Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hire
Cars, jeeps and vans can be rented in most major cities and airports from local companies as well as international
chains. Local companies tend to have cheaper rates than the international chains, but their cars tend to be older and not
as well maintained.
Motorcycles can be rented in major towns and many smaller tourist centres from guesthouses and small mum-and-
dad businesses. Renting a motorcycle in Thailand is relatively easy and a great way to independently tour the coun-
tryside. For daily rentals, most businesses will ask that you leave your passport as a deposit. Before renting a motor-
cycle, check the vehicle's condition and ask for a helmet (which is required by law).
Many tourists are injured riding motorcycles in Thailand because they don't know how to handle the vehicle and are
unfamiliar with the road rules and conditions. Drive slowly, especially when roads are slick, to avoid damage to your-
self and to the vehicle, and be sure to have adequate health insurance. If you've never driven a motorcycle before, stick
to the smaller 100cc step-through bikes with automatic clutches.
Insurance
Thailand requires a minimum of liability insurance for all registered vehicles on the road. The better hire companies in-
clude comprehensive coverage for their vehicles. Always verify that a vehicle is insured for liability before signing a
rental contract; you should also ask to see the dated insurance documents. If you have an accident while driving an un-
insured vehicle, you're in for some major hassles.
Road Rules & Hazards
Thais drive on the left-hand side of the road (most of the time!). Other than that, just about anything goes, in spite of
road signs and speed limits.
The main rule to be aware of is that right of way goes to the bigger vehicle; this is not what it says in Thai traffic
law, but it's the reality. Maximum speed limits are 50km/h on urban roads and 80km/h to 100km/h on most highways.
Indicators are often used to warn passing drivers about oncoming traffic. A flashing left indicator means it's OK to
pass, while a right indicator means someone's approaching from the other direction. Horns are used to tell other
vehicles that the driver plans to pass. When drivers flash their lights, they're telling you not to pass.
In Bangkok traffic is chaotic, roads are poorly signposted, and motorcycles and random contra flows mean you can
suddenly find yourself facing a wall of cars coming the other way.
Outside the capital, the principal hazard when driving in Thailand is having to contend with so many different types
of vehicles on the same road - trucks, bicycles, túk-túk and motorcycles. This danger is often compounded by the lack
of working lights. In village areas the vehicular traffic is lighter but you have to deal with stray chickens, dogs and wa-
ter buffaloes.
Hitching
Hitching is never entirely safe in any country and we don't recommend it. Travellers who hitch should understand they
are taking a small but potentially serious risk. Hitching is rarely seen these days in Thailand, so most passing motorists
might not realise the intentions of the foreigner standing on the side of the road with a thumb out. When Thais want a
ride they wave their hand with the palm facing the ground. This is the same gesture used to flag a taxi or bus, which is
why some drivers might stop and point to a bus stop if one is nearby.
 
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