Thailand offers a plethora of dining and travel experiences that allow you to explore new flavors and enjoy learning about local cultures. Driving with friends through the countryside, witnessing unique lifestyles, enjoying refreshing views, and tasting local cuisine is the best way to truly experience the charm of Thailand. Nissan Serena e-Power invites travelers and food enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the lush greenery of the forests and the bold flavors of signature southern dishes, featuring a surprise southern meal presented with a Japanese flair, crafted by Chef Book Boonsmith Pukkanasut, served in chic bento boxes during this special Funtast(e)tic trip.

This trip took us on a three-day journey through the south, covering over 1,000 kilometers from Chumphon to Ranong, Phang Nga, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and concluding in Songkhla. We didn't miss any popular check-in spots, all while traveling in the Nissan Serena e-Power, a 7-seater MPV that offers comfort akin to a mobile living room. It’s fun to drive and instills confidence with its 100% electric driving performance, impressively reflecting the quality standards of Japanese manufacturing.

The special trip began in Chumphon, heading towards Ranong, stopping to take photos at the Punyanbal Waterfall, a small waterfall along the Phetkasem Road that flows year-round. We then took a northern route into Phang Nga and headed towards Surat Thani, passing through Khao Sok, known for its stunning scenery, but with winding roads up and down the hills. We enjoyed refreshing views while tasting Thai food presented in a Japanese style in adorable bento boxes crafted by Chef Book, creating a relaxing atmosphere even during a long journey of over 500 kilometers on an early morning. We finally rested on soft beds in Surat Thani on the first night.

The second day of this trip was a highlight for nature lovers and driving enthusiasts. Although we only drove about 250 kilometers today, the route to Nakhon Si Thammarat was beautiful and challenging for both drivers and passengers. At times, we drove along the coast, catching glimpses of the turquoise sea. Then we entered the Phlai Dam area, where the steep roads and curves provided an exhilarating driving experience. The e-Power technology in the Nissan Serena did not disappoint, responding instantly like a 100% electric vehicle, allowing for confident and safe overtaking.

While the driver enjoyed the thrill, passengers relaxed comfortably, as the Nissan Serena e-Power features spacious seating that hugs the body, large windows providing expansive views of the lush greenery, which helped reduce any motion sickness. Everyone felt like they were receiving a special reward in life upon arriving at Kiriwong Village, known for having the cleanest air and highest ozone levels in Thailand, along with its stunning natural scenery.

In Kiriwong, there are many spots for photos and check-ins. We strolled through the town, embracing a slow-paced lifestyle before continuing to the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, where we would spend the second night.

The third and final day of this trip concluded in Songkhla, with a driving distance of 350 kilometers, but plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and rest. We started the day at the Chalermphrakiat 80th Anniversary Bridge, or the Ekachai Bridge, the longest bridge over a lake in Thailand, stretching 5.5 kilometers across Lake Noi in Phatthalung, where we could see blooming red lotus fields, various water birds, and buffaloes, delighting nature lovers. Next, we visited the old town of Songkhla, where everyone must take photos with the Sino-Portuguese architecture, and the Red Mill, an old rice mill painted red, which has become an important landmark and museum where tourists can learn about the city’s history as a significant trade and economic center in the south.

For shoppers and foodies, Songkhla is a paradise for the younger generation who enjoy trendy coffee shops with a modern style infused with southern lifestyle, or those who appreciate art, as there are many street art murals on the walls of old buildings, along with shops offering a variety of local delicacies and souvenirs for food lovers to taste and take home.

Before concluding the trip, Nissan surprised us with a fun shopping challenge, where we had to fit our purchases into the trunk of the car. This not only allowed everyone to shop and taste but also required us to utilize our space management skills to fit everything in. Fortunately, the Nissan Serena e-Power has ample storage space and can adjust seating in up to 13 configurations, accommodating both large loads or allowing passengers to engage in their favorite activities during the journey, truly showcasing the versatility of the Nissan Serena e-Power.

A three-day, thousand-kilometer trip may sound exhausting, but thanks to the performance and versatility of the Nissan Serena e-Power, this journey was thoroughly enjoyable. Driving was easy, without worrying about finding charging stations, all while experiencing the feel of a 100% electric vehicle powered by a high-performance electric motor that delivers up to 163 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque. Confident on long drives and agile in the city, it offers many convenient features, such as a button for selecting gear positions, illuminated indicators for visibility even in the dark, and N Hold Mode that makes it easy to push the car when parked, providing convenience when parking in tight spots, along with an electric parking brake and Auto Brake Hold.

Both drivers and passengers enjoyed the road trip confidently, thanks to the extensive safety technologies that provide peace of mind and convenience for the driver, especially in an MPV designed for families that often carry full loads. This can make it challenging for the driver to see the surroundings. Features like the Intelligent Rear View Mirror help the driver see clearly behind even with a full load, Blind Spot Warning alerts when vehicles are in blind spots, Rear Cross Traffic Alert detects vehicles approaching from behind while reversing, and Intelligent Forward Collision Warning (IFCW) warns of potential front-end collisions. All these features help the driver maintain control in every situation.

The spacious and comfortable cabin design, with seats adjustable in up to 13 configurations, transforms the Nissan Serena e-Power into a mobile living room. It also includes charging ports for mobile devices in every row, a foldable multifunction table for enjoying meals prepared by the chef during the journey, or for placing personal items like mobile phones and iPads comfortably. The rear door can open partially or fully, making it convenient to access items even in tight parking spaces without dropping anything. The sliding doors on both sides are easy to use, allowing everyone to enter and exit the vehicle conveniently.

This trip was truly fun and a full taste of southern culture on the Funtast(e)tic journey with the Nissan Serena e-Power.