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Updated: 18 January, 2025

Everything you need to know about renting and riding a motorbike in Thailand, including safety tips, prices, licenses, accidents, and mechanics.

In Thailand, the most popular way to get around is by motorbike or scooter. The secret is that it’s a flexible mode of transport that lets you navigate through the chaotic traffic in Thai cities and it's very cheap.

To give you an idea, renting a scooter in Thailand is cheaper than renting a bicycle. 😄

If you're traveling to Thailand and are unsure about whether you should ride a motorbike, you're in the right place. In this guide, I'll explain everything you need to know, based on my experience of living in Thailand and riding a motorbike.

And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below, and I'll help you as much as I can. 😉

Safety

1. Is It a Good Idea to Ride a Motorbike in Thailand?

If you already have experience riding a motorbike, then yes, it’s a great idea to ride a motorbike (or scooter) in Thailand. It will allow you to visit more places at budget-friendly price.

In this article, I’ll also share details about where it's a good idea to ride and where it's better to use public transportation, like in chaotic Bangkok.

2. Is It Safe to Drive in Thailand?

If we look at the statistics, Thailand is among the most dangerous countries to drive in due to its high rate of road accidents and fatalities.

Although in the three years I lived in Thailand, I barely saw any accidents, the number of accidents is very high—10 times higher than in Spain.

Regarding fatalities, in 2022, there were 14,737 deaths in Thailand, compared to 1,145 in Spain.

In other words, driving in Thailand is not safe..

Main Causes of Fatalities & Accidents in Thailand:

• High-speed driving.
• Many motorcyclists ride without helmets.
• People drive after having a few drinks. 😬

3. Is It Necessary to Drive in Thailand?

No, not at all. You can visit Thailand easily using its extensive public transportation system, which includes boats, planes, trains, and buses.

However, on some islands, public transport can be scarce or non-existent. In such cases, if you don't drive, you'll need to rely on taxis.

Additionally, to visit tourist spots, you’ll always find a wide range of tours available. These tours can save you time, help you see more places, and sometimes are even cheaper than going on your own.

⭐ You may also be interested in these articles about visits near: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi and Phuket, with details of what to see and all the alternatives on how to get to each site, or this other one about How to get around Thailand: all transportation.

4. Where to Ride a Motorbike in Thailand and Where Not To

The best places to ride a motorbike in Thailand are the islands and small towns, where the traffic is more relaxed. Plus, you'll save money on taxis, which can sometimes be outrageously expensive, especially in Koh Samui and Phuket.

High Traffic Areas

In contrast, Bangkok is a place you might want to avoid riding unless you have extensive experience with motorbikes in Southeast Asia.

The traffic there can be extremely chaotic. Fortunately, Bangkok offers plenty of affordable public transportation options, so you won’t need to drive.

In areas like Phuket, Koh Samui, or Chiang Mai, you might also encounter heavy traffic spots that aren’t ideal if you don’t have much riding experience.

In the video below, I take a motorbike taxi in Bangkok. You can see the traffic and how the driver weaves between cars. 😬

Mountain Areas

Mountainous regions with lots of curves can be particularly dangerous. Make sure to check the road conditions before heading out, and avoid riding in these areas at night or during low light hours.

The road to Pai in northern Thailand is especially risky, so I’d suggest avoiding it unless you're an experienced motorcyclist.

5. Can I Ride a Motorbike Without Experience?

No, definitely not.

While learning to ride a motorbike is relatively straightforward, starting out in Thailand without prior experience is not recommended.

One reason for the high number of traffic fatalities in Thailand is the number of inexperienced foreigners who decide to ride a motorbike there without any prior training. 🙈

The best approach is to learn to ride a motorbike in your home city before you come to Thailand.

Driving License

1. Do I Need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, to ride legally in Thailand, you need an international driving permit, which you can easily get in your home country before you travel.

• United States: you need to apply at the AAA Travel office, and it costs 20 USD.
• UK: you can apply on the government's website and receive it by post, paying £5.50.
• Australia: the application can be completed online on AAA (Australian Automobile Association) website, costing $49 AUD plus postage.

Please check the details and updated prices on the links, all from the official websites. 😉

Motorbike License (A or A1)

Take into account that to ride a motorbike legally in Thailand, your international driving permit must include A or A1 (motorbike or scooter).

In other words, a B permit (for cars), which in some countries like Spain allows you to ride a motorbike, is not valid in Thailand.

While rental shops usually don’t ask for your driving license, if the police stop you and your permit doesn’t cover motorbikes, you could be fined.

The official fine for riding without the correct permit is 200 baht (about 5.05 euros). However, traffic police often fine tourists more, usually between 500 and 1,000 baht (about 12.63 to 25.25 euros).

Additionally, if you ride without an international permit or with the wrong driving license and you have an accident, your travel insurance won’t cover you. So, it’s best not to take the risk.

👍 My two cents:If you only have a B permit, it’s safer to rent a car instead.. To rent a car in Thailand, I recommend using this car rental search engine, where I’ve found cars for less than 20 euros / 22 USD per day.

2. How Long Can I Use an International Driving Permit in Thailand?

If you're visiting Thailand as a tourist, you can use your international driving permit for up to 60 days.

If you plan to stay longer, you'll need to exchange it for a Thai driving license.

Contrary to what some people might say, you can and should exchange your permit even if you have a tourist visa.

If the police stop you and you have been in Thailand for over 60 days, they will fine you.

⭐ In this article Tips for Moving to Thailand: pros and cons I explain in detail how to exchange a driving license.

Motorbike Rental in Thailand

1. Where to Rent a Motorbike?

The easiest way to rent a motorbike is to go directly to one of the many rental shops you'll find everywhere. Motorbikes are the primary mode of transport in Thailand, so you’ll have plenty of choices.

I suggest checking Google Maps for reviews of the rental places before renting.

While scams aren't common, it’s possible to run into an operator who might try to charge you for existing scratches or damages. I’ll cover more about this down below.

2. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Motorbike?

Renting a motorbike typically costs between 200 and 300 baht (about $5.05 to $7.58) per day depending on where you are and the season.

Prices tend to be lower in the north and higher on the islands or in very touristy areas.

Renting for a longer period, like a week or a month, usually gets you a better rate.

These prices are for scooters. If you're interested in a more powerful motorbike, expect to pay more.

👍 Friendly Tip: To find the best prices, it’s a good idea to compare rates as they can vary widely from one place to another.

3. Does the Motorbike Rental Include Insurance?

No, motorbike rentals in Thailand generally do not include insurance, and you won’t have the option to purchase one with the rental. That’s one reason why the rental prices are so low.

What you should do (whether you rent a motorbike or not) is get travel insurance before you head to Thailand.

I always use and recommend Heymondo, it is an international insurer specialized in travel insurance, with excellent coverage and 24-hour assistance, even if you take out the basic insurance and here you can get a 5% discount.

In addition, it will cover medical expenses, luggage, and other important aspects, including repatriation. Plus, you won’t need to pay out of pocket and wait for reimbursement; the insurance company takes care of everything.

4. What Do I Need to Rent a Motorbike?

To rent a motorbike or scooter in Thailand, you'll need your passport, some money, and to sign a contract.

In addition, they will ask for a deposit which can vary depending on the type of motorbike and where you're renting it.

The minimum deposit is usually around 2,000 baht (about $50.50), but it can go up to 5,000 baht (about $126.25) or more.

Yes, you read that right—leaving your passport as a deposit is quite common in Thailand. I was skeptical at first too, but don't worry—

Yes, you read that right, you can leave your passport, this is very common in Thailand. I also felt distrustful at first, but don't worry, your precious passport will be safe. 👍

The rental places just need a deposit to ensure you return the bike; they have no interest in keeping your passport.

5. Precautions When Renting a Motorbike

The key precaution is to thoroughly check the motorbike for any existing damage, such as dents, scratches, or broken parts.

Be sure to take photos of any issues you find.

Take your time inspecting the motorbike or scooter. This will help make sure you’re not held responsible for any pre-existing damage when you return it.

n my experience, most Thais are honest, but as with anywhere, there are a few exceptions.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 15 Scams in Thailand and How to Avoid Them, including tips on renting motorbikes.

Driving in Thailand

1. Do I Need to Wear a Helmet?

Yes, in Thailand, wearing a helmet while riding a motorbike or scooter is mandatory, and your passengers need to wear one too.

The fine for not wearing a helmet is 2,000 baht (about $50.50) per person.

But more importantly, helmets are crucial for safety. If you fall off without one, a head injury can be severe, even life-threatening. 😳

All motorbike rental places provide helmets at no extra cost, so be sure to ask for one.

👍 Friendly Tip: I recommend checking the helmet carefully. Sometimes helmets are in poor condition,don’t fasten properly, or even smell bad. If needed, ask to swap it for another one; they won’t mind. 😉

2. Do I Need Special Clothing?

In Thailand, wearing protective clothing while riding a scooter isn’t required, but it's highly recommended. Wearing gloves, a light jacket, long pants, and closed-toe shoes can make a big difference.

While protective clothing isn't mandatory, it will help protect your skin if you fall.

If you're riding a motorbike, protective gear is definitely a good idea.

Benefits of Dressing Properly

Another big advantage of covering up is that you'll get stopped less often by the police

One noticeable difference between foreigners and locals when riding is how they dress; Thais usually cover up more.

In many tourist areas, like Koh Samui and Phuket, the police tend to stop tourists more frequently.

I always covered up while riding and never got stopped, even though I lived in Phuket for two years. In fact, the police sometimes spoke to me in Thai. 😅

3. How to Refuel in Thailand

At gas stations in Thailand, staff usually handle filling up your tank and managing the payment.

There are typically separate areas for cars and motorbikes. If no one is around, just go to whichever station is open or follow their directions.

Here’s how to refuel:

1. When you pull up, turn off your engine and be ready to open your gas tank when it’s your turn.
2. You can ask them to fill up the tank by simply saying "full" or stating an amount in baht, like "50 baht." The staff usually understands basic English.
3. Pay with cash or a card, though some stations may not accept cards.
4. Close the tank and you’re all set.

In tourist areas, you'll find gas stations that are open 24 hours a day, but others might close around 6 or 7 PM. Google Maps often provides their hours.

Alternatives to Gas Stations

In remote areas and small towns, you might come across roadside stalls selling fuel in recycled glass bottles. They usually have a sign showing the price per liter.

While I preferred refueling at gas stations during my time in Thailand, these roadside stalls can be a good option if you're running low on fuel and there are no stations nearby.

They usually charge a bit more than regular gas stations.

4. Driving in Thailand

In Thailand, you drive on the left side of the road and overtake on the right.

The driving can be fast, and one thing I appreciated was the lack of honking—you can drive for hours without hearing a horn.

This is because showing aggression is frowned upon in the Land of Smiles. However, if you drive too slowly, someone might honk as they pass, though this is uncommon.

Most Thais are very polite drivers.

However, the traffic can be described as "organic" 😅, and it’s common to see motorbikes going the wrong way. This was one of the toughest things for me to get used to.

If you drive slowly (like I do), try to keep some space on the left side of the road so motorcycles coming from the opposite direction can pass safely.

Other important things to remember when driving in Thailand: larger vehicles have the right of way, and people don’t use their mirrors much because they only focus on the traffic in front of them.

As a result, you might see cars turning left right in front of you without signaling or leaving enough space, if you drive fast it can easily lead to an accident. Unfortunately, this is very common.

5. What’s the Road Condition Like in Thailand?

Overall, the roads in Thailand are in good condition.

However, in some remote areas, you might come across unpaved roads or potholes, especially in mountainous regions.

6. Are Road Signs in English?

One of the advantages in Thailand is that in populated and touristy areas, road signs are usually in English.

However, if you venture into more remote areas, you might find that signs are only in Thai.

Accidents and Fines

1. What If I Have an Accident?

When traveling in Thailand, it's a good idea to get travel insurance, like the one I mentioned earlier.

While medical care in Thailand is generally affordable, serious issues, such as surgery from an accident, can result in bills that add up quickly to several thousand euros.

Make sure you have travel insurance like this.

What to Do During an Accident

If you have an accident, locals will probably come to help you. It’s important to have handy these three phone number: your insurance company, along with the tourist police (1155) and your country’s embassy or consulate.

Local police typically handle traffic accidents in Thailand, but they often side with locals regardless of who’s at fault.

To ensure your case is handled properly for insurance purposes, contact the tourist police. They can help with translation and mediation.

If you don’t have insurance, ask to be taken to a public hospital. These hospitals offer free care for locals and are much cheaper than private hospitals.

However, if you need surgery, the costs at a public hospital can still be quite high. 🙈

2. What Should I Do If the Motorbikes Breaks Down or Damage?

If your motorbike breaks down or damage, you can call the rental shop. Their phone number should be on a sticker on the motorbike or in the rental agreement you signed.

Motorbike rental companies usually have a mechanic they work with and then they will charge you.

While Thais are generally honest, there’s a chance someone might try to charge you more than the actual repair costs.

Taking the Motorbike to a Mechanic

For minor issues, it might be cheaper to go directly to a mechanic.

Thai mechanics are usually open almost all day, from early morning until late at night, and they work every day with very low prices.

You can ask for a quote before they start the job, and many repairs can be done on the spot.

Repair Costs

Minor repairs, like fixing a loose mirror or adding air to a tire, might even be free.

Some mechanics might charge a small fee, around 1 or 2 euros, which is very reasonable.

For example, replacing a light bulb cost me 50 baht (about 1.26 euros), including both the bulb and labor.

Then, for a flat tire, which involved changing the inner tube, cost 180 baht (about 4.54 euros), including the tube and labor.

Prices vary between mechanics and regions, but they are generally very affordable.

For more extensive repairs, such as painting or other major issues, you might have to pay it to the rental shop instead.

3. Traffic Fines in Thailand

Traffic checks in Thailand are not very frequent, except in Phuket and Koh Samui, where you may encounter frequent checkpoints in tourist areas. It’s common for tourists to be stopped regularly.

Here are some common traffic fines in Thailand:

• No driver’s license: 200 baht (official); for tourists, fines can range from 500 to 1,000 baht.
• Using a phone without a hands-free device: 500 baht
• Wrong way driving: 2,000 baht
• Overtaking on the left: 500 baht
• Not wearing a helmet: 2,000 baht per person
• Reckless driving: up to 2,000 baht
• Speeding: 4,000 baht
• Running a red light: 4,000 baht
• Driving under the influence (first offense): between 5,000 and 20,000 baht and/or up to 1 year in prison
• Driving under the influence (second offense and beyond): between 50,000 and 100,000 and/or up to 2 years in prison

👍 My two cents: Remember to drive carefully and follow traffic rules just as you would in your home country.

Final Thoughts

In short, renting a motorbike in Thailand can be a fantastic way to explore more places on your own at very affordable prices.

And honestly, riding a motorbike is a big part of the Thai experience.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

More about Thailand and Southeast Asia

• 11 Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
• Classic Thailand route: 15 and 21 day itinerary
• What to do in Khao Lak: 11 Plans in this Seaside Paradise
• What to see in Sukhothai: 11 essentials
• What to see in Bangkok: 21 must-sees