Checklist 06
Scooter After Drinks
Had a drink? Leave the bike. Most tourist accidents here involve scooters. The ride home is the cheapest part of the night. Book it.
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Licence
Bike licence + IDP. Both.
A motorcycle licence plus an International Driving Permit valid for bikes. A car licence doesn't count.
The rental desk won't ask. Checkpoints will.
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Checkpoints
The checkpoint always wins.
Police run licence checkpoints. No licence: a fine and possibly an impounded bike. Then a taxi anyway.
Check whether your insurance covers you
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After drinks
Beer, then a car. Always.
Drink riding means high fines and possible jail. Leave the bike, grab a car, collect it hungover.
The bike will still be there tomorrow
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Night & rain
Wet roads. Dark hills.
Rainy season, May to October, turns the roads to soap. Patong Hill at night is not a learning track.
Helmet on. Both of you. Strap closed.
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The deposit
Never leave your passport.
Leave a cash deposit instead. Film the bike from every side before you ride off.
That scratch from 2019 is not yours
Save the carousel
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. Rules and venue policies change; check current requirements before you travel. General information, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
