I have been living for 6 years in Thailand now and i would say law enforcement here are a whole lot friendlier and far more reasonable than anywhere's else in the world, also when Thai get stopped they are treated the same as farangs its always fine and respectful, have no worries riding Thailand as there is a lot of wild stories out there, now 70.000 km on my bike and 20.000 by car, also in Bangkok, i would not trade Thailand for any place else, good video.
Better to get your motorcycle endorsement on your license from your country and get your international drivers license. Because your travel/health insurance won’t pay if you don’t have a motorcycle license.
Very informative, may I add to please consider enclosed foot wear and gloves, These areas are the 2nd and 3rd body parts after the head to hit the ground in an accident. We know its hot out there but save your skin ! Cheers
Yep, I would definitely agree with this. And always wear full face helmet. Yes, it's warmer but offers much more protection in the event of a crash. It's also more comfortable for highway riding as it helps protect against sun exposure, rain, bugs or getting smacked by any debris thrown up on the road. I've been riding bikes for 40 years and won't get on one without a full face helmet.
Conditions of my most recent insurance include, apart from following all laws, alcohol etc, must hold either a Thai licence OR full licence in my home country plus an International Drivers Permit (it's not a licence) and also a limit of up to 200cc unless I paid an additional policy fee. Read the fine print - aware some companies have only a 125cc limit in basic coverage.
Great video. Having ridden a rental bike in Chiang Mai I can confirm there are lots of police checkpoints. We were pulled over three times in a couple of weeks. We always wore helmets and had a International motorcycle license so never had any problems
I'm going to reccomend Mr. Mechanic. When I was in Chiang Mai in October, I rented 2 different scooters and a big bike from them. They told me to video around and point out any scratches, etc. They offer insurance and back it personally. Best experience anywhere. And they take a photocopy of your passport so the deposit isn't bad. And no, I'm not paid by them!
Some of the more reputable vendors now insist on proof of a licence before they let you have a bike now. This is down to the Hugh amount of damage caused to the biked due to a lack of or no previous experiance .
So if you don’t have a drivers license for a motorcycle from your home country or an international motorcycle drivers license, you will not be legal to ride one here. If you get caught, it will be about a $15 fine though.
You should be ok if you have a motorbike license from your home country unless you live here permanently and then you’ll need a Thai motorbike license.
just one very important thing missed in this Video; Travel insurance wont cover 3rd party claims if you are in accident, and it wont cover stolen motorbike or crashed motorbike. All travel insurances specific states that motorbikes and such is void. Renting a car is different and is covered with any insurance and credit card. For to be covered you need a 1st class motorbike insurance, which im sorry to inform that you cant get when renting a motorbike. And guess whose fault it is when you get into a accident with a thai?
Just did the loop a few weeks ago. I have always rented from Pop Big bike in Chiang Mai and the bikes have been flawless. The loop is challenging and not recommended for novice riders. Have fun. 👍
Thanks! I'm moving there in the future and wondering if I should sell my motorcycle in the states and get something when I get there, or try to import it? Would love to hear if you have any experience or stories about importing if possible.
In Chiang Mai we used Ann's Rentals to hire a 150cc bike to travel to Chiang Rai. Bike was in great condition and professional service. Problem free and competitive prices. Would definitely rent from them again.
He’s correct AAA in the US other countries have them too just google. Take your drivers license and passport with you. There’s no test just proof by your current drivers license to get the the international license.
Yeah it's a fast and easy process. Took 5 minutes to get mine in Canada. The only problem is that they are fairly large documents (Will not fit in your wallet like a card style licence) and are made of flimsy paper. Consequently they are easily damaged. Suggest keeping it in a small ziplock bag to extend its life and durability.
