Welcome to our ultimate guide on buying and selling a motorcycle in Southeast Asia for adventure bike riders and travellers. You’ll find this article packed with info on paperwork, tips, tricks and links to help you get out there and explore SE Asia on two wheels.
Motorcycle Travel Guides
THAILAND
Budget
Typical motorcycle travel costs and prices
Money: ATMs can be found throughout Thailand.
Currency: Thai Baht.
Food: £10 per day on average.
Accommodation: £20 per day on average.
When to go
The best time of year to rent or join a tour
The best time to rent a motorcycle or join a tour in Thailand is in the dry season from November to April and May. The weather is different in the Gulf, so check the specific areas you’re planning on riding.
Paperwork
Visa, insurance and motorcycle licence
Visa: Visa requirements are dependent on your nationality. Please visit the country’s government website for visa information.
Driver’s licence: You need a valid motorcycle licence to legally rent a motorcycle or join a tour. If you risk riding without the correct licence, then not only will you be breaking the law, but your insurance will be invalid too.
International Driver’s Permit: An IDP is a requirement for many countries. The UK Gov website lists every country that requires one and which IDP is required.
Insurance: Motorcycle insurance needs to be checked with the rental or tour company. Ask what they offer, what’s included and what the legal requirements are.
You should purchase personal travel insurance separately from your home country before travelling.
Facts
Capital: Bangkok
Country code: +66
Emergency: 191 (1155 for tourist police)
Language: Thai
Time: GMT+7
Land Mass: 513,120 km²
Don't miss
The best motorcycle riding routes and attractions
The North of Thailand has the best riding with legendary routes like the Mae Hong Son Loop. You’ll find epic mountains, rivers, jungles and wildlife up here.
In the South you’ll find gorgeous beaches and national parks. It all depends on what you want from your trip there.
For more info, check out our Mae Hong Son Loop Guide.
Flying in/out
The best airport to fly into and out of
Bangkok or Chiang Mai Airport.
Welcome to the Land of Smiles! Thailand is the tourism capital of Southeast Asia and for good reason: fast, smooth and epic roads, beautiful beaches, wonderful people, delicious food, incredible culture and some of the best biking in the world.
If your TIP for Thailand has expired and you’re worried about it, have a read of this first.
International Motorcycle Shipping Companies in Thailand including freight forwarders, agents, custom brokers, ferry services, guides and more.
Welcome to the Mae Hong Son Loop Motorcycle Guide. This guide is packed with info for riding Thailand’s BEST road.
This Thailand biking guide is packed with all the info you need to travel around Laos with your own motorcycle.
Welcome to the Thailand Motorcycle Rentals and Tours page. Here you’ll find our recommended rental companies, prices, info and guides.
A Proposal, Covid-19, Long Necks and Lockdown. Thailand didn’t exactly go to plan…