Scootering in Thailand

When I travel I love to be able to get around independently and explore at my own pace; a fantastic way to do that in Thailand is on a scooter.

Scooter rental places are plentiful in tourist areas and rates are super reasonable. I've been paying between 200-250 baht ($6-$8 US) per day for a good quality ride on the Gulf Islands and up in Chiang Mai. 

The roads are surprisingly good, I was expecting Jamaican style killer potholes but most main roads are in good shape, better even than my home of Nova Scotia, Canada.  There's a wonderful thrill you get gliding through the warm tropical wind , enjoying the exotic surroundings, making the journey half the fun.  Even at relatively low speeds it can be quite exhilarating, 60kmh feels quite fast.

I have a few tips for other travelers like me that don't have that much experience on two wheels, some that apply anywhere you might rent one and some specific to Thailand.

1. Wear a helmet! 

On Koh Tao and Koh Phangan you're definitely in the minority wearing a helmet, all the cool kids are lid free and police enforcement is limited. But there are a lot of inexperienced riders on the road and the roads can get busy in peak hours. Accidents are frequent, it may not be your fault, but a helmet could save your life. In Chiang Mai most people, Thais included, wear a helmet and if a cop catches you without one it's a 500 baht fine - 1000 if the cop is feeling like making a little cash on the side.

Make sure the helmet fits well before you leave the shop, take your time to get one that's comfortable. Consider if you are going to be going fast and for long distance, then a visor is worthwhile, it will protect your eyes from debris and wind.  On the islands I didn't find I needed one, but appreciated it in Chiang Mai.

Grab an extra helmet, super handy for when you want to give a new friend a ride. You can store the helmets in the seat, which pops open using the ignition and a button usually.

2. Sand is your enemy

Keep a sharp eye out for sandy spots on roads, they will cause you trouble, particularly if you are turning. 

3. Watch your speed on bends

It's really easy to overshoot corners on a scooter and corners can get tight on the islands and up in the hills. You don't want to end up in the wrong lane, that's the Thais' job. Oh yeah and they drive on the left hand side here, so you could have an adjustment period for that depending where you come from.

4. Left hand rear brake, right hand front

There was a post recently on a Koh Phangan message board where a local had quizzed 10 foreigners on whether they knew which brake they were controlling with the left and right hands. 7 of them didn't know. As a kid that grew up cycling around my neighborhood I didn't realise this isn't common knowledge.  You generally only want to use the left hand (rear brake), only use the right for sudden stops or down very steep hills going a slow as you can. Add a right brake to some sand and you're probably coming off the bike.

5: Get a bike with a holster for your phone

Check the photo above for an example. This is super handy for using Google Maps on the go. When I didn't have one I used earbuds and listened to the instructions, but a visual reference is way better.

6: Own the Road

Don't be afraid to drive in the middle of your lane. Move over when cars are wanting to get past but otherwise you're probably safer mid lane; there tend to be more cracks and hazards at the side of the road and the ride is less comfortable.

7: Dogs can change their minds!!

Dogs are everywhere in Thailand, which includes the roads. I have had a couple of occasions where the dog was happily crossing then saw me and decided for some reason to head back into my path. Watch out for this move!

8: Don't go offroad

If the road looks sketchy and rocky you're going to be better off parking and walking or finding another way to your destination. I learned this one the hard way heading to the Heaven Bar in Koh Phangan, heading uphill on a dirt road I hit a rock and dropped the bike. I was fine but I scratched up the bike and felt like a farang asshole when I returned it to the sweet rental lady. That mistake cost me 2000 baht and that's a few days of living expenses out here.

9: Carry an International Drivers License

If you do get stopped by the cops they are going to be looking for an International Drivers license with an A classification. Again this could cost you 500/1000 baht if you don't have one. In Chiang Mai the cops stake out the route to Doi Suthep in the mornings before 12pm and clean up with fines.

...Those are my tips, if you have any to add please write in the comments