Frequently Asked Questions

We require that all renters show a valid motorcycle license from their home country that allows them to ride the bike they are renting. We do not make any exceptions. If you hold an AM license (moped license) from the UK, for example, you cannot rent one of our scooters because they all exceed the power limits of the AM license.

We recommend that you also have an International Driving Permit. The IDP is valid for one year and must be obtained in the country of your motorcycle license. It essentially extends your home country driving license's validity to all countries that have signed up to the IDP treaty. If you ride a scooter or motorcycle in Thailand without an IDP, you may be fined by Thai police, usually 500 baht (US$15), but these fines are reportedly going up. It is your responsibility to check whether your travel insurance and/or health insurance requires you to have an IDP.

Helmet Shop Number One and Helmet Shop Number Two are both near Rider's Corner, and they have a range of gear, including inexpensive helmets, gloves, and rain jackets and pants.

A useful resource for general outdoor gear is Decathlon. There is a small branch at Thapae Gate and a massive store on the superhighway. We recommend that you at least wear hiking boots to protect your feet and ankles.

Chang Moto and Riders Care carry high-end helmets, jackets, gloves and boots.

We limit the use of our bike rentals to northern Thailand, which is a large region encompassing many of the world's best motorcycling roads (see our route guides). We can only support our customers north of Tak and west of Loei. If you want to take the bike out of this area, consult us first, we may be able to make a special arrangement. If you take the bike outside northern Thailand without telling us, we reserve the right to keep your deposit.

We also do not allow renters to take our smaller scooters (125cc or below) to the summit of Doi Inthanon. The long and steep climb will overstress the engine. If you want to go to Doi Inthanon, we can rent you a Honda ADV160 or larger. We will hold renters responsible for damage to a smaller scooter from riding up Doi Inthanon.

November, December, January and February are the high season for good reason. The temperature is comfortable and there is not much rain. Just be aware the prices of flights and hotels go up, and you need to book well in advance.

From the end of February to the end of April, fires burn in the fields and forests of northern Thailand and neighboring countries. The air pollution is some of the worst in the world. This affects everyone differently and some people are not particularly bothered by it. Also every year is different and government authorities are trying to reduce the burning. So it is possible to have a good travel experience in these months. But if you have health issues that make you sensitive to air pollution, this is not the time to come. Also the weather becomes extremely hot by April. So this is a time when many Thais and expats make trips out of the region.

May to October is the rainy season. Most of the time this means a short, intense shower once a day for about an hour, after which the sun comes out. This can be an excellent time to tour northern Thailand, as there is less traffic on the roads, prices are lower, and hotels usually have rooms available for walk-ins. The downside is that big storms occasionally bring several days of heavy rain. You need to be flexible with your plans.

For first time riders in Thailand, we recommend that you ride slowly until you get used to the Thai driving style. Police rarely stop vehicles for breaking traffic laws, which means traffic is governed by unwritten rules. Thais are usually very patient in city traffic, but many drive recklessly on the highways. They often overtake into the oncoming lane and expect motorcycles to move to the shoulder.

One of the most important principles on Thai roads is that drivers are responsible for avoiding obstacles in front of them, but not other vehicles approaching from behind. So you should always be prepared for a car or motorcycle in front of you to turn without warning.

Many accidents happen when a car is making a U-turn in the road. Learn to recognize the U-turn points and prepare for the possibility that a vehicle may pull out into the road. If you are riding significantly faster than the flow of traffic, you increase the risk that a driver making a U-turn may misjudge the opening in traffic and you won't have time to react.

When a car flashes their high beams, it means they are coming through and you need to give way.

See our guides to some of the best riding areas in Northern Thailand:

• The Maehongson Loop
• The Golden Triangle
• Nan Province
• Our Favorite Roads
• Day Rides From Chiang Mai

If you have a puncture/flat tire on a paved road, you are almost never far from a tire repair shop. Thais are extremely friendly and helpful, and they can recommend a nearby shop that will quickly plug the tire. The cost is usually 100 to 200 baht.

For serious mechanical problems, contact us at +0xx-xxx-xxxx, and we will endeavor to help you so that you can continue your trip.

Be very careful to turn off the bike whenever you stop to avoid draining the battery. This is the most common problem we encounter.