Renting and riding a motorbike when you are an inexperienced rider can be a bad idea especially in a country like Thailand which has some of the highest traffic related deaths in the world. [1]
However, there is something in the experience or riding along the countryside or on an island in Southeast Asia that is simply magical. And there are areas that simply don’t have public transport where a motorbike is the best option to get around.
So, let’s at least go over basics of renting a motorbike in Thailand that will help keep you safe.
Do you need a License to ride motorbike in Thailand?
Technically, yes, according to the law you need a motorbike license to ride a motorbike in Thailand. However, there are many areas that simply don’t enforce this law and it is simply accepted that tourists won’t have a license.
I’m not going to comment on the safety of the situation, but just here to tell it how it is.
If you go to any tourist hotspots outside of Bangkok, then there will be many bike rental shops targeted at tourists and none of them will require you to have a license to rent. If you ask them, they will assure you that the police won’t stop you.
These places are heavily reliant on tourism money and there is often an understanding with the local law enforcement. Particularly, on the islands, the population is so small that the local law police know all the shop owners and vice versa.
I’ve rode motorbike on Koh Larn, Koh Si Chang, Koh Samet, Krabi, and Ayutthaya, and others with no license and had no issue.
* I do have a Thai motorbike and car license now though, but it’s really only needed in major cities like Bangkok or non-tourism hubs.
How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Thailand?
Below is a table with general prices for cheap, lower cc motorbikes that are appropriate for driving around locally. [2] Prices for bikes that appropriate for long rode trips will be more expensive.
Also, note that there are variations in price around Thailand. More competition typically means lower prices. This means a bike in Pattaya might go for 200 baht a day and a bike in Udon Thani in Issan could go for 300 or 350 baht a day because there is only a handful of bike shops to compete with.
| Rental Period | Small Bike Cost | Big Bike Cost |
| Daily | 200 baht – 350 baht | 500 baht – 900 baht |
| Weekly | 1,000 baht – 2,000 baht | 3,500 baht – 5,000 baht |
| Monthly | 2,500 baht – 4,000 baht | 10,000 baht – 15,000 baht |
Where is it safe to ride a motorbike in Thailand?
If you have ridden a motorbike before, then riding anywhere in Thailand is relatively safe.
Typically, people will give you the advice to not ride a motorbike in Bangkok as it is hectic and there are traffic jams everyday. I agree with this if you are less experienced as there are also pretty good public transport options available.
Outside of Bangkok, most places are safe and pretty beginner friendly as long as you stay of the highway. Phuket might be an exception here as it has a higher proportion of aggressive and risk-taking drivers. Phuket province also has the highest rate of traffic deaths in Thailand. [3]
Islands are largely safe to drive on as the traffic is minimal. Koh Chang might be an exception here as the roads are particularly narrow and steep and tour vans/trucks are constantly racing along the west coast of the island.
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Tips on driving a motorbike for newbies
Please watch some Youtube videos on how to drive before you rent a bike. I didn’t and I was ok, but it was a bone-headed decision.
At the very least, review the braking and how to use the brakes while driving downhill.
Braking
The left hand brake is for the back wheel and is the PRIMARY BRAKE THAT YOU WILL USE. Mostly you will never use the right hand brake when driving on flat ground.
The right hand brake is the front wheel and YOU SHOULD ALMOST NEVER PULL THIS BRAKE HARD. If you pull this brake hard while you have some speed then you will lose control and skid out.
Typically the right hand brake should only be used when going downhill to control your speed and you should only lightly pull this brake if the left hand brake isn’t controlling your speed enough. This would only occur on very steep hills or if the bike has looser brakes that are not well-maintained.
Riding downhill
I’ve mentioned this in the previous section a bit.
If you’re riding downhill with a motorbike, go slow and keep to the left side of the road. Keep constant pressure on the left hand brake to control your speed. If you need extra braking, then lightly tap the right hand brake while maintaining pressure on the left hand brake.
Do not pull the right hand brake hard as you will loose control.
If you get this part down, then you will be ok and you will handle hills just fine even if you’re a beginner.
Riding in the rain
Typically, I would say to simply avoid driving in adverse conditions completely if possible.
If it is not possible to avoid driving in the rain, then drive slow generally, slow down coming into turns, and wear a helmet with a visor.
Also make sure that the lights on your bike are working so that you’re visible to other drivers. I’ve rented a bike before only to realize later that the back light is out.
Beware of gravel
Of all the hazards that you need to be aware of, gravel is likely the most dangerous.
If you hit gravel while taking a turn with some speed, then you will slip out and crash. Please slow down if you see any gravel on the road. Be careful with this.
If you don’t believe me then go and read some stories about tourist crashing and losing their skin.
Keep to the left
Remember that Thailand is like the UK so people drive on the left side of the rode and the passing lane is on the right side.
Slower drivers and often motorbikes will keep to the left and left the cars take the right lane.
Always wear a helmet
I probably shouldn’t need to say this one, but I will for completeness.
The single best thing you can do to protect your life is to wear a helmet. Even a small crash can kill you if your head slams against the pavement with no helmet.
I don’t care if it messes up your hair, wearing a helmet is non-negiotable.
Always, always, always wear a helmet on a motorbike.
This includes when you order a ride from Grab or Bolt. Don’t get on a bike as a driver OR a rider with no helment. It’s your life. Don’t be stupid.
What is the penalty for driving without a license?
Technically, according to Thai law, the penalty for driving without a license is a 1000 baht fine. This is literally one of the questions on the driving exam. [4]
However, there are plenty of stories around the internet of needing to pay bribes to the police if they catch you with no helmet.
I have never done so and none of my friends have ever been asked to “bribe” the police in the 3 years I’ve lived in Thailand.
That certainly doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen at all, so be aware, but these stories might be a bit overblown.
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Conclusion
Ok!
Hopefully that mentally will prep you for getting started with riding a motorbike if you’re a beginner.
The biggest takeaway is how to brake properly, especially when heading downhill. The other important takeaways are to drive slow, wear a helmet, and avoid driving in adverse conditions like rain or heavy traffic.
If you are a beginner, you will need to put in some hours before you get really comfortable riding a motorbike. Remember that just one accident could change your life, so don’t push yourself too much too early.
It’s not worth it.