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Home » Reader question » Thailand question: Is it more fun/better to rent a car to the south?
Dear readers,
I'm going to Thailand for 3 months in a week (for the 2nd time). My planning is to go south for a month (Krabi, Phuket, Koh Lanta Yai, Ranong).
Another month to the north (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai). And the last month to the east and back to Koh Kood (because it was so nice and quiet).
For the trip to the south I wonder if it is more fun / nicer to rent a car? This because I also see many places between Bangkok and Krabi.
The 2nd month I will return the car and take a flight to Chiang Mai. The 3rd and last month is still open, but possibly wants to go further east and Koh Kood.
My question: is this doable? And car rental a nice way to be there in the south (yes Bangkok will not be so pleasant).
Thanks!
Regards,
Gertjan
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I would inquire, perhaps on this forum, how a rental car in Thailand is insured.
In addition, driving behavior is different and more dangerous than in the Netherlands or Belgium.
There are also situations that you will not easily encounter in the Netherlands or Belgium.
We have almost collided with a herd of crossing cows, for example.
Cars and motorcycles on the road without lighting at night is almost normal.
Drunk drivers and unlicensed drivers are also not uncommon.
Personally I would take the train in combination with the bus and local taxis.
Of course you have more freedom with the car, but distances are great.
Have often rented a car had no problems driving during 1000enden km, s.or rent from a reputable company eg Hertz or Avis or the like. Always take photos or video of possibly. Damage upon receipt.
As mentioned above you have to be very careful about insurance.
Elen rent out a car that is insured with the clause that the car may not be rented out.
Others are insured in such a way that only the insured person is allowed to drive the car.
Cheap can suddenly turn into a nightmare. Keep in mind that if you have an accident they will do everything they can to put the Farang at fault.
If you have no experience with traffic in Thailand, I strongly advise against driving yourself. But of course everyone stands. Drive to do what he wants….
Personally I would advise you to arrange a car with driver.
You don't have to drive yourself and tire yourself out in traffic. Accident ? That's not your problem.
The formula is not expensive at all. In short, you will pay about 1000 baht per day (+ fuel). And you don't have to worry about anything.
Thanks for the response.
I have quite a bit of experience driving in other countries worldwide, I didn't do much else really. Thailand is new in that respect. I don't drive at night and I do very quietly. 😉
With a driver is a consideration, but not quite my thing I think, you have to pay that man 24/7 for a month??
Car with driver? I drove thousands of miles there. My first longer trip was in the middle of the Songkran, it was an ordeal but I have quite a bit of experience behind the wheel. The Thai driver is in general the problem on the road. You must then make very good agreements with him / her. I have ridden along with such a kamikaze figure several times and do so as little as possible. If you have little driving experience, it might be an option not to start in the middle of a city to get used to it. It is best to have a local next to you for conflicts with the police. If they see a falang, they see a nice extra income. (own experience) You have then run a red light or have abused the continuous line. My Thai sweetheart has saved us a number of times. The first time in the center of Bangkok when I just drove away from a car rental company I already won a prize. I drove onto the toll road and immediately a motorcycle police officer forced us to stop. I ran a red light he said. I'm sure it wasn't but hey what do you do. He asked driver's license and informed me that it cost 1000 baht. I would have to go to a police station somewhere in the city, pay there and then get my driver's license back. Amehula I thought. We still had to send 450 km that day so that was not a good plan. After some discussion between my boyfriend and the officer, the price dropped to 500 baht and I got my international driving permit back. Well, I am against this kind of corruption, but the alternative was too difficult. So pay attention there and bring a local who can rescue you.
Guys, it might be a coincidence but I've been coming to Thailand for over 30 years, on average 2 months a year in the North and just drive around in our (my wife's) car and I've never been ticketed by the police, at every roadblock a friendly hello and off I went again.
Dear Jack,
sometimes I wonder if I live in the same Thailand as what others do here…. Also with 20 years of experience, living here for years, here both by car and by motorcycle, drove thousands of kilometers here YOURSELF. In all that time, several checks have been carried out and, on presentation of my Thai driver's license, ownership book of the car, insurance, tax…. depending on what was checked, ever had 1 ticket and that was RIGHT: accidentally entered a temporarily closed street. Got fined 200THB WITH proof.
I am therefore surprised to read ALL those cowboy stories and the 'rescue' by their Thie Rakje…..
Lung Addie,
I'm really not making this up, why should I? I love riding my bike for an hour almost every morning before it gets too hot, but even during those trips in the wider area around the city of Phayao I was never stopped.
Based on my (!) experience, I say that there is no reason to be too afraid of corrupt cops, etc.
Dear Gertjan,
do not be daunted by all those dangers that would await you. It just depends on your own experience as a car driver. If you are an experienced driver and not a Sunday driver, you will have few problems driving south.
You can avoid the hustle and bustle of Hua Hin by following the High Way no. 8, also called the M8, just outside Bangkok. This goes around Hua Hin where it can be very busy along the coast via Highway 4.
Once past Hua Hin is the 4, so the highway to the South is not very busy. Quite a bit of freight. You will not be bothered by crossing cows at all.
Once at Chumphon you have a choice: the High Way 4 or the 41. One goes directly south via Surathani and the other goes via Ranong. I know this area very well as I live here and have traveled these roads many times, both by car and by motorcycle. No 'crazy traffic' and never had any problems.
Last week we had a visit from a Dutch couple who made almost the same route by rental car. They had no complaints about traffic or difficulties. And they are not people in their twenties, but retired people.
It is advisable, when renting a car, to take a well-reputed rental company and to check carefully what is included with regard to insurance. If necessary, take out personal A insurance for what this costs here in Thailand. The price is not worth the risk.
Enjoy your trip, make a good plan and take enough stops, after all you are on vacation.
Thanks, sounds good :)
I have more than enough experience. I often did road trips in different countries worldwide. And with the camper I have seen all of Europe. Thailand is new to me!
I came across this rental online, I think also via thailandblog: http://qcars.net/economy.php
Yes, much cheaper than a Hertz, but yes, perhaps cheap is expensive in this case.
Dear Gertjan,
if you have that experience: don't be afraid. And a good idea not to drive at night. The most dangerous moments in Thailand are what we call: between light and dark (at dusk) … Thais turn on their lights quite late and they see enough but take little account of 'being seen'…..
Concerning renting a car: I have no experience with it because I have never rented a car here in Thailand, but have always driven my own car. So I can't advise on this.
About 10 years ago I rented a Toyota Yaris for 1 month at Qcars in Jomtien. We drove a tour in Northern Thailand with it.
No problem with landlord. Photograph existing (paint) damage and scratches and record this in writing together with the lessor.
I have no idea how Qcars is today.
That's right, I've seen that too, quite affordable too.
Always rent a car through rentelcars.
Then you are well insured and drive without problems. And driving in Thailand is no problem. If you just drive slow and keep your distance..
Rent a car at the airport (pre-arrange from home.
I did a round of southern Thailand myself last year, 5000 kilometers without a scratch, drive quietly at 70-80 km per hour, avoid driving in the dark, relax, you're on holiday. It is very quiet once you pass Hua Hin. Take your time, the route takes you to various nature parks and dozens of waterfalls.
I personally think the route via the Western border to the North Chang Ray and in the North to the Isaan is a more beautiful route, but I am not a beach lover.
Have a nice time and enjoy the peace.
Ruud
Thanks! Sounds good 🙂
Yes, I want to go north a month later. Then a domestic flight and from Chiang Mai do everything by scooter for a month.
Can also be done the other way around, of course
Hi, that's a really good idea, I've done it myself many times, also rented a car in Phuket, and returned it a month later in Chiang Mai. I would say do it, but definitely take out all risk insurance. I once had a blowout in a corner (can happen anywhere) and the car suffered quite a bit of damage so that I could not continue. Another one was brought right away that I could take on the road again.
Thanks!
yes I'm still doubting which route and where to start.. so many choices 🙂