I have been living for 6 years in Thailand now and i would say law enforcement here are a whole lot friendlier and far more reasonable than anywhere's else in the world, also when Thai get stopped they are treated the same as farangs its always fine and respectful, have no worries riding Thailand as there is a lot of wild stories out there, now 70.000 km on my bike and 20.000 by car, also in Bangkok, i would not trade Thailand for any place else, good video.
Conditions of my most recent insurance include, apart from following all laws, alcohol etc, must hold either a Thai licence OR full licence in my home country plus an International Drivers Permit (it's not a licence) and also a limit of up to 200cc unless I paid an additional policy fee. Read the fine print - aware some companies have only a 125cc limit in basic coverage.
Great video. Having ridden a rental bike in Chiang Mai I can confirm there are lots of police checkpoints. We were pulled over three times in a couple of weeks. We always wore helmets and had a International motorcycle license so never had any problems
Very informative, may I add to please consider enclosed foot wear and gloves, These areas are the 2nd and 3rd body parts after the head to hit the ground in an accident. We know its hot out there but save your skin ! Cheers
Yep, I would definitely agree with this. And always wear full face helmet. Yes, it's warmer but offers much more protection in the event of a crash. It's also more comfortable for highway riding as it helps protect against sun exposure, rain, bugs or getting smacked by any debris thrown up on the road. I've been riding bikes for 40 years and won't get on one without a full face helmet.
I'm going to reccomend Mr. Mechanic. When I was in Chiang Mai in October, I rented 2 different scooters and a big bike from them. They told me to video around and point out any scratches, etc. They offer insurance and back it personally. Best experience anywhere. And they take a photocopy of your passport so the deposit isn't bad. And no, I'm not paid by them!
Better to get your motorcycle endorsement on your license from your country and get your international drivers license. Because your travel/health insurance won’t pay if you don’t have a motorcycle license.
Some of the more reputable vendors now insist on proof of a licence before they let you have a bike now. This is down to the Hugh amount of damage caused to the biked due to a lack of or no previous experiance .
Just did the loop a few weeks ago. I have always rented from Pop Big bike in Chiang Mai and the bikes have been flawless. The loop is challenging and not recommended for novice riders. Have fun. 👍
just one very important thing missed in this Video; Travel insurance wont cover 3rd party claims if you are in accident, and it wont cover stolen motorbike or crashed motorbike. All travel insurances specific states that motorbikes and such is void. Renting a car is different and is covered with any insurance and credit card. For to be covered you need a 1st class motorbike insurance, which im sorry to inform that you cant get when renting a motorbike. And guess whose fault it is when you get into a accident with a thai?
I am thinking over going over there next year and get a ed visa for a year to see if I could see myself living there long term. I am just over 50 and I was wondering what is your advice for buying health insurance for the older fellas?
Look up the video I did on health insurance on our channel. Just go to our videos and use the search and put in health insurance or just insurance. Should help you a lot.
Thanks! I'm moving there in the future and wondering if I should sell my motorcycle in the states and get something when I get there, or try to import it? Would love to hear if you have any experience or stories about importing if possible.
He’s correct AAA in the US other countries have them too just google. Take your drivers license and passport with you. There’s no test just proof by your current drivers license to get the the international license.
Yeah it's a fast and easy process. Took 5 minutes to get mine in Canada. The only problem is that they are fairly large documents (Will not fit in your wallet like a card style licence) and are made of flimsy paper. Consequently they are easily damaged. Suggest keeping it in a small ziplock bag to extend its life and durability.
In Chiang Mai we used Ann's Rentals to hire a 150cc bike to travel to Chiang Rai. Bike was in great condition and professional service. Problem free and competitive prices. Would definitely rent from them again.
So if you don’t have a drivers license for a motorcycle from your home country or an international motorcycle drivers license, you will not be legal to ride one here. If you get caught, it will be about a $15 fine though.
You should be ok if you have a motorbike license from your home country unless you live here permanently and then you’ll need a Thai motorbike license.
I have been living for 6 years in Thailand now and i would say law enforcement here are a whole lot friendlier and far more reasonable than anywhere's else in the world, also when Thai get stopped they are treated the same as farangs its always fine and respectful, have no worries riding Thailand as there is a lot of wild stories out there, now 70.000 km on my bike and 20.000 by car, also in Bangkok, i would not trade Thailand for any place else, good video.
Conditions of my most recent insurance include, apart from following all laws, alcohol etc, must hold either a Thai licence OR full licence in my home country plus an International Drivers Permit (it's not a licence) and also a limit of up to 200cc unless I paid an additional policy fee.
Read the fine print - aware some companies have only a 125cc limit in basic coverage.
Great video. Having ridden a rental bike in Chiang Mai I can confirm there are lots of police checkpoints. We were pulled over three times in a couple of weeks. We always wore helmets and had a International motorcycle license so never had any problems
Very informative, may I add to please consider enclosed foot wear and gloves, These areas are the 2nd and 3rd body parts after the head to hit the ground in an accident. We know its hot out there but save your skin ! Cheers
Yep, I would definitely agree with this. And always wear full face helmet. Yes, it's warmer but offers much more protection in the event of a crash. It's also more comfortable for highway riding as it helps protect against sun exposure, rain, bugs or getting smacked by any debris thrown up on the road. I've been riding bikes for 40 years and won't get on one without a full face helmet.
I'm going to reccomend Mr. Mechanic. When I was in Chiang Mai in October, I rented 2 different scooters and a big bike from them. They told me to video around and point out any scratches, etc. They offer insurance and back it personally. Best experience anywhere. And they take a photocopy of your passport so the deposit isn't bad. And no, I'm not paid by them!
Where in Chiangmai are they?
Better to get your motorcycle endorsement on your license from your country and get your international drivers license. Because your travel/health insurance won’t pay if you don’t have a motorcycle license.
I bought a helmet in Chiangmai too, got a nice one for 1000 baht.
Got a couple of tickets too for not having a license. 500 baht each time.
😂 👍
I subscribed without a second thought!
Thank you 🙏
Some of the more reputable vendors now insist on proof of a licence before they let you have a bike now. This is down to the Hugh amount of damage caused to the biked due to a lack of or no previous experiance .
great info thanks
again greath info thx specialy i am coming to chaing mai in september and i want to do the loop now i know what to do
Just did the loop a few weeks ago. I have always rented from Pop Big bike in Chiang Mai and the bikes have been flawless. The loop is challenging and not recommended for novice riders. Have fun. 👍
Yep, the police certainly do check for a license. And please wear a helmet. It is so NOT COOL not use a lid. Good vid
just one very important thing missed in this Video; Travel insurance wont cover 3rd party claims if you are in accident, and it wont cover stolen motorbike or crashed motorbike. All travel insurances specific states that motorbikes and such is void. Renting a car is different and is covered with any insurance and credit card. For to be covered you need a 1st class motorbike insurance, which im sorry to inform that you cant get when renting a motorbike. And guess whose fault it is when you get into a accident with a thai?
"and guess who's fault it is when you get into an accident with a Thai"?
Hopefully the blatantly racist ignorant 😂
I am thinking over going over there next year and get a ed visa for a year to see if I could see myself living there long term. I am just over 50 and I was wondering what is your advice for buying health insurance for the older fellas?
Look up the video I did on health insurance on our channel. Just go to our videos and use the search and put in health insurance or just insurance. Should help you a lot.
Hi , can you take a test in Thailand on a motor cycle if you are staying less than 30 days without a visa ?
Visa must have a minimum of 30 days validity from the date of license processing
Thanks! I'm moving there in the future and wondering if I should sell my motorcycle in the states and get something when I get there, or try to import it? Would love to hear if you have any experience or stories about importing if possible.
Thank you very much!!!! If you bring your motorcycle to Thailand, you will get slammed with taxes. You should get one here for sure!
@@TheNarrowGate Good to know, thanks for the heads up!
What about additional insurance coverage of the rental bike? Do you have any pointers to get one?
The rental owner can help you with that.
Did you already do a video on getting your international driver's license?
If you are in the USA you can go to your local AAA (Automobile Club) to get one. It will probably cost $25.
He’s correct AAA in the US other countries have them too just google. Take your drivers license and passport with you. There’s no test just proof by your current drivers license to get the the international license.
The ones you see on line for International Drivers license are knock offs and $$. Don't get it on line. Go to AAA
Yeah it's a fast and easy process. Took 5 minutes to get mine in Canada. The only problem is that they are fairly large documents (Will not fit in your wallet like a card style licence) and are made of flimsy paper. Consequently they are easily damaged. Suggest keeping it in a small ziplock bag to extend its life and durability.
Hello. Do you have any recommendations on bike rental companies? Which shop should I go to get a helmet?
I have only rented when I was in another city visiting. I never had to use one in Chiang Mai.
Pop Big Bike rentals Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai we used Ann's Rentals to hire a 150cc bike to travel to Chiang Rai. Bike was in great condition and professional service. Problem free and competitive prices. Would definitely rent from them again.
I dont have the international driving licence can there be issue to ride in Thailand?
So if you don’t have a drivers license for a motorcycle from your home country or an international motorcycle drivers license, you will not be legal to ride one here. If you get caught, it will be about a $15 fine though.
@@TheNarrowGate i have a license of my home country but dont have a international driving license still would be fined?
You should be ok if you have a motorbike license from your home country unless you live here permanently and then you’ll need a Thai motorbike license.