A Thailand Trailblazers road trip in a Macan 4S and a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo
Featuring the AHEAD collection. Inspired by the journey. Designed for the road.
Macan 4S and Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo driving across bridge in Thailand
From neon alleyways in Chiang Mai and along jungle-clad mountain passes, the AHEAD road trip through Thailand is a journey shaped by ancient traditions, untamed nature and the power of moving forward
The Thailand Trailblazers journey for our twin force of Porsche electric cars – a Macan 4S and a Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo – begins in Chiang Mai, the cultural and spiritual heart of northern Thailand. This is a city where ancient traditions flow through everyday life and the scent of sizzling street food drifts between curled temple roofs and tightly-packed market stalls.  
Porsche Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo at night in Chiang Mai
At night, the city of Chiang Mai comes alive. Its vibrancy is reflected in the Taycan Turbo Cross Tursimo that fits in seamlessly with the charged atmosphere here Photo: Porsche
Chiang Mai  First on the agenda is to explore the old town of Chiang Mai, winding through its narrow alleys and past gilded temples, before arriving at Dhara Dhevia, a former resort inspired by traditional Lanna architecture. Intricate wooden carvings and temple-like structures make it feel like a place suspended in time. 
Woman throwing up fruit in kitchen
The Macan 4S and the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo push on to RSMAI, where chef Mai pays homage to her culture and heritage with the dishes she cooks Photo: Porsche
RSMAI  Just outside the city, Chef Mai welcomes us into RSMAI, where her food tells a story of identity and passion. “This part of my life, as a chef, this is my dream. It’s my passion,” says Mai. “Even if I don’t have time for it, I’m going to keep doing it.”  Mai’s dishes are an homage to her mother and to her heritage – even to Chiang Mai itself. “Chiang Mai has its own culture, its own food, even its own language. Every dish that you taste in the north, it’s not the same in the centre or the south of Thailand. We have a unique character and unique flavours.” 
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo driving through Chiang Mai
Driving through Chiang Mai often feels like being caught up in a whirlwind. It’s a fascinating experience, and one that the Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and the Macan 4S tackle with gusto Photo: Porsche
As night falls, the streets of the bustling city glow under paper lanterns. Aromas of grilled meats and herbs drifts above the hubbub. Quickly, the hum of mopeds that fly past us in the opposite direction gives way to the rhythm of a city that truly comes alive after darkness falls. 
Winding mountain roads through green Thai countryside
Thailand is blessed with stunning natural beauty, with sinuous mountain passes and breathtaking vistas that set the pulses racing Photo: Porsche
Into the Thai jungle in the Macan 4S Leaving Chiang Mai behind, the Macan 4S and its Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo companion climb into the hills outside the city. The jungle hugs up to the edge of the road. Vines brush the mirrors and the road twists into blind curves. The air grows dense and green, the scent of loam and sweet flowers waft past. This kind of driving demands rapt attention – and rewards it with views that feel otherworldly. After the climb, a visit to Udom Thara Dam in the Mae Kuang region offers a moment of stillness. The reservoir stretches into the distance, the water mirroring the mountains above. 
Buddha statue in front of Thai temple
A symbol of Thai spirituality, the Buddha greets visitors with a wai: palms joined together and a slight bow. This gesture of respect and humility is ubiquitous across the country Photo: Porsche
Pai Further along the route lies Pai, a small town known for its relaxed, bohemian energy. Just outside Pai, high in the hills, sits Wat Phra That Mae Yen – a white temple overlooking the valley. Reaching it means climbing a long, winding staircase, but the view and the feeling is worth every step. 
Close up of man holding up a red coffee berry to the camera
Ten personally oversees every stage of the coffee-growing process at the Lica Coffee Estate to ensure the final product is flawless Photo: Porsche
Lica Coffee Estate  Not far from here, we meet Ten, a coffee grower from the Lica Coffee Estate. His farm lies in Mae Daet Noi, nestled in the highlands of Chiang Mai. “We mainly grow [the coffee] under large trees to prepare for global warming,” he explains. “They can act as nurse trees for our coffee plants.”  For Ten, coffee is a way of preserving his community. “I believe that if we come back to develop and buy coffee from the villagers at a fair or even higher price, it will improve the well-being of the people in this community,” he tells us. From handpicking ripe berries to four months of fermentation and drying, every bean is cared for. “This is the best location for me,” says Ten. “It’s my home.” 
Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo and Macan 4S driving in Thailand
The journey continues along one of Thailand’s best-kept secrets – Route 1148. With over 1,200 curves carved through forest and mountain, it’s a driver’s dream Photo: Porsche
Phayao and Route 1148 The next day brings calm in Phayao, a city shaped by its traditions and mountain backdrop. At the heart of it stands the Phraya Ngam Muang Monument, a symbol of unity and pride. It’s a brief stop, but one that leaves an impression. From there, the Macan 4S follows Route 1148 – one of Thailand’s most scenic drives. Over 1,200 curves wind through mountains and mist, past hilltop villages and fields carved into looming slopes. Every bend reveals a new vista. It’s hard not to stop and take in the views – so we reward ourselves by doing so when the urge takes us.  Watch Chapter 1 of the AHEAD Thailand road trip video 
Bo Kluea and Road No. 3 At sunrise, the convoy rolls into Bo Kluea, a small mountain village surrounded by terraced rice fields. Here, farming follows ancient traditions – no machines, just hands and water and time. As the mist lifts from the valley, it feels like driving through a living painting. Nearby in the Nan Province, Road No. 3 tests both car and driver – a sharp right-hand bend with a steep incline, tucked into the cliffside. The Macan 4S, with its precise handling and smooth power delivery, takes it in stride. 
Macan 4S parked at bus stop in Thailand
White-walled temples are a common sight across Thailand. They symbolise purity, peace and the path to enlightenment in Buddhist tradition Photo: Porsche
Nan Soon after, the sun begins to dip as the team approaches Nan. Golden light cuts through the jungle canopy, casting dancing shadows. There’s no better time to slow down, roll down the window and drink it all in. By the time the Macan 4S glides into Nan, the first chapter of the Thailand Trailblazers road trip begins to feel like a dream. Somewhere beyond the next horizon, new roads and stories are already waiting. 
Close up of woman standing in souvenir shop
Eyes forward, heart open – always moving, always ahead. This is Thailand Trailblazers. Shop the collection here: https://shop.porsche.com/gb/en-GB/c/ahead-collection Photo: Porsche
AHEAD, worn on the road Every road trip leaves its mark. Not just on the map, but on the way we see the world. The AHEAD Collection is designed to capture that feeling. Inspired by the contrasts of Thailand – from misty mountain trails to bustling city markets – each piece blends practicality with personality. Technical layers meet lightweight fabrics. Earthy tones mirror forest roads. Bright accents nod to lantern-lit nights in Chiang Mai. Built for movement, made for discovery, the AHEAD Collection is what you wear when you’re not just going places, but chasing a feeling. 
Consumption and emission information Macan 4S Electric (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 20.7 – 17.7 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: . Taycan Turbo Cross Turismo (WLTP): Electric energy consumption combined: 21.4 – 18.9 kWh/100 km; CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km; CO₂ class: .
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