Hit the road in style and flavor—explore the charming South in a Nissan Serena e-POWER
- Thailand is a land rich in culture, stunning destinations, and mouthwatering cuisine. What better way to soak it all in than by hitting the road with a group of close friends—discovering new lifestyles, taking in breathtaking scenery, and savoring authentic local flavors along the way?
The Nissan Serena e-POWER invited travelers to dive into the lush greenery of the southern forests and indulge in the bold, unforgettable tastes of southern Thai cuisine. As part of this flavorful journey, Chef Book Boonsmith Pukkanasut brought a unique twist to tradition—crafting signature southern dishes with delicate Japanese influences, all beautifully presented in a bento box. It's a celebration of both cultures, blending Thai soul with Japanese craftsmanship.
This special 3-day journey spanned over 1,000 kilometers, starting in Chumphon and winding through Ranong, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat, before ending in Songkhla. Along the way, the group stopped at popular check-in spots to soak in the local charm. The Nissan Serena e-POWER, a 7-seater MPV, transformed the long drive into a supremely comfortable experience—like traveling in a mobile living room. With thoughtful details that reflect Japanese care and craftsmanship, and a driving experience that feels just like a 100% electric vehicle, it made every kilometer of the journey smooth, quiet, and truly enjoyable.
The trip began early in the morning at Chumphon Airport. From there, the group headed west to Ranong province, making a comfort stop at Punyaban Waterfall that is visible right from Phetkasem Road, perfect for snapping some great photos. The journey then continued north of Phang Nga and into Surat Thani province via the scenic route through Khao Sok, known for its lush landscapes and winding hills.
As the day unfolded, the group enjoyed picturesque green views along the way, paired with a delightful Thai meal presented in elegant Japanese-style bento boxes, thoughtfully curated by Chef Book. Despite the long day—covering 510 kilometers with an early morning start—the experience was far from exhausting. The peaceful scenery, delicious food, and eventual comfort of a cozy bed made for a surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable adventure.
The second day of the trip was packed with highlights—especially for nature lovers and driving enthusiasts. Although the day's route covered just 250 kilometers, it offered both breathtaking scenery and a driving experience that was as beautiful as it was challenging.
Part of the road traced the eastern coastline, revealing stunning views of the turquoise sea on one side. As the journey continued toward Khao Phlai Dam, the road wound through lush greenery with plenty of climbs and descents, truly testing both the driver's skill and the vehicle's capability. Fortunately, the Nissan Serena e-POWER delivered on every curve and incline. Its responsive e-POWER technology offered the smooth, powerful performance of a 100% electric vehicle, making overtaking effortless and the ride consistently confident.
While the driver found it a fun drive, passengers were impressed with the comfort ride. Although the winding roads—full of ups, downs, and sharp turns—could have been dizzying, the Nissan Serena e-POWER's wide, ergonomic seats and spacious cabin helped ensure comfort throughout. The large panoramic windows also offered calming views of the surrounding greenery, easing any discomfort along the way.
After such a dynamic drive, arriving at Ban Khiriwong felt especially rewarding. Surrounded by lush mountains and known for having the cleanest air in Thailand, this peaceful village was the perfect place to unwind and take in nature's beauty.
A long stop in Khiri Wong gave the group plenty of time to explore—strolling through the village, snapping photos, and visiting its many charming spots. After soaking in the slow-paced lifestyle for a while, the group bid farewell to this peaceful town and continued their journey to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
The third and final day of the trip, covering 350 kilometers and ending in Songkhla, was packed with highlights, scenic photo stops, and delicious local food.
Later in the morning, the group crossed Chalerm Phrakiat 80 Phansa Bridge or Ekkachai Bridge—the longest bridge over a lake in Thailand. Spanning 5.5 kilometers across Talay Noi in Patthalung, the bridge offered breathtaking views of blooming red lotuses, flocks of birds, and water buffaloes roaming freely—a true paradise for nature lovers.
The atmosphere shifted as the group arrived in Songkhla Old Town, where charming Sino-Portuguese architecture lined the streets, ready to welcome visitors. A photo stop and brief visit to the Red Rice Mill—an old, red-painted rice mill now converted into a museum—offered a fascinating glimpse into Songkhla's history as a vital trade hub in southern Thailand.
Songkhla is a paradise for the younger generation, cafe hoppers, and art lovers. Chic coffee shops can be found on nearly every corner, blending modern design with the charm of local life. Vibrant street art on the walls of old buildings creates perfect photo spots for visitors, especially those looking to capture unique memories. Meanwhile, the many souvenir shops offer a wide variety of local snacks, treats, and keepsakes—ideal for those wanting to take a piece of Songkhla home with them.
Before wrapping up the trip, Nissan surprised the group with a fun challenge: a shopping game! Each team had to buy everything on a packed shopping list and fit it all into the Nissan Serena e-POWER. Despite the long list, the spacious MPV handled it with ease. Participants got hands-on with the flexible seating—adjustable in up to 13 ways—making it simple to load every item. It was a playful, interactive way to showcase Serena's smart storage and versatility.
Covering over 1,000 kilometers in just three days might sound exhausting, but the Nissan Serena e-POWER makes it surprisingly effortless. Thanks to its powerful performance, versatile design, and smart features, long-distance travel becomes a breeze. With no need to stop for charging and a drive that feels just like a full EV, the Serena e-POWER offers a worry-free, responsive ride. Its advanced e-POWER technology, featuring a robust electric motor that delivers 163 hp and 315 Nm of torque, ensures smooth highway cruising and agile city driving—making it the ideal road trip companion.
The Serena e-POWER also comes packed with features designed for comfort and convenience. A push-button gear selector replaces the traditional gear lever for seamless gear changes, while illuminated controls enhance visibility even in low-light conditions. Practical touches like N-Hold Mode—useful for maneuvering when parked—and an electric parking brake with Auto Brake Hold add even more ease to everyday driving.
Both drivers and passengers can enjoy every road trip with confidence, thanks to a suite of safety technologies that offer 360-degree protection, peace of mind, and convenience, especially for MPV families with all seats occupied, where visibility can sometimes be limited. These include the Intelligent Rear View Mirror, which provides a clear rear view even when the cabin is full of passengers; Blind Spot Warning, which alerts the driver when another vehicle is detected in the blind spot; Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns the driver of approaching vehicles while reversing; and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW), which detects potential frontal collisions and alerts the driver in advance. Together, these intelligent safety features ensure confident control and greater peace of mind in every driving situation.
True to Japanese craftsmanship, the Nissan Serena e-POWER offers exceptional space and thoughtful design. With seats that can be adjusted in up to 13 configurations, the cabin easily transforms into a comfortable "mobile living room." Each row is equipped with charging ports, while foldable multi-purpose tables make it easy to enjoy Chef Book's curated bento meals or conveniently hold personal items like phones or tablets. The dual back doors add extra ease when storing or retrieving shopping bags—no need to worry about things spilling out. Meanwhile, sliding doors ensure effortless entry and exit for everyone on board.
In short, this was a truly fun drive—filled with delicious local flavors, rich culture, and seamless comfort. A perfect "Funtast(e)tic" trip, where every mile was as enjoyable as the destination.
