately picture a chill atmosphere when they think of Khao Yai. It’s accessible from all directions—from the northeast, from the north, and of course, it’s close to Bangkok. The weather’s great too. That’s why it’s perfect for a camper community gathering.”

For anyone looking to buy a motorhome, Tae offers reassurance: you’re on the right track. “The joy of this lifestyle begins the moment you start the engine—and stays with you until the journey ends.”

“Just close your eyes and picture it,” Tae says. “You get into the motorhome, start the engine, and off you go. The kids are watching TV in the back, mom and dad are enjoying a snack or a meal, and if someone needs the bathroom—it’s right there. It’s not like a typical trip where you have to rush to the airport, wait around, check in, go through a whole process, and then barely get time at your destination before heading back. With a motorhome, there’s none of that. You’re free. There’s no strict schedule to follow. And best of all, you can change your plans anytime you like.”

Akkarawit Thepasit, Regional Director for Central Thailand at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), took the stage and expressed his delight at seeing the event return for another year. “This location holds a special meaning for us,” he said. “We’ve been here since 1991 with the goal of promoting ecotourism and creating a shared learning space for all visitors. Over time, it has become clear that campers are quality tourists—they manage their waste responsibly and leave minimal environmental impact.”

He added, “In the near future, visitors will be able to explore new hiking trails right here. We’ve begun developing salt licks and birdhouses for hornbills, as well as a butterfly-watching area where families can come and enjoy nature together. This land is deeply cherished—not only by TAT, but also by the local community of Pak Chong. We truly hope to preserve it for generations to come.”

On the business side, several standout players emerged at this year’s event. While Classic Car Group—led by veteran motorhome expert Tae Aweirut—continues to be a leading force in the industry, a rising star also made headlines: Caravan Perfect. This new Thai-owned brand produces towable caravans in China but is designed specifically for Thai users. With brand-new models at accessible price points, Caravan Perfect has quickly climbed to the top of the sales charts.

“Before this, there weren’t many brand-new caravans available in Thailand,” says Ekpong Sataman, General Manager of Caravan Perfect Co., Ltd. “Most were expensive imports or second-hand units. You could find used caravans starting around 200,000 baht, but those were often in poor condition. You’d end up spending 700,000–800,000 baht after repairs and furniture upgrades.”

That gap in the market sparked an idea. “I studied in China and my wife is Chinese,” Ekpong explains. “So I explored possible production channels there. I eventually connected with a factory that exports to Europe and proposed creating a Thai brand tailored for local use. We wanted the product to be as refined and ready-to-go as possible—that’s why we named it Caravan Perfect. We’ve been in business for three years now.”

Since launching, the brand has seen steady growth—30 to 50 percent year-on-year—despite fluctuations in the economy. And there’s more to come. “We’re planning to release new models soon, including a smaller, more affordable version priced just over 200,000 baht. It’ll be light enough for eco-cars to tow, made from fiberglass or aluminum. If all goes well, we expect to launch it by the end of this year or early next year.”

Caravan Perfect stands out for several reasons. First, every unit is brand-new—fresh from the factory, not second-hand. Second, it’s built for the 'park anywhere, sleep anywhere' lifestyle that suits Thailand’s diverse landscapes. Each caravan comes equipped with a solar power system and a lithium battery for energy storage, allowing the air conditioning to run for 8 to 24 hours depending on the outside temperature. “If it’s cool outside—say, around 10°C—there’s no point in running the AC, because the compressor won’t engage. You’d just be blowing air,” explains Ekpong. “In that case, you simply open the windows and enjoy the natural breeze, conserving power for several more days.”

Why choose a caravan over a motorhome? For Ekpong, it’s about space and practicality. “Caravans are spacious—you can live in one with your whole family without feeling cramped. It’s like having a small condo on wheels.” Caravan Perfect offers models ranging from 4.5 to 7 meters in length and 2.3 meters wide, giving families plenty of room to relax indoors for extended periods. “And here’s a bonus—once registered, the annual road tax is just 100 baht,” he adds.

What about the learning curve? Is towing a caravan hard? “Thais already love road trips,” Ekpong says. “Driving forward while towing isn’t difficult at all. The only thing to practice is reversing—since the direction is inverted, it takes a bit of getting used to. But it’s not beyond anyone who loves travel and the outdoors.”

He believes the future is bright for Thailand’s motorhome and caravan industry. “Thais value freedom, nature, and exploration. The motorhome business still has a long way to go, and more new players will enter the market—that’s just part of healthy competition. Camping is more than a trend. It’s a lifestyle that’s here to stay.”

The event wasn't just about manufacturers and gear—it brought together people from all walks of life, from well-known public figures to everyday enthusiasts, all united by a shared passion for motorhomes and the outdoors.

Among them was Pol. Lt. Gen. Rewat Klinkaesorn, former Commissioner of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, who drove his massive four-wheel-drive motorhome to the event. A lifelong camper, he spoke on stage about his journey: “I’ve always loved going into the forest. I started with a hammock, then moved on to tents—but I ran into issues with monkeys, elephants, deer, and rain,” he recalled. “So I switched to a towable caravan, but that came with a new problem—when I encountered elephants, I couldn’t reverse in time. After that, I tried a van, but it was too low for my height. Eventually, I decided I wanted something that solved everything in one go, especially now that I’m older. That’s how I ended up with this motorhome.”

He shared that his love for camping began when he was young. “Camping makes me happy. When you pitch a tent, it gives you a different perspective on life—it’s like living in a small cottage. You reduce everything: one pot, one pan, a simple meal. That simplicity teaches you something. I’ve always liked that.”

“I’m not a fan of crowds—I usually camp in solitude. This event feels more like visiting a shopping mall,” he said with a smile. “But I’m glad to have made new friends here. Still, if you’re searching for life’s deeper philosophy, you have to go alone—to a safe place, maybe a forest behind your home. Just you and your thoughts. Because one day, when we die, no one goes with us—not our parents, not our relatives. And in that solitude, the heart becomes still.”

Another visitor who made a long journey to attend was Ittipon Rattanasamut, 40, a self-employed entrepreneur from Ubon Ratchathani.

“I enjoy a good drink and I’ve always loved the camping vibe,” he shared with a smile. “I’ve been into the idea of owning a motorhome for a while now, and I’ve been following P’ Tae and Classic Car Group on social media for quite some time. So I came to this event to see everything in real life. I really enjoy the camping atmosphere, and Khao Yai has amazing weather. It’s such a nice change of pace.”

“Sure, it’s not as convenient as staying at home—I mean, I usually enjoy my drinks at home—but when you travel, it’s a change of scenery. It really helps refresh your mental state. I try to explore different parts of Thailand whenever I get the chance. I love driving, and the idea of parking and sleeping wherever you stop really appeals to me. That’s why I came here to check out the motorhomes.”

Over in the rooftop tent section, we came across a retired couple enjoying the crisp Khao Yai evening air with drinks in hand and smiles on their faces. Veerayut Phungngamngoen, a 61-year-old retired teacher, sat beside his wife and life partner, Suphalak Phungngamngoen, who is also a retired teacher of the same age. The couple had traveled all the way from Khon Kaen to be part of the event.

“I’ve been into camping for several years now,” Veerayut shared. “I’ve always had an adventurous spirit. It started with ground tents. Once we tried it, we loved it—my wife loved it, my kids loved it. We found happiness in the little hardships. Sure, it’s more comfortable sleeping at home, but too much comfort can be... well, dull. Out here, you feel nature—see the mountains, the rivers, breathe in the cool air. We cook simple meals, and at night, when I get up to use the bathroom, I look up and see a sky full of stars. It fills my heart.”

He went on to explain how their setup has evolved over time. “We’ve moved from ground tents to rooftop tents. Setting up on the ground got tiring—clearing dirt, cleaning up. Rooftop tents are easier, though still not as comfy as a bed. We don’t sleep as soundly, maybe, but the joy of being immersed in nature makes up for it. It feels like we’re tasting life in all its flavors.”

This trip to Khao Yai was their first, made possible through their membership with MaxxEQUIP. “We love it here—the atmosphere is just wonderful,” he said with a smile.

As the old saying goes: happiness is a matter of the heart. What brings one person joy might not do the same for another. The key is to find what makes you happy—and give it your time. What more could life possibly ask of us, right?

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