Is renting a car/motorbike and driving in Thailand a good idea ?
In provincial Thailand, hiring a car can be a good and relatively cheap way of getting about. Hiring a car with a driver/guide is marginally more expensive, but is perhaps a better idea as it will mean avoiding all the problems associated with driving yourself about. Avis, Hertz and other international car hire agencies are well represented in Thailand, and there are also many local companies about. The local companies are always cheaper, but have the disadvantage that the cars may not be properly insured (even if they tell you otherwise). Your insurance from home might not cover being involved in an accident from renting a car/motorbike, so it’s worth checking that before you leave. One way rental is a possibility with bigger companies but expect it to cost a lot more. It’s a good idea to always fill up the tank before you bring the car back too, as petrol is cheap and the fee you would otherwise be charged is expensive. You are almost always asked to leave your passport as a deposit
