Wear the Right Clothes
If you’re new to riding, then you have to make sure that you wear the proper gear. Having the proper gear could make a huge difference if you’re ever involved in an accident. So, make sure that you wear protective clothing at all times. That means no shorts or flip-flops and always go for long sleeve shirts. Also, always make sure that you wear a proper helmet as well. If you don’t look like a local, police will check you for it, so don’t assume that because you see a lot of people not wearing helmets, you can get away with it too. And don’t buy one of those flimsy helmets they sell to allow you to get through checkpoints. Get a real helmet. This could make a big difference if you happen to be in a collision.
Get a Bike from a Reputable Source
It’s always better to rent a bike in Thailand first before you buy a brand new motorcycle, so you can get yourself acquainted with the whole experience and see if riding is truly for you. However, you have to pick the right rental service. It’s usually not a good idea to just pick any rental service you see, even if it was recommended to you. A better choice would be to go with a comparison website that will allow you to compare different rental bike services. This will allow you to compare prices and do your own research on each provider, so you can make the right choice.
Get your License
While many rental services around the island will allow you to rent a bike without showing your license, you must absolutely have a valid Thai driver’s license if you want to ride here. Also, don’t take their word if they say their insurance will be able to cover you if you’re involved in an accident. You will be entirely responsible for your own health and insurance if you get in an accident, so be prepared for that.
Practice First
No matter how good you think you are as a rider, you have to get some practice first. You have to be prepared to share the road with buses, trucks, and other riders that might not give a care in the world about rules and signalization. Start slowly somewhere with moderate traffic and work your way up. If you feel this is just too overwhelming for you, then reconsider the idea altogether.
Conclusion
While riding in Thailand is far from a cakewalk, it can still be done if you’re savvy about it. Make sure that you follow the few tips in this article if you want to enjoy your experience and reduce the chances for accidents.