Renting a Scooter
A rented scooter is the most popular means of transport among travelers on the islands and in northern Thailand. Cheap, flexible, and the best way to reach remote beaches and viewpoints.
Prices
| Scooter Type | Price/Day | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Click 125 (Automatic) | 200–300 ฿ (5–8 €) | Everywhere, the standard |
| Honda PCX 150 | 300–400 ฿ (8–10 €) | Larger islands, more power |
| Yamaha NMAX | 350–500 ฿ (9–13 €) | Popular for longer distances |
| Honda Wave (Semi-automatic) | 150–200 ฿ (4–5 €) | Cheapest option |
For rentals of 3 days or more: negotiate a discount (often 150–200 ฿/day possible). Weekly price: 1,000–1,500 ฿. Monthly rental: 2,500–4,000 ฿.
What You Need to Know
- Driver's License: Officially, you need an international driver's license with a motorcycle class (A/A1). In practice, hardly any rental company checks — but the police do. Fine without an international driver's license: 500 ฿ (13 €). Worse: Your travel insurance won't pay in case of an accident without a valid license!
- Insurance: Most rental companies offer no or minimal insurance. You pay for damage to the scooter out of pocket. Photograph everything beforehand — every scratch, every dent!
- Passport: Many rental companies require the passport as a deposit. Never give your passport! Instead, offer a copy + cash deposit (1,000–3,000 ฿). If necessary, find another rental company.
- Helmet: Helmet laws are enforced, especially during police checks on the islands. Fine: 400 ฿. Always wear the helmet — not just because of the fine, but because Thailand's roads are among the most dangerous in the world.
- Left-Hand Traffic: Thailand drives on the left! Be especially careful at intersections. Drive slowly and cautiously for the first 30 minutes until you get used to it.
- Fueling: At gas stations or from whiskey bottles by the roadside (40–50 ฿ per bottle, about 1 liter). Fuel type: "91" or "Gasohol 91" is standard for scooters.
The Best Scooter Routes
- Koh Lanta: From north to south across the entire island — increasingly deserted beaches. 30 km, 1 hour.
- Pai: Pai Canyon, Pai Hot Springs, Pam Bok Waterfall, Land Split — all perfectly accessible by scooter. Be careful on the mountain roads!
- Koh Samui Coastal Road: Around the island, 50 km. Beaches, viewpoints, Big Buddha, Hin Ta Hin Yai rocks.
- Chiang Mai → Doi Suthep: Serpentine road up to the golden temple. 15 km, spectacular view over the city.
💡 Tipp
The Honda Click 125 is the perfect all-rounder — light, automatic, cheap, and available everywhere. On steep island hills (Koh Tao, Koh Phangan), it's better to take the more powerful PCX or NMAX.
Achtung
Thailand has one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the world — most victims are scooter riders. ALWAYS wear a helmet, drive sober and defensively. Without an international driver's license with a motorcycle class, no travel insurance will cover you in an accident. Don't be discouraged, but take it seriously.