Welcome to the Thailand Motorcycle Travel Guide. This overlanders guide is packed with information for motorcycle travellers looking to ride in Thailand. You’ll find info on road conditions, routes, paperwork, borders and a bunch of extra tips and tricks to help you explore Thailand with a motorbike.
This guide is based on our motorcycle ride through Thailand during our round the world trip. The guides on this website are constantly updated by us and contributors.
Contents
Motorcycle Travel in Thailand
By Andy Davidson
Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers
Why motorcycle travel in Thailand
Welcome to Thailand and the Land of Smiles! Thailand is the tourism capital of Southeast Asia and far more developed than its rustic neighbours: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
If you’re looking for raw riding then they are your better options. But Thailand is unparalleled for fast, smooth and epic roads, beautiful beaches and is a far easier country to rent a motorcycle and travel through.
The difficulty nowadays is actually getting a foreign motorcycle into the country thanks to new paperwork and guide requirements. The new rules aren’t applicable to rental bikes in Thailand or bringing a rental bike in from ASEAN countries.
This Motorcycle Travel Guide for Thailand will provide you with all the information you need to take a foreign motorcycle into the country including paperwork info, the best routes and roads, gear, shipping, tips and more.
Motorcycling in Thailand is an incredible experience and the country has so much to offer. If you’re interested in our experiences there, then check out our Thailand blog post.
Paperwork
To enter Thailand with a foreign vehicle you will need a passport, visa, temporary import, International Driver’s Permit and your vehicle registration document. You now also need a Foreign Vehicle Permit.
If you are bringing a motorcycle into Thailand from one of the ASEAN countries (Association of South East Asian Nations), which include Cambodia, Malaysia, Laos Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, then you do not need to obtain a temporary import. But do check with your rental/ tour provider first.
Visas
Thailand is 100% on the ball with tourism and so getting a visa is easy if needed.
Visa rules are dependent on your nationality and citizenship. But, Thailand currently offers visa free travel for citizens of 64 countries (but how many days you get varies). UK citizens get a 45-day visa exemption when arriving via air – the same goes for the US and much of Europe. Check if your country is part of the 64.
Previously, visa exemption was for 30 days. Thailand changed it 45 days in October 2022 and it is due to stay in effect until March 2023. It may change thereafter.
Visas can be extended once for an additional 30 days at Thai immigration offices throughout the country for a fee of 1,900 THB (£50).
You can enter via land border twice in a calendar year using a visa exemption, but there isn’t a restriction on visa exemptions when entering at an airport.
If you want to stay in Thailand for longer, or need to cross in and out through borders frequently, then you can get a 60 or 90-day visa that allows for multiple entries, but this must be purchased before entering the country. They can also be extended once in the country.
Don’t overstay your visa. It’s 500THB per day up to a max of 20,000THB and you can be detained, fined and deported.
Visas and entry requirements for Thailand are constantly changing and there are a lot of different options dependent on what your plans are. For example, flying in versus land borders, the amount of border crossings out and in you want to do, where you’re from etc. That makes keeping this section up-to-date impossible. So, please check what the current visa regulations are before travelling.
For more info on Thai visas, we recommend checking out the informative Facebook group Thai Visa Advice.
Temporary Import for foreign motorcycles in Thailand
To enter Thailand with a foreign registered motorcycle you need to obtain a Temporary Import Permit at the border. They used to be easily supplied at land borders upon entry. Now, under new government rules, you must first apply for and get a Foreign Vehicle Permit (FVP) before arriving at the border. Having an FVP will allow you to get a TIP at the border. TIPs are issued for 30 days.
This seems to be coming into effect on more and more borders. There are currently only a few borders, that we know of, left that are letting travellers in without this permit and using the old TIP system. More on the FVP below.
READ MORE: Thailand FVP Explained
Entering Thailand with a motorcycle registered in another ASEAN country
If you’re renting a motorcycle from one of the ASEAN countries: Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia, then the above rules don’t apply. Your rental company will supply you with paperwork needed to enter.
There are different rules if you purchase a motorcycle in one of the ASEAN countries too. Check the below guide for buying a bike in Southeast Asia as it lists the paperwork required. And if you’re planning on renting a bike in a Southeast Asian country, get in touch with one of our recommended rental and tour companies.
READ MORE:
Entering Thailand with a Carnet
Thailand is not a Carnet country and shouldn’t accept the Carnet, but there are cases where they have let travellers in with a Carnet instead of a guide or permit. We personally entered Thailand with a CDP, but would not suggest chancing it on one today.
border situation and rules are changing so frequently, the best option is to check out the helpful Facebook group Thailand – New regulation affecting overland travellers on foreign vehicles.
Entering Thailand with a Foreign Vehicle Permit (FVP) for your motorcycle – 2026 update
This section has kindly been added by Madi and Olli from Tilly2Wheels
Changes to Thailand’s Temporary Import process
The standard Temporary Import process (TIP) for Thailand is changing, and more and more borders when entering Thailand on a foreign motorcycle require a Foreign Vehicle Permit (FVP). Currently this is not a requirement at every border, some borders still do accept the TIP.
But, the inconsistency across the Thai borders makes it tricky for motorcycle travellers, so make sure to research your planned border crossings in advance. Unfortunately, we got caught out and needed a FVP, this update explains what was involved and how we arranged one just in case you need to follow the same procedure.
Thailand new border rules being rolled out for foreign motorcycles
When crossing back into Thailand from Laos via the Chiang Khong border crossing, we were informed by customs of new regulations when bringing a foreign motorcycle into Thailand. We needed to provide a FVP – Foreign Vehicle Permit via a registered tour agency to be able to bring our bike into the country. This application process takes between 5-14 days.
This caught us by surprise as just eight weeks prior we had entered Thailand from Malaysia using a standard Temporary Import document. Jokes on us for assuming the border crossing would be the same process again!
With our passports already stamped into Thailand, turning back to Laos and trying another border for the TIP wasn’t an option. If we tried this we wouldn’t be allowed back into Thailand having now used all our visa exemptions. We had organised new tyres, a major motorcycle service, family flying in to visit and our bike shipment to Nepal out of Thailand, so our only option was to leave our bike in no man’s land at the border, apply for a FVP and wait until it was approved. The whole process took 12 days to get approved and we were then able to collect our bike from the border to continue our journey.
How to apply for a Thai FVP
The FVP application process itself is easy to apply for. You will need your standard bike documentation (carnet, insurance, registration etc.) however it is important to note that it must be applied for via a registered tour agency. Note that you don’t need a carnet to get an FVP, but if you have one they will want to see it. It’s not stamped or used though.
The FVP website lists all the registered travel agencies you can apply through
- FVP website application link: fvp.dlt.go.th
- FVP website how to guide link: fvp.dlt.go.th/manual
Here’s a link to a guide explaining the FVP on Mad or Nomad with a recommended FVP company.
READ MORE: Thailand’s Foreign Vehicle Permit Explained
Processing time and cost
Minimum two weeks. The website does say to apply five working days prior to your arrival, however our application took 12 days to process, so we suggest erring on the side of caution and apply earlier. We paid 6,500 baht for this service.
Thai guides
One major condition of the permit stated on the website is a guide must accompany you for your entire journey through Thailand at your own cost. We suggest asking your tour agency if this is a requirement of theirs.
Our main takeaways
To help other motorcycle travellers avoid the same situation we encountered, we have shared below what we would do differently next time when crossing inconsistent or difficult borders.
When crossing into a new country, always do the customs papers first before stamping in your passport. If things go haywire with customs you will still have the flexibility to turn around and try another border crossing.
If you want to be extra cautious, before stamping out of your current country, physically visit the border of the next country to confirm what their customs requirements are for the bike. We did this when crossing from Cambodia into Laos as we heard there had been problems with big motorcycles at this border. The officials actually told us to walk over and check first before stamping out. This was very helpful and gave us peace of mind. Best of luck with your motorcycle crossings into Thailand! Feel free to post a comment on this article if you need any further info.
Extending the Temporary Import
You can extend your Thailand Temporary Import once a month. It can only be extended for an additional 30 days at a time, but only for as long as your visa is valid.
Now, due to the FVP, to extend your TIP you must also extend your FVP first.
The TIP can’t be extended further than your visa expiration date. You must be present in the country to extend it yourself and it can be done at any customs house throughout the country for free. You will need your passport with valid visa, vehicle registration document and original Temporary Import document. They will simply stamp the backside of the paper with the new date.
Overstaying the Temporary Import
If you overstay your Thai Temporary Import, you will have to pay 1,000THB per day up to a maximum of 10,000THB. Payment will be made at the border when you exit. There are many reports of people overstaying up to a year and paying 10,000THB on exit. We haven’t heard of anybody paying more than that.
Update: in November 2022, we rode out of Thailand with a two-year expired TIP. The below guide explains what happened and what you can expect if you’re in a similar situation.
READ MORE: Overstaying your TIP in Thailand
Insurance for motorcycles in Thailand
It is a legal requirement to have at least third-party Thai motorcycle insurance to ride your bike in Thailand. Luckily, it’s inexpensive and easy to obtain. It’s worth sorting your insurance before you enter. We recommend getting in touch with the Thai company aainsure.net
Contact Miss Tipsuda Nunkaew (Took) on info@aainsure.net as she’s exceptionally helpful.
You can get your insurance by emailing them a copy of your passport, vehicle registration document and driver’s licence. Expect insurance to cost you about 650 THB (£17) for one year. They will kindly offer to post you the original certificate, but you don’t need it, simply ask them to send you an email copy and print it out.
Note that if you purchase the minimum, basic insurance for Thailand it will only cover basic personal injury or death compensation. It doesn’t cover property damage or motorcycle repairs.
International Driver’s Permit
There’s a lot of conflicting reports on International Driver’s Permits (aka IDP or IDL). Legally and officially, you do need a IDP to ride in Thailand. Note, there are two IDP conventions (1968 and 1949) and it’s the ’68 you need to ride in Thailand so bear that in mind when getting a licence in your home country.
Getting in and out
Thailand is bordered by Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia. There are a number of border options with Thailand’s neighbours and some are easier than others. The main difficulty is finding a border that will let you into Thailand without a permit or guide. The situation is changing daily and so you will need to check on Facebook groups like Thailand Foreign Vehicles for the most up-to-date experiences of other travellers.
Check out these guides for more information on Thailand’s neighbours.
Thailand – Laos border update 2026
This information was kindly contributed by Henry – check out his awesome adventures on Instagram – Another Little Trip
When attempting to cross the border from Thailand to Laos – I was told by Thai immigration police at the border that I wasn’t even allowed to leave Thailand until I had secured paperwork granting permission to enter Laos from the Laos side.
I heard from other travellers that this happens only at certain borders, but as my FVP is expiring, I had no choice but to cross here at the Friendship Bridge border near Vientiane.
After much deliberating, I used the services of Ah Hong Travel Motorcycle Tours (located in Nong Khai) and he helped me cross.
I got in touch and they arranged everything. At the Thai border, Ah Hong himself went with me. I had to do very little. He took complete control. He’s friendly, no fuss. Very impressive.
There isn’t any document that needs to be provided from Laos. He just needs to be there – possibly so he can hand over a few hundred baht to the customs officer as I saw him do.
On the Laos side a woman was waiting for me. She had forms filled in already, asked for my Laos evisa and arrival card and took me to an immigration window. Then to another window where they took my photo and asked where I was staying. All very easy. Then to customs. I had to do even less. I sat on my bike at the exit point while she went to customs. Then she brought over my TIP. There was a quick exchange with the officer there and that was it. I arrived at Ah Hong’s office at 9.05am. I left Laos immigration and customs at 9.48am.
The process cost 2,500 baht, plus 500 baht for Laos insurance for a month. I may have paid 3K for the privilege, but what an easy crossing.
Shipping a motorcycle to and from Thailand
If you’re looking to ship your motorcycle to Thailand, then we recommend you check out the International Shipping Companies Finder page. You’ll find loads of info on there as well as a recommended companies and agents. Here are more helpful shipping guides:
When to go?
Thailand’s busiest months are December and January. If you’re on a fly-and-ride trip, then these are the most expensive months to fly into the country.
November, December, January, February: Winter months, cool, dry and the best time to visit.
March, April (hot), May, June: Hot season and less rain. It’s also the time of year that people light thousands of illegal fires in the north. The entire north is engulfed in smoke and smog and the pollution levels are extremely bad.
July, August, September, October: Monsoon season. Take care of slippery asphalt and pack waterproofs.
Safety
Thailand is a relatively safe country to travel through. Like with any major tourist country, you will of course find petty crime in the popular tourist spots and cities like Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. But outside of these areas, Thailand is a safe country to travel through. Keep you wits about you in touristy and built up areas as you would anywhere else in the world. But in more rural and remote parts, it’s a safe place to travel. If you’re concerned about motorcycle security while you travel, check out these guides.
What are the roads like?
Thailand’s road network is very good and the road surfaces are well maintained and smooth. If you’re coming from either Laos or Cambodia, then Thailand is like riding in the West.
The main issue with riding in Thailand is the speed of other road users. They often drive fast and aggressively and overtake within millimetres if you’re in the fast lane.
Bear in mind that motorcycles are not allowed on toll roads and highways in Thailand. You will be swiftly turned around and told to exit.
The best motorcycle routes in Thailand
Thailand has incredible road and off-road routes and the best of both are found in the north.
We have a dedicated guide to the very best road riding route in Thailand: The Mae Hong Son Loop. Check out the guide for more info.
Motorcycle rentals and tours in Thailand
Renting a motorcycle or going on a tour in Thailand is straight forward and very easy. You will need your passport, International Driver’s Permit and Driver’s licence. It is of course advisable to take out your own personal travel insurance too.
There are a number of quality rental and tour agencies in Thailand. We have listed our top picks and recommendations in the Motorcycle Rental and Tour Companies page below.
For female riders, there’s also an excellent women’s only tour company. Check the link below.
We also have a dedicated article explaining how to rent a motorcycle in Thailand in more detail.
Motorcycle tours in Thailand and Southeast Asia
If you’re planning a fully organised, all‑inclusive motorcycle tour, there are a number of great tour operators in the country.
It’s a great choice if you’ve only got limited holiday time each year and don’t want to spend hours researching routes, hotels and places to see. Everything is taken care of for you – bike, accommodation, logistics – with a professional guide leading the way.
We recommend checking out Big Bike Tours. They’re based in Thailand and run tours throughout the country, but they also operate a number of tours that start and end in Thailand, but go through multiple countries in Southeast Asia.
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Thailand
You can buy and register a motorcycle in Thailand either in your name or in a friend’s. There’s a lot of information to cover here, so please check out our dedicated guide below.
Riding gear for Thailand
Riding gear in hot, humid and wet southeast Asian countries is always a tricky question and it depends on your take on ‘All The Gear All The Time’ (ATGATT). The weather can be stiflingly hot and muggy one minute with torrential downpours the next. Because of the heat, the country is full of inexperienced tourists riding in flip flops and ending up red raw and bandaged from head to toe. If you’re travelling through the country on a motorcycle (and not just pottering around on an island) it’s worth wearing proper gear, especially considering the driving standards.
If you’re after proper gear then we recommend mesh lined kit. Thailand is a great place to buy cheap and decent bike gear, or you could always bring it with you from your home country. It’s best not to go for lined gear and especially nothing pro laminate as it won’t be breathable.
Many motorcycle adventure suits have removable waterproof and thermal layers. You might as well take those layers out and chuck them because you’re not going to want to take your jacket off, zip a liner inside it and then put it back on.
Go for cheap fully mesh jackets and trousers like these for men and these for women. And carry a cheap and cheerful set of throw-over waterproofs in case of bad weather.
Here are a bunch of guides that will help with picking the right motorcycle gear for your travels.
Top tips for riding in Thailand
- Petrol stations use Gasahol, which is easily mistaken for regular petrol. Make sure to ask for benzine and try to avoid using Gasahol as it can corrode your bike’s internals if your bike hasn’t been manufactured to use it.
- Local SIM cards can be purchased in 7 Eleven stores. It’s easy to top up in 7 Eleven as well. There will be cards on the shelves that display data packages and for a set amount of days, just take it to the till, they’ll scan it through, type your Thai phone number (you will have received when you purchased your SIM) into the card keypad and it will top up automatically.
- Make sure you carry your International Driver’s Permit on you at all times. It’s not worth the fine if you’re caught without it. The same goes for Thai motorcycle insurance.
- Always keep your wits about you on fast roads. Drivers can be erratic and love overtaking with only inches to spare.
- Thai culture is about respect and saving face. It’s never a good idea to shout at Thais (or anyone, obviously) to get your point across, no matter how angry you are. Always play it cool.
- Pack waterproofs as the weather can change rapidly. Watch out for dangerous thunderstorms as well.
Read more on motorcycle travel in Thailand and Southeast Asia
We hope you enjoyed this Motorcycle Travel Guide for Thailand. Here are some more articles on Thailand, Southeast Asia and Travel Guides that you may find useful.
Motorcycles are not allowed on toll roads and motorways in Thailand.
Currently there is only one motorway in Thailand, number 7 from Bangkok to Pattaya and this is also a toll road.
The rest of the toll roads in Thailand are some highways in and around the Bangkok area, basically the elevated highway 34 and the ring road highway 9.
According to my knowledge there is no other toll roads in Thailand.
All over Thailand there are many great highways and they are allowed for motorbike riding.
A new motorway from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is under construction but not finished yet.
It is named motorway number 6.
Many more motorways are planned for the future in Thailand.
Hi Sten,
We agree with you. We mentioned above in this article that motorcycles are not allowed on highways, but you have added a lot of additional extra info to that, so thank you very much for taking the time to include it! Much appreciated! 🙂
Thanks,
Andy
Foreigners will get a free 45-day Visa on arrival via airports and this can easily be extended at any Immigration Office all over Thailand with another 30 days.
According to my knowledge you will only get a 15-day Visa when entering Thailand via land border.
Hi Sten, thanks for your comment. Yes, you’re right, citizens of up to 64 countries have had the visa exemption increased from 30 days to 45 days as of October 2022. But currently this is only due to stay in effect until March 2023. Perhaps they’re doing a trial run or perhaps they’ll extend thereafter. 15 days at land border is dependent on whether you’re getting a visa on arrival or are eligible for the visa exemption. With Thailand things are constantly changing and it’s hard to keep up! Our advice is to just check before you travel.
Are you currently living or travelling in Thailand yourself?
Cheers,
Andy
Hi Andy.
Every year I stay 5 month in Thailand, from November 1st to March 31st. Likes to travel by motorbike everywhere in Thailand as well as the neighboring countries. Currently on a trip from Thailand to the western part of Malaysia and Singapore.
Thank you for your very informative website which popped up when I was searching for info regarding shipping a motorcycle to Borneo. That might be our plan for the next motorbike season in Thailand.
Cheers,
Sten
Hi Sten,
Wow, that’s brilliant that you spend half your year there. I can see why, it’s a beautiful part of the world – same goes for its neighbours.
Ah that’s interesting that you’re riding to West Malaysia – but i’m surprised to hear you’re heading to Singapore – very expensive with a bike isn’t it?
That’s very kind of you to say! Thank you. Yeah, we had a great time in Borneo. I have literally just published about 6 new guides and articles explaining how to get to Borneo by shipping from KL to Sarawak / from Borneo to Java / what to do in Borneo / our experience there and border crossings etc. You might find them useful.
They’re in the Indonesia Motorcycle Travel Guides and Malaysia Motorcycle Travel Guides sections.
Anyway, all the best and hope you have a great trip!
Thanks,
Andy
Hi, what kind of a bike do you have? I want one for city commute in Bangkok as well as slow travel road trips. Would Nmax do or should i go for Xmax?
Hello, we don’t own a motorcycle in Thailand, we travelled through the country on our Yamaha XT660R during our round the world trip.
Both N and X Max scoots are great. Which you go for depends on how far you want to go on your slow travel road trips. I’d say if you’re going on trips you might want the bigger Xmax.
Best of luck
Andy
Hi Andy.
We are two motorbike riders, each riding our own bike which both are registered in Thailand.
It didn’t cost us a single Sing Dollar to enter Singapore with our motorbikes, ride around on any kind of street or main road etc.
Parking at the hotel didn’t cost anything either.
Remember to fill up your gas tank before leaving Malaysia.
Gas prize for one liter:
In Singapore: EUR 1.87
In Malaysia: EUR 0.43
Regards,
Sten
Hi Sten,
That’s great to hear and good tips! Sounds like you’re having a blast!
All the best,
Cheers,
Andy