Motorcycle Rentals in Thailand

Best Regions to Ride

• Northern Thailand is the most scenic region for riders, especially the famous Mae Hong Son Loop (~600 km, 1,864 curves) covering Chiang Mai–Pai–Mae Hong Son. Roads are mostly paved with occasional rough patches.
• Golden Triangle Loop near Chiang Rai offers cultural and borderland exploration.
• Northeastern Thailand (Isan) offers relaxed riverside rides, like Route 2195 along the Mekong.
• Western Thailand (Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi) has lush mountain routes.
• Southern Thailand offers coastal and island loops.

Best time to ride: November–February (dry season). Rainy season (June–October) will offer green landscapes.

• A valid motorcycle license is required. Car licenses are not sufficient.
• Thailand accepts IDP 1949 or 1968, with motorcycle endorsement.
• Minimum age: 18 years old to rent or ride larger bikes.
• Ensure the license covers the correct engine size.
• Basic liability insurance (Por Ror Bor) is required and usually included in rentals.
• Additional travel or collision insurance is recommended, but rarely offered.

• Drive on the left-hand side.
• Expect erratic traffic, vehicles cutting in, and stray animals.
• Be alert for potholes, gravel, or oil patches.
• Helmet use is mandatory.
• Alcohol limit: 0.05% BAC.
• Motorcycles are not allowed on expressways/toll roads.

• Gasohol 91 and 95 are the most common fuels.
• Major brand stations open 24/7; rural stations open ~6am–10pm.
• Remote areas may only have bottled fuel; usually benzine.

• Google Maps is the best apps for real-time navigation.
• Maps.me and OsmAnd are useful for offline routing, especially for off-road.
• Use RainViewer or Thai Meteorology apps for weather tracking.
• SIM cards widely available from AIS, DTAC, TrueMove. AIS offers best rural coverage.

• Police: 191
• Ambulance: 1669
• Tourist Police: 1155
• In an accident, contact police and rental agency. Get a police report.
• For breakdowns, seek help from locals or call the rental agency. Many small roadside mechanics can assist.
• Major hospitals available in cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, etc.
• Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly recommended.

• Horizons Unlimited: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com
• Foreign Motorcycle Riders Thailand (F.M.R.T): https://www.facebook.com/groups/foreignridersThailand