Renting a motorbike in Phuket is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way of getting around the island and seeing the sights. The nippy little scooters are extremely simple to operate and can dodge through the worst of the traffic, getting you from place to place in the quickest time, with ample parking space available almost everywhere. They are also one of the cheapest modes of transport, with prices starting from as little as 150 baht per day. Naturally, motorbike rental in Phuket has its hazards, as does driving anywhere in the world. This page will take you through the potential pitfalls and hopefully ensure that you have a worry-free time exploring the island on two wheels. Renting a Motorbike in Phuket How and where to rent a bike in Phuket Renting a motorbike in Phuket is perhaps the easiest and most convenient way of getting around the island and seeing the sights. Motorbike rental shops are quite common around Phuket, particularly in the resort towns like Patong, Kata and Kamala.

They are especially easy to find around the cheaper hotels away from the beach. Most hotel information desks will be able to direct you to a nearby reputable place. Look for well-established businesses which keep their vehicles in good condition. During the hiring process, the renter should inspect the vehicle and document pre-existing damage. You should never give up your passport under any circumstances, least of all when renting a vehicle. Let them take a photocopy, by all means, but the original should never leave your possession. It is important to distinguish between the reputable and the disreputable shops as this is one of the more common scams in Phuket. It works exactly the same ways as the infamous jet ski scam, where you return your vehicle after having your fun and the renter points out some probably pre-existing, if not entirely imaginary damage and insists you pay well over the value of the vehicle to get it repaired. What You Get When Renting a Bike The most common type of rental bike in Phuket is the Honda Click - A 125cc twist-and-go scooter.

It is as simple to operate as it sounds, with no gears or clutch to worry about. Twist the handgrip to move forward, pull the brake levers to stop; that’s all there is to it. More powerful bikes and even those with more complicated controls are available from some shops, but are largely unnecessary as a Click is more than capable of getting you around. arai carbon fiber motorcycle helmetRental prices for a Honda Click start at about 200 baht per day. motorcycle dealers clemson scSome shops increase their prices during the high season (November to April) to about 250 baht per day. motorcycle shop in lynchburg tnIf you know that you will need the bike for a long time, you can save a bit of money by renting by the week (1,200 – 2,000 baht) and even by the month (3,500 baht or more). qlink motorcycle for sale

In all cases, you will usually be required to pay a deposit, which will be the cost of one day, one week or one month, depending on the duration of rental. Assuming there is no damage to the vehicle, this will be returned to you when you return the bike. Be sure to ask about what insurance you get with your rented motorbike. motorcycle shop in puyallupMost shops provide only the bare minimum government insurance, which covers the rider for medical costs up to 15,000 baht. yamaha xs650 special for sale ukThis means that any damage to the bike itself and all other expenses from an accident will have to be paid for by you. motorcycle store in renton waBigger and more reputable rental shops may have more comprehensive coverage, but the cost per day will also be higher.

The shop should provide you with at least one helmet, though this may come at a small additional cost (about 20 baht). Paying for petrol is your own responsibility. Most motorbikes use “91” (which denotes the octane level), which costs 30 baht per litre from petrol stations. The price per litre from the stand-alone pumps dotted around Phuket and from the whiskey bottles full of fuel sometimes sold by the roadside is higher. You will be expected to return the bike with as much or more petrol than you hired it with. If you don’t, you might lose some of your deposit. Driving a Motorbike in Phuket Motorbike accidents are among the most common causes of injury for tourists visiting Phuket. The roads of Thailand can be highly dangerous, particularly to foreign tourists who are not used to the idiosyncratic nature of Thai driving. However, with adequate care and vigilance, it is entirely possible to drive right across the island without mishap. A Thai or international driving license is a requirement for riding a motorbike in Thailand, with a fine of about 400 baht if you are caught without one.

Helmets are required for both the rider and passengers, with a similar fine and the ever-present risk of serious head injury if you don’t wear one. Police might stop you if you are driving around in just your swimsuit, though there is rarely a fine attached for this – they’ll just ask you to put a t-shirt on. Police checkpoints are common around the tourist hubs of Phuket, particularly Patong, Karon and Kamala. The roads in Phuket are quite old and many are littered with potholes and surprise bumps, so it is best to drive slowly and carefully, particularly at night, and to give the road your full attention. Flat tyres are common, but are quickly and cheaply (usually no more than 200 baht) replaced at any of the countless small repair shops around the island. Remember that, regardless of how good a driver you are, your biggest threat is from other road users, so be wary of vehicles coming up behind you or out of side-roads.Who doesn’t want total freedom to travel around a beautiful island?

Should you rent a scooter in Phuket? You should absolutely rent a scooter in Phuket and prepare for a unique adventure on a busy island. There’s always a few key things from each adventure that stick out in my mind when I’m on the road and in Phuket, Thailand one not to forget was our own scooter adventures.  It certainly was not my Harley but it worked! Renting a scooter was easy, we rented one right from our hostel. All they needed was our passports and some cash.  We thought  ahead and went to AAA before we left to get our International Drivers License. They didn’t ask us for them, but did take down the information from them when we volunteered them.  For us a helmet was a must, I’m funny enough without hitting my head on the streets of Thailand. Our scooter was an Automatic so it was easy to work, just give it gas and go! We will call it the little red Honda. Have you ever driven in 5-6 wide lines of bikes but the real lines are only a car wide? Well that is what it is like. 

Going down streets, hills and curves were fun. You just kind of flow with traffic, so if there’s a car stopped in the street you go around it, you may go around it on the sidewalk or shoulder but you just follow all of the other bikes whizzing in and out of traffic. Yes it’s kind of crazy, but everyone is nice and watches out for each other. But don’t expect Thai drivers to be driving with the same respect for the driving rules as most drivers in your country do- they have their own set of rules! That includes going through red lights if no one is coming and driving on the wrong side of the road! As far as the road conditions, they were well paved and smooth so even an inexperienced biker will be able to rent one and have fun.People will be honking horns like crazy.  Some just to say hey I’m turning or watch out don’t you see me or hey pretty lady or your going to slow! No matter what, just don’t let it get to you, honk back if you want! It’s all part of the culture.

The day we rented our little red Honda we took it beach hopping along the West and South sides of Phuket.  From Patong to Kata & Karon was about a 20 minute drive. Most of the drive is outside of the city and you can enjoy beautiful jungle landscape and some pretty awesome views of the coast from the higher overlook spots. You just kind of go at your own pace and take it how ever it comes at you. Keep your eye out for people running across the street. We saw one bike that had almost flipped over because someone ran right out in front of them! ~ Tequila or Gas? We filled up at one of the street stations near the hostel and never had to stop for gas again. They don’t have traditional gas stations so you will see people on the streets with liquor bottles in baskets. This is your gas station! The rates are fair and they are happy to fill you up.  At first we thought maybe they were tequila or something like that. One day will only use a tank of gas and there’s tons you can see.