Hire Vehicles
Hiring a car in Thailand is straightforward, with major international brands (Budget, Sixt, Europcar) and local players (Thai Rent A Car, Drive Car Rental, Chic Car Rent) available, especially at airports like Bangkok (BKK, DMK), Phuket (HKT), and Chiang Mai (CNX). You'll typically need a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), your passport, and a credit card, with most companies requiring drivers to be at least 21 (and potentially charging more for under-25s). Popular choices include Toyota Yaris, Honda City, and SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner. Average car rental prices in Thailand for 2026 typically range from ฿500 to ฿2,200 per day for standard vehicles, with luxury models significantly higher. Prices vary based on the car's size and performance, see below for examples from each category of vehicle:
Average Daily Rates by Vehicle Type
Economy
฿620 – ฿1,000 per day
Compact
฿700 – ฿1,300 per day
Standard
฿1,300 – ฿2,400 per day
SUV
฿1,400 – ฿2,500 per day
Luxury
฿3,500 – ฿25,000+ per day
Minivan
฿1,000 – ฿2,100 per day
Long-Term Rental Discounts
Extended rentals often provide better value, with daily rates dropping as the duration increases. • Weekly: Average around ฿257/week (~฿8,800) for standard cars. • Monthly: Economy cars start at ฿12,500 – ฿15,000 per month, while SUVs and luxury vehicles range from ฿36,000 to ฿96,000 per month. Seasonal & Location Variations • Best Time to Rent: September is typically the cheapest month (avg. ฿658/day), while December and January are the most expensive (avg. ฿1,140/day). • Cheapest Cities: Ko Samui (avg. ฿520/day), Krabi (avg. ฿697/day), and Bangkok (avg. ฿702/day) currently offer some of the lowest average rates. • City vs. Airport: Picking up a car at city branches is often 5–10% cheaper than at airport locations. Important Considerations • Insurance: Most rates include basic loss damage waiver (LDW), but premium insurance can add costs. • Requirements: Renters must be at least 21 years old and typically need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home country license. • Fuel: Petrol is approximately ฿37/liter, and most companies require returning the car with a full tank to avoid high refueling fees. Hiring a motorbike in Thailand typically costs between ฿150 and ฿400 per day for a standard 110cc-125cc scooter, depending on the location, season, and the bike's age. Larger bikes and long-term rentals are priced higher but offer better daily value. Average Rental Prices Prices are generally cheaper in Northern Thailand (like Chiang Mai) and slightly more expensive in the islands (like Phuket or Koh Samui).Standard (110-125cc)
฿620 – ฿1,000 per day
Example: Honda Scoopy 110cc
Maxi (150-160cc)
฿700 – ฿1,300 per day
Example: Honda Click 150cc
Mid-Size (250-350cc)
฿1,300 – ฿2,400 per day
Example: Honda Forza 350cc
Large (350cc+)
฿1,400 – ฿2,500 per day
Example:Kawasaki Ninja 400cc
Important Rental Considerations
- License Requirements: Legally, you need a valid driving license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle endorsement.
- Insurance: Most standard street rentals include only basic third-party liability coverage for medical expenses. Comprehensive insurance (covering damage to the bike) is often an extra cost, and is highly recommended.
- Deposits: Shops typically require a cash deposit (ranging from ฿1,000 to ฿3,000 for scooters, more for larger bikes) or a copy of your passport. Never leave your actual passport as a deposit to avoid potential "scratch scams".
- Condition Check: Inspect the motorbike thoroughly for any existing damage before renting and take photos or a video to avoid being charged for pre-existing scratches upon return.
- Safety: Always wear a helmet (often provided for free) and drive cautiously, especially in busy tourist areas.