Essential Tips: Riding Motorbikes in Thailand
Riding Motorbikes in Thailand | Date Posted: 7th of December, 2023
Here’s our list of everything you need to know, that we learnt while living in Thailand for a year.
Thailand is a popular destination for motorcycling enthusiasts and backpackers alike, offering scenic roads, beautiful landscapes, and an array of cultural experiences. However, it’s important to prioritize safety when riding in a foreign country.
Riding motorbikes in Thailand can be a little different from what you’re used to, especially if you’re from a Western country.
Here are some tips to help you adjust.
Licence Requirements
To legally ride a motorbike in Thailand and to be covered by insurance, you’ll need a valid motorcycle license from your home country. There is no difference in licence for any size of motorbike. Small motorcycle class exemptions from the Western world do not apply to riding motorbikes in Thailand. You will need to obtain an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement before arriving in Thailand.
Residents (1+ month) and Thai citizens without a motorbike licence can apply at the Department of Land Transport. It involves hours of listening to instructional videos in Thai and a practical examination, but it is worthwhile.
To see our travel insurance recommendations that cover motorcycle accidents click here.
Road Rules
Thailand has its own set of rules and regulations when it comes to motorcycle riding. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these laws, as breaking them may result in fines or accidents.
Some of the key rules include:
- Ride on the left side of the road
- Avoid lane splitting or riding between car
- No riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Wear a helmet
- Keep your headlights on at all times
ROAD TRIP
Planning to travel by motorcycle? Find guides and itineraries sharing essential information for your motorbike travels. This includes the basics like rental locations and getting insured.
Defensive Riding
Thailand has the most road fatalities in the world, so defensive driving is the key to staying safe on the road. You can avoid an accident by being aware of your surroundings, staying alert and being prepared to take evasive action. Just because you have the right of way doesn’t mean it’s safe. Remember that not all drivers in Thailand are familiar with motorcycle riding, so be extra cautious around them and expect the unexpected.
We were riding outside of Pai, having a beautiful time, when a gorgeous grey elephant was wandering down the middle of the road. It blended in perfectly with the colour of the road under the shady trees, and we had to apply heavy brakes to avoid it. And that was a 5000kg object in the middle of nowhere.
You will need to watch out for:
- People riding the wrong way
- Stray dogs and other animal
- Intersections and stop signs
- Undertaking vehiclesCars speeding
BOOK IT
We use these travel sites to book our life on the road.
Hotels: We find all of our best deals at booking.com and Agoda.
Flights: Skyscanner has been our go-to flight navigator for years.
Activities: Klook offers the best deals for fun activities in Asia.
E-sim: Airalo is a reliable source for getting connected as soon as we land.
Tours: For tours, we rely on Get Your Guide.
Insurance: We use Safetywing to cover pre-booked trips and Genki to cover medical-only backpacker trips.
Banking: We have relied on Wise fo all our travel banking needs for years now.
Road Conditions
Patches of gravel and sand are not your friend! If you do not have time to slow down before hitting a patch of gravel or sand, release the accelerator and maintain a straight line if possible. Applying the brakes too fast will cause you to skid out, and nobody wants to do a [uncontrolled] drift.
Some areas may have heavy traffic, while others may be more rural and less congested. Be prepared for the conditions of the road to change and adjust your driving style. If you are brave enough to start driving in Bangkok, take it easy and go with the traffic flow. I recommend that only experienced riders attempt city driving in Thailand.
Plan Your Motorbike Route
Before you hit the road, it’s important to plan your route and know the terrain, especially for longer trips. Avoid roads that are known for being dangerous or poorly maintained, like main highways. Use Google Maps and don’t forget to download the area (type and enter OK MAPS into Google Maps) you are riding in should network connectivity be an issue. If you are ever riding motorbikes in Thailand, share your planned route with someone you trust in case of an emergency.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Speaking of emergencies, make sure you have a plan in case of an emergency. Keep a basic first aid kit and a charged phone with you on your ride. Know the location of the nearest hospital or medical centre and carry any necessary documents, such as your passport and insurance information.
What’s in our first aid kit?
- Band-aids
- Bandage
- Saline eye wash (for all those eye bugs)
- Betadine
- Mosquito spray
- Paracetamol and/or ibuprofen
Wear Protective Motorbike Gear
It is required by law to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Thailand, so this is a good place to start. Most rental shops include a helmet in the rental price so make sure your helmet fits properly and is in good condition. Don’t be afraid to try a couple on, and get one with a clear visor. There are three types of helmets usually available: a mixing bowl, a mixing bowl with ear flaps, and a full motorcycle helmet. The full helmet is the safest choice as it will protect your jaw in a crash.
For long rides, I wear gloves, jeans and a jacket. Not only does this protect me from the sun, wind and minor motorbike drops, but it also helps me to avoid being stopped at every police pull-over point.
Keep in mind that only proper motorcycle gear/ leather will protect your skin properly in a motorcycle crash.
Dealing with Thai police
Thai Police are rampant in the touristy areas of each main city in Thailand. Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, Phuket and Chiang Mai are the most heavily enforced cities. If you’ve ever ridden a motorbike in Thailand, chances are you’ve been pulled over.
When you get pulled up to a police stop, all you have to do is show the police officer your IDP and home country’s motorbike licence and you are on your way! If you don’t have these, and only have a car licence or a 50CC motorbike licence and IDP, get your wallet ready. Fines start at 500 THB, but are commonly 1000 THB. You can choose to go to the station and spend hours waiting to try and fight the fine, but in the end, your licence is not valid and you will lose. If you are driving illegally, there are annoying consequences to face.
Pro tip: take your keys out of your bike and pocket them at police pullover points. I once had a police officer take my keys out of the ignition and walk away with them to try to make me pay $150USD. Spoiler alert: I am stubborn, so paid nothing and got my keys back.
Final Notes
Riding motorbikes in Thailand is a rewarding travel experience and can add wonderful memories to your trip. Although it can be challenging at times so isn’t recommended as a place to learn. Those with experience under their belt will find riding enjoyable, refreshing and a great way to see the country’s hidden gems.
Road Trip
Planning to travel by motorcycle? Find guides and itineraries sharing essential information for your motorbike travels. This includes the basics like rental locations and getting insured.
Disclosure: Some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book something through one of these links, we earn a small commission. This doesn’t cost you anything! Note that we only ever recommend products that we fully endorse and have used ourselves.
BOOK IT
We use these travel sites to book our life on the road.
Hotels: We find all of our best deals at booking.com and Agoda.
Flights: Our go-to for years now has been Skyscanner.
Activities: Klook offers the best deals for fun activities in Asia.
E-sim: Airalo is a reliable source for getting connected as soon as we land.
Tours: For tours, we rely on Get Your Guide.
Insurance: We use Safetywing to cover pre-booked trips and Genki to cover medical-only backpacker trips.
Banking: We have relied on Wise fo all our travel banking needs for years now.
