If you like to be free to go where you want, when you want, at your own pace, driving is a good solution. It is not as difficult as it seems to some people and it is not as easy as it seems to others. You must be an experienced and confident driver because in Thailand it is tricky and not only because they drive on the wrong side of the road. If you're from the UK , you'll be ready!
Fact is, Thais don't learn how to drive before using a car, it will come as no surprise that they have a very high rate of road casualties. A liking for heavy drinking (beware at night) and the widespread use of mobile phones don't help. But if your careful for two you should manage.
To visit the city and its close surroundings, like the Doi Suthep, the Sankampaeng road (factories, hot springs, Borsang village) or the Mae Rim area (elephant camp, orchid and snake farms, waterfalls) a motorcycle is more than enough.
You can choose a full automatic scooter or a semi automatic one (auto clutch) better suited if you go in the mountain. Prices should vary from 100 baht to 300 baht a day (gas not included).
Note that there is no full coverage insurance, in fact if you're the culprit, you'll pay for any damage you cause. Nobody in the rental shop will ask you for a driving licence, but you better have an international driving licence ready if you ever need your own insurance to work. You will be asked to leave your passeport or a photocopy + 2,000 baht in deposit.
The police will not stop foreigners if they wear the customary helmet, most rental shops will propose some filthy plastic bowls for free... they are helmets. You may prefer to spend 300 baht to get a brand new one, especially if you're to spend a few days riding the countryside. 300 baht is also the price for the ticket if your caught not wearing a helmet. Past the 15 of the month, chances are greater to see policemen on the hunt (nothing to do with the lunar calendar, it is just that their meagre income doesn't last that far).
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If you want to go farther away from Chiang Mai, like the Golden Triangle, the Mae Hong Son loop, or the Doi Inthanon Park, you'll need a car. You'll find local rental shops or international names in the city. The cheapest car you can rent is a Suzuki Carribean, 4WD, the closest thing you'll find to a tin can. But at 800 baht a day it's a good deal. Otherwise a good full automatic sedan is enough to deal with the roads as long as you don't venture into side tracks.
Gas stations are plentiful, only a few accept credit cards, so be sure to have some cash with you.
On the mountain roads, trucks and buses can be agonisingly slow. Overtaking is an art you have to master if you don't want to be stuck in dense black fumes for 10 minutes. There are no rules, Thais can overtake in curves, or just 200 meters from you. There is only one thing to do, stay on the left side as much you can and stop if necessary because the incoming car won't.
Expect to be stopped by the police along the way (at least 3 times if you go to Chiang Rai). They may or may not check your papers, your car, yourself... just smile and hope they like the football team of your home country.
A number to remember : 1155, that's the Tourist Police. In case of problems, they're the ones you need to contact. Don't let the local police handle your case.
For more travel information you may need feel free to contact
me: adisai2550@gmail.com
www.queenbeetours.com
"SaVe OuR PLaNeT!"
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