Thailand requires that all foreigners with the exception of licence holders from Singapore, Malaysia and Laos require an international drivers permit (IDP)  and these are very easily attained.  Contact your local Automobile Association or driver licencing center in your country for more information

Contrary to popular belief that all you require is a valid car licence you do need a Motorcycle licence to ride a motorbike in Thailand.

The truth of the matter is, if you get stopped by the police the chances of them asking to see validation on your licence for a motorcycle is actually rare however two customers of ours who rented bikes from us in December 2009 were asked to show their motorcycle licences by police in Chiang Rai though this is the first time we have heard this happening.  More importantly if you were involved in an accident not having a motorcycle licence will deem any insurance you have null and void and could end up to be very costly.

All foreigners must have an International Drivers permit with the exception of licence holders from Singapore, Malaysia and Laos.  To legally ride a motorcycle your licence must be accredited with motorcycle validation.

Even Thai people legally need one licence for a car and another for a motorbike.

Yes you do and it must cover you for riding motorbikes of 249cc or more.  Travel insurance for Thailand even including motorcycle cover is not expensive and will offer you many benefits if you need to claim.  Riding anywhere in the world without adequate travel insurance is lunacy and obligatory on all our tours!

For residents of the UK we have teamed up with Essential Travel to offer you a superb Travel insurance package that covers you for riding motorcycles in Thailand for a free quote please visit Essential Travel

People from 43 countries around the world are able to get a fee Visa on arrival at the Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) including EU countries, Australia, Canada, USA, New Zealand.  The visa is for 30 days but if you are planning on staying in Thailand longer we suggest applying at your local Thai embassy for a longer visa.  When you apply to join one of our bike tours we will advise you on visa regulations.