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Renting a Motorcycle in Thailand
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5 Tips for Renting a Motorbike in Thailand
5 Tips for Renting a Motorbike in Thailand 538 218 cmbadmin

Travelers looking to hire or lease a motorcycle in Thailand will find an abundance of places to choose from.  Most of the resorts, backpackers hostels and monthly accommodation places either have their own bikes or with a quick phone call can have one delivered. While Thailand is regarded as one of the most dangerous places to ride a motorbike in the world, hiring a motorcycle or scooter is without doubt one of the best ways to get out and have the adventures worthy of telling to your kids and grandchildren.

It is difficult to put an accurate number on this, but I would say your can reduce your chances of becoming an accident statistic around 65% by knowing and following a few simple rules about how to ride a motorbike in Thailand., and maybe 20-25% by hiring the right motorcycle.  Thai people drive differently, there is no getting around it, you should also adapt your driving style and be aware of how to ride a scooter while you are here.

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motorbike rent in chiang maiHow to hire or lease a motorcycle in Thailand

5 Tips for renting a Motorbike in Thailand.

1) Where to Hire your Scooter

Almost every village, town, city, island or accommodation type in Thailand will offer the facility to hire a scooter, as will travel agencies and even street stores.  At each of these places the price and quality of motorbike will be different as will the standard of care on maintenance between leasing them.  If you are at a major hotel or resort you can have a higher level of confidence in the quality of the motorbike.  Many smaller resorts run by westerners will also have a higher interest in providing safer bikes for their customers.  The Thai attitude of ‘Mai Ben Rai” (no problem, no worries, forget about it) often also extends to the attitude of the staff working at the business (including the mechanics).

If you decide (or are required to) walk around and search for a motorcycle hire shop, you will need to take a little extra care.  Do not assume just because it is a motorbike leasing business that the staff have your safety at all in concern.  Preform the safety checks listed further down, and do not be afraid of walking away if nothing is available.  You life is at stake, and while it might be easy to give into temptation and rent a motorbike because it is getting hot – This should be a thought out and careful decision.

Try to avoid places that do not speak English.  Sure you may feel fantastic at your gallant efforts at miming and hiring, but you know nothing about the insurance conditions or will be able to get help when you break down.  The bottom line is, if someone starts a business hiring motorbikes and does not appreciate the language of their customers – what else is lacking?

2) Cost, Insurance and Security Deposit.

Security Deposit
You will need to pay in advance and leave either your passport for a deposit or between 3000-5000 baht with a copy of your passport. It is now illegal to be without your passport so it is highly recommended that you leave the cash deposit.

Cost of Renting a Motorbike in Thailand
The company will usually charges per 24 hours when you are renting for the day.  The cost will vary depending on where you are in Thailand, whether the bike is older or new, and an automatic or a manual. Some places will offer a discount for a weekly lease, most will for a monthly hire term.  Although many smaller Thai owned places do not understand the concept of bulk buying as we do in the west and will (especially in peak seasons insist on a daily rate for however many days you hire.

Automatic motorbike – (120 baht – 250 baht / day, 2500 baht – 3500 baht a month)
Semi-automatic motorbike – (120 baht – 250 baht / day, 2500 baht – 3000 baht a month)
Off-road motorbike – (600-1000 baht / day, 6000 baht – 10,000 baht a month)
Older Bikes – 500 baht less per month than a newer scooter.

Insurance
Some places will offer you damage insurance for a 20-200 baht (depending on how long you hire), and it is always worth paying the extra minimal fee. But be aware, most insurance for leasing your motorcycle will require you to pay for the repairs, or in the case of worse damage purchase the bike and then claim the insurance when you return home.  Ask what the procedure is if you need to claim insurance before you rent the bike.

Many people who hire on a daily basis are forced to pay for a bike and then leave the country before the insurance can be sorted out – leaving a 35,000-60,000 baht extra expense. Get the insurance but make sure it is full coverage and does not require you to pay in advance and then claim back later.

Get the name and number or business card of the company in case of breakdown.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you are hiring your motorbike from any of the selection on offer at Chiang Mai Buddy, we have arranged a 1000 baht security deposit with a copy of your Passport.

 

3) Type of Scooter you can Rent

There are three types of scooters available for hire at most motorbike rental places in Thailand.
1) Automatic (with no gears)
2) Semi Automatic (with 5 gears but no clutch.)
3) Manual (5 gears with Clutch)

The automatic is the easiest bike to ride for beginners, yet with a little effort most people can master the semi-automatic in less than a day which offers the rider much more control especially riding mountainous, windy roads.

CC Rating
Typically bikes will range from 110cc, 115cc and 125cc with the newer bikes having fuel injection (125i).  Obviously the larger engine provides more power and comes at a higher rental cost.  If you weight 80kg or more, or if you are planning on traveling around the countryside (or mountains up north) get the bigger cc rating.

Older vs New
A new bike is one that is less than 2-3 years old.  Typically an older bike will be about 500 baht a month less to rent (but the same daily rate).  Generally a newer bike will have more power and much better fuel efficienty.  If you your hiring for the day this is not so much of an issue, over the savings in gas that you will incur over a month.  But and this is a BIG BUT,  this is a safety issue.  The newer bikes will have better brakes, tires (usually thicker), more power (for escaping hazards) and save you gas over the longer term more tan the extra rental price.  Ask yourself here Is my life worth paying 500 baht a month for? Or in the case of a daily rental you are paying the same anyway.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
If you are hiring your motorbike from any of the selection on offer at Chiang Mai Buddy, each bike is a Automatic 125cc (usually fuel injected) and new.  Each bike is well maintained and optimized for the westerner.  While there are choices for leasing a motorcycle available in Thailand – there is no choice with us.  We feel so strongly about these issues, we wont allow our customers to make a substandard choice.

4) Safety Inspection and Checks

Before you set off, make sure you give a thorough check of the motorbike. The company will usually go over the bike and make a list of any dents, scratches and damage it might already have which you will be asked to witness.  Pay attention when this is done as the contracts you are about to sign says that you hired the bike in prime condition. If it comes back with any additional marks you will be charged for this and be careful some companies make alot of extra income this way.

Here are things you should check for.

1) Inspect the bike for existing damage and take photo’s on your phone
2) Sit on the bike and bounce up and down – make sure the suspension is working
3) See if the mirrors adjust and you can see behind you.  Thai drivers hardly ever use their mirrors – but you do!
4) Ride the bike and check for size comfort (your knees should not be forced to stick out)
5) Ride the bike and test the brakes (some bikes have rear and front, some combined – know what you have)
6) Check the acceleration – sometimes you will need to get out of the way of some idiot quickly
7) Opt for bikes with thicker tires – thin tires and gravel will be your No one reason for an accident
8) Helmet – Get as good as you can and wear it.  Seriously wear it – I know some people don’t but think of your mother!

5) Breakdown and Repairs

Sometimes it happens, you might have a small accident or get a flat tire (especially on the thinner tires).  If our bike breaks down completely don’t worry, you have the number of the place you hired it (lets hope you choose a place that speaks English).  This is Thailand there are small one man motorcycle repair shops all over the place (I know never where you actually break down though).

You can usually get a tire inflated for free or repaired for 100-150 baht.  If you do any minor damage such as break a turn signal or bulb, and have the time it is worth going to a repair shop and getting it fixed yourself.  If you do not have total coverage with no payment insurance, you can be assured the price the rental place thinks it will cost to repair is more tan you will pay yourself.

If you lose your helmet you can get a new one for a few hundred baht – don’t let the company you hired from tell you they are 1000 to replace.

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Riding a scooter is likely to be not only a necessary but also a highly enjoyable part of your stay in Thailand.  It can also be the most dangerous part of your trip. Make sure you learn how to ride a motorbike in Thailand – find out the differences and types of hazards you are likely to face here.

If you are planning on coming to Chiang Mai, we are only too happy to provide you with a rental bike.  This service is free when you purchase our arrival package or we can arrange it for you in store or via our online concierge service for 200 baht

Thailand Condo Property Checklist
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Thailand Apartment | Condo | House Rental Checklist
Thailand Apartment | Condo | House Rental Checklist 538 218 cmbadmin

This article is aimed mostly at renting and leasing a condo or house in the Chiang Mai area, but can equally be used for other cities in Thailand.  If you are looking for information on How to Lease or Rent a Condo or House read this article first.

Renting an Apartment (called Condo here in Thailand, as an apartment tends to be a daily, weekly or monthly complex), it means you are committing to probably a 6 month lease … maybe a year.  You want to ensure that before you sign the lease you have checked the little things that over time will make a difference.

Following is a list of things to look for, in no particular ranking of importance, and at the end of the article you can download and print a property checklist that will allow you to compare a couple of different places to each other. If you are considering leasing a house in Thailand the list will also be helpful, as many of the more practical aspects of long term living will be the same.

thumbs upChiang Mai Buddy Advantage
Our Online Concierge Service includes connecting with Thai Properties owners and arranging for visits to the properties, lease and contract negotiation and negotiating price vs lease time terms.  We use the form and details provided in this article, when connecting customers with landlords who do not speak English.  This service is 200 baht per hour for the phone work and 350 per hour to take one of our Thai speaking staff with you to ask these things in Thai language on your behalf.

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Apartment | Condo | House | Property Rental Checklist in Thailand

Location

Many people make the mistake of finding a condo close to the hotel or backpackers they booked for the first few days without first getting to know the area.  Make sure you are familiar with the area you first moved to, and other parts of the city. Digital Nomads like certain areas to socialize and work together, Expats prefer areas with other retirees.  Do not make the mistake of signing a lease only to later find out you are alone in a non English speaking area which requires long travel times to get to where you want to be.

Contract Period

How long is the Contract? 3 month leases for condos are rare, 6 month and 12 months more available.  You want to ensure that the written contract lease time is the same as you where told verbally.  There may be security deposit return problems if you did not read the contract period stated in the rental agreement.

Monthly Rent

What is the monthly rent? Is there a discount for 6 months or 12 months?  Most places have a sliding price scale with a longer period of time.  If they do not .. why?  Have a look on the notice boards in the building and compare the price being asked with other units available in the complex advertised there.

Security Deposit

What is the security deposit?  Typically it is 2 months rent.  Sometimes they will ask for 3 months but you would be foolish to commit this much when there are so many other condos or houses available to rent.  Make sure the amount of the security deposit you pay is also put into the contract.  If paying a deposit to pre-book the accommodation, get a receipt that says “Part payment of security deposit for xxx property at xxx address”.

Termination Period

Many places will require you to give 30 days notice of your intention to move out of the accommodation.  Failure to do this may result in your security deposit being withheld for 30 days.  If you are leaving the country or moving cities this means you will loose your deposit because you will not be there to collect it.

Staff Speak English

Do the staff in the lobby speak English?  This is essential if you want to organize cleaning, or collect mail or use the Concierge services.  Much of the work we do at Chiang Mai Buddy is call the Lobby staff of customers condo’s to explain what the client requires in Thai.

Free Parking

You want to make sure you have a place to park your motorcycle or car without having to pay extra

Restaurant/Coffee Shop/Convenience Store

Are they located on premises? How far away is your nearest food/essentials supply?  If you run out of toothpaste or decide your meal requires a beer – how easily are you able to get them?  Long term living comfort for many people will require the ability to easily and quickly find things they need without having to plan a big weekly shopping trip.  Remember in Thailand a 7/11 sells items for a fraction more than a supermarket.  This store will become easily the most relied upon place for essential items and supplies.

Furnished

Usually renting or leasing a house or a condo in Thailand means it will come with furniture.  Make sure the furniture when viewing the property stays on site.  Check for any damage and scratches and take photographs. Print them out and have the landlord or agent sign and confirm this.

Maintenance Fee

Most lease agreements include the condo fees – but some do not.  Be sure to ask and find out what your real monthly total is going to be

Availability Phone / Internet

Some older places are not equip to provide phone or your own private internet connection.  If you rely on the internet, and you are staying long term, it is much better to have your own personal internet connection put in and provide your own WiFi.  Many complexes offer WiFi, sometimes exclusive to one provider or from the complex itself (via floor WiFi hotspots).  The standard WiFi connections will be slower than getting your own service connected.  If this is important to you – check for phone plugs or LAN plugs.

Electric/Unit Price

The variation in the per unit cost is huge.  Getting your own house and being connected and pay the electric department directly in your own name, the rate is often several baht cheaper than what a complex will charge.  This can make a big difference in your electricity bills.  Now at the Chiang Mai Buddy headquarters a 4 bedroom house that is maybe 250 sq.m – I am paying the same in electricity bills as I used to in a 45 sq.m condo. Ask to see a previous bill to get an idea.

Water/Unit Price

Same applies for the water (although this bill is indecently affordable in Thailand).  Just ask and check.

Elevator wait time

Hardly ever considered, but often an annoying inconvenience after you move in.  How many elevators are there? how quickly do they move and how long are you waiting.  Most complexes have the lifts return to the ground floor, so that your entry is usually pretty quick.  But how long will you wait on the 15th floor to get out?

Regulated AC Units

After your rent, (and food) the biggest expense will be the electricity.  If possible get a condo or house that has new AC Units.  Not only are they more reliable and economical, they have a temperature thermostat that shuts the unit off.  Often you will only need to cool your accommodation down for 20-30 minutes – but falling asleep and having the AC on all night is paying 20 times more than you need to if it had a thermostat.  Long term having an AC that shuts itself off when the preset temperature is reached is very useful.

Night Noise & Surroundings

Check the location at Night.  Is it close to a bar or nightclub?  If it is, you will hear the dull thump thump thump until the early hours of the morning.  This is often not as bad as tourist singing karaoke if there is a large restaurant close by, or roosters waking you up at 5am in the morning.  The quiet and peace of a condo in a rural area might also come with dogs and noise from animals.  The birds in Thailand are loud and noisy  and unlike popular media portrays, roosters are crowing all day and night – not just in the early hours of the morning.

Shower Pressure/Temp/Height

Another often over looked aspect when checking a condo before leasing it trying the shower.  Often the shower heads are too low, the water heater depending on the wattage will heat the water 20-30 degrees above it’s base water supply temps.  This is no problem in the summer but a luke warm shower in the winter can bother some people.  Does the temperature gauge work?  I myself spent 6 months in one place where my two heat options where …  none and boiling.  The landlord did not want to replace the unit and the repair man said it worked fine (none of them actually got in naked, they felt with their hand and concluded I was over reacting). I spent 6 months turning the heat off and on and stepping under the water for 20 seconds at a time when the temperature was OK, then backing away as the water started to boil me.  Over night guests were not impressed when I forgot to warn them about this in advance.

Check the pressure.  You may find a small tinkle of water is fine for you, but if you want a decent shower – you need pressure.  If there is a bathtub, see how long it takes to fill.  Nothing worse than waiting 20-30 minutes for a bath.  Just a tip here while on the subject.  Thai people think most westerners smell.  They are well aware that in our own countries we spent a life time of washing just once a day.  You sweat more in the heat, and you do not notice how badly you smell.  Shower twice a day 🙂

Rent or Lease Condo House Chiang Mai
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How to Lease a Condo or Rent a House in Chiang Mai
How to Lease a Condo or Rent a House in Chiang Mai 538 218 cmbadmin

If you are coming to Thailand to live for six months or more – chances are you will want to lease or rent a condo or house and get greater value over living in monthly accommodation.  Condos and houses are more luxurious than the standard apartment, usually fully furnished and come with all the mod cons of your home country – only much much cheaper.  Assuming you have decided you want to rent or lease your own condo or house – lets look at how to go about this.

OK. first let’s make a distinction in what is an Apartment VS what is a Condo.  (I assume you know what a house is)

Apartment: In Thailand this refers to a monthly accommodation complex that you rent on a monthly basis. All the units in the complex are usually owned by the same person or company and standardized to look the same. Most can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Apartments generally come equip with a bed, a TV, a writing desk and a closet. Some will have basic kitchens and the more elaborate have separate bedrooms and kitchens.

Condo: In Thailand this refers to a unit that is individually owned within a condominium complex.  Condos usually have larger areas, and are fully furnished including a bathroom and kitchen.  While it is possible to rent a Condo for 3 months, more typical is a minimum 6 month lease, with a discount in price for longer term rentals.

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In a Nutshell

In a Nutshell

  • Condo for single people and inner city life
  • House for couples and families or the quiet peaceful in nature living
  • Prices range from 6000-25,000 baht (see below for examples)
  • Leasing provides cheaper and better than Serviced Apartments (6 months+)
  • Plenty of both Houses and Condos available
  • Location is Important for lifestyle
  • Real Estate Agents are free for you to use
  • Best deals come from Thai owners who do not speak English
  • Read the Lease contract and understand the ‘odd’ bits

Availability of Condo’s and Houses for Rent and Lease in Chiang Mai

Over the last 5 years there has been an increasing number of newly constructed buildings aimed at foreigners.  This includes both luxury condos and gated communities of houses.  These complexes more and more are being constructed with gyms, swimming pools, community areas, convenience stores and a few restaurants located within the facility or close by. Many of the newer communities fill the 49% foreigner owned quota (everything must be 51% Thai owned) and while Thais own the majority they are able to rent to westerners.  One of the benefits of living among other westerners is the formation of housing associations that ‘motivate’ owners and property managers into taking action on maintenance.

There are of course older places, that are available for cheaper rent.  These places (both homes and condo’s) usually lack the western kitchens and features that you are used too, and have fewer westerners living there. . While these cheaper places are available this article will assume you can afford the US$250 to get the basic luxury accommodation option.

With the massive amount of building taking place over the last few years, and older places being remodeled, there is an abundance of both Condominiums and Houses available

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Location, Location, Location

accommodation locations chiang mai
There are 3 areas in Chiang Mai where the majority of new arrivals tend to populate, depending on their specific requirements, but mostly because of the number of other expats living in the local community.  Obviously there are Expats spread around the city, many choosing to live in the more remote areas, (because they like solitary living or moved in with a Thai person); and sometimes because they want the peace and quiet.

Nimman Area
The Nimman area is located to the east of the old city, and is a thriving and more upmarket area of town.  This is the prime location chosen by the digital nomad community and has many better quality condos occupied by expats.  Close to everything, including 3 shopping malls and many supermarkets the Nimmanhemin (Nimman) area and it’s surroundings is an inner city type vibe.  Mostly Condo’s in this part of town, many new developments finishing each month waiting and ready for lease or purchase.

Hang Dong Area
The Hang Dong area is located just a 10 minute drive from the Old City and the Nimman area.  This area is popular with retiring expats because of the many Moo Baans (gated community developments) and rural vibe.  Beautiful housing developments with lakes, club houses and gyms are located here, along with many large home improvement stores.

Chang Kang Area
The Chang Kang area is located close to the Ping River, which has long been a favorite location for western styled restaurants and night life. It is also close to the red light district, and the tourist oriented Night Bizzare market.  This area of town is populated by many single men, and has a much larger local population that speaks English.

Obviously there are many other places where you can choose to live, The areas above are just a guide, but it is suggested that before you commit to a long term lease, you spend a month or so in a monthly apartment closer to the main city and then explore the various areas.

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How much does it cost to Lease a Condo in Chiang Mai?

A 30 sq.m Condo with kitchen and modern amenities will start at around 6000 baht (US$180), increasing in size to 45 sq.m you are looking in the 9000-12000 baht range. (US$270-360) per month.  Larger 80-120 sq.m 2 bedrooms places are around 18000-25000 baht (US$549-760).  One of the first things many new arrivals notice (especially from America) is how small the condos are here compared to where they are from.  You very quickly adapt and begin to enjoy the smaller units, with less cleaning required, ease of getting around from kitchen to bathroom etc.  Price will often depend on the extra facilities of the condo, Gyms, Pools, Massage and location will all add to the price.

chiang mai condo penthouse

A 2 bedroom 100 sq.m Condo with style will cost about 20,000 per month

Chiang Mai Condo

45 sq.m modern unit will cost between 10,000-12,000 baht per month

Chiang Mai Condo for rent

A Condo like this will be about 8000 baht per month

The Advantages of Renting a Condo

Renting a condo or an apartment in Chiang Mai will provide you with greater access to amenities and better security.  Most complexes will have electronic key cards, security guards and CCTV monitoring, it can be difficult for visitors to reach you without arranging to meet them in the lobby.  Condo’s will often also have gyms, shops, pools either inside the complex or located close by to service the people living there.

Living in a condo provides a greater social life, with the opportunity to bump into and get to know the other 50-500 tenets living there (depending on the size). Staff at Condominiums will often help you with bills or letters that you do not understand in Thai, and are used to dealing with westerners and any of the little and niggling complaints we might have.

Condos can be leased for shorter periods of time (3 months plus) with the price in rent going down the longer you stay.  For example a 12,000 baht a month place for 3 months, might be 11,000 for 6 months and 10,000 for the year.  Condos are usually located in the heart of the action, just a short walk to your local community and the activities you will spend the majority of your day doing.

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How much does it cost to Rent a House in Chiang Mai?

Houses are available in the inner suburbs and city itself, and these tend to be older (often Thai style) and can start from as low as 5000 baht maybe 8000 baht for a two bedroom.  The further out you go the bigger and newer the houses become with more western features. Many expats decide that they want to rent a house in a Moo Baan (gated community) which are usually located in the Hang Dong and surrounding areas.  Older styled houses are found closer to the city areas (and also outside the city) which are smaller and basic sometimes with a yard, but usually close to the neighbors.

lease house chiang mai

A newer 3-4 bedroom house can be found as low as 9,000 baht but generally 15,000 plus

Rent House in Chiang Mai

Older styled houses, 1-2 bedrooms can be found from 8000 baht

The Advantages of Renting a House

Renting houses in Chiang Mai is a better value for money often for the same price as an inner city condo you can get a 3 bedroom house with gardens, patios, and if located in a Moo Baan, community pools, gyms and club rooms. The city is only 10-15 minutes away and usually you have tropical scenery around to view.

The house offers you space!, either for yourself and your family or if you decide to get a live in maid or home help.  Many come fully furnished, others do not, and you will be expected to take out a longer term lease (most are yearly).

Living in a house allows you to potter around in the gardens, and not sacrifice having to live in a minimalist style (you can fit more ‘stuff’ in a bigger house compared to a Condo).

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