The Ultimate Guide to Thailand Self-Drive Travel & Insurance 2024

1. Chiangmai 

Situated in the northern regions of Thailand, Chiang Mai offers both urban amenities and natural beauty. You can find endless attractions and scenic views along the way, whether you are driving to a small town at the base of the mountains, a hiking trail, or a wide expanse of farmland. 

2. Chiangrai

Perhaps less busier than that of Chiang Mai, but a throwback to what Thailand was before the arrival of tourism—abundant in scenic views, mountainous areas, farmland, and local temples. Chiangrai is the place to go if you want to take a road trip through Thailand and see all its splendor—the countryside. 

3. Nakhon Ratchasima

Situated in the central part of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima’s Khao Yai National Park spans a total of 2,000 square kilometers, offering drivers a scenic view of untouched forests, grassland, and wildlife. In this vast nature preserve, there are countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including lengthy trails ideal for walking and cycling. 

4. Phuket

By renting a car or bike in Phuket, you can be sure to experience one of the most unique scenic views along the coastline roads. Driving in Phuket means you can experience the island at your own pace and visit every popular beach such as Patong, Karon, and Kata; what’s more, you may also drive to less busy sections of the island on your own. 

5. Sukhothai

For history enthusiasts, a road trip to Sukhothai is a must. This ancient city was once the capital of the Kingdom of Sukhothai and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is home to many historic sites that have been meticulously preserved, including temples, palaces, and ruins. If you rent a car in Sukhothai, you can take your time exploring the historical park and learn about the city's fascinating past at your own pace.

Are you wondering about the cost of rent by car type for each company? Below is a table showing the average cost of rent by company and car type to help you make better comparisons: 

Listed below are the rental fees for each company. Please note that these car rental prices include a basic level of protection, which includes a collision damage waiver, theft protection, personal accident insurance, and third-party liability:

SIXT Rent a Car

Founded in Munich, Germany, in 1912, SIXT has become one of the most influential international car rental companies in the world, offering their services in over 105 countries through 2,200 locations, including Thailand. If you’re looking to rent a car, you can rest assured knowing SIXT is a reputable rental company. 

• Compact car: around 1500 Baht per day
• Medium sized car: 2200 Baht per day
• SUV: around 3300 Baht per day

More specific details are as follows:

Minimum Age Requirement	21
Minimum Rental Period	1
Deposit	8,000-30,000 THB
Cash Acceptance	No
Debit Card Acceptance	No
Weekly Rent Estimated Discount	N/A
Monthly Rent Estimated Discount	N/A
Thai Call Center Contact Number	1798
Office Locations	Most major tourism provinces
LDW/CDW Excess Amounts	8,000 – 15,000 THB
Super Collision Damage Waiver	200 THB a day
Personal Accident Insurance	100 THB a day
Theft Protection	Included in LDW/CDW
Excess for Total Loss	50,000 THB
GPS	200 THB a day
Child Seat	300 THB a day
Out of Hours Charge	321 THB per hour
Additional Driver Charge	No
Delivery Pickup/Return	Not provided
Grace Period	3 hours

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BIZCAR Rental 

BIZCAR Thailand provides quality rental cars for short and long term travel. Quick and convenient, expats can easily make online bookings and check in at their branches nationwide, including provinces such as Rayong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Bangkok. 

• Compact car: 800 Baht per day
• Medium sized car: 950 Baht per day
• SUV: around 2000 Baht per day

More specific details are as follows:

ThaiRent a Car

With over 40 years in the car rental industry, Thai Rent A Car has consistently offered travelers reliable and convenient transportation all over the nation of Thailand. The company provides more than 8,000 brand new cars, with 24 hour services to support your needs. 

• Compact car: around 800 Baht per day
• Medium sized car: 1700 Baht per day
• SUV: around 1500 Baht per day

More specific details are as follows:

Chic Car Rent

Chic Car Rent is owned by the largest Honda dealership in Thailand, providing reliable car rental business for more than 18 years. Whether you’re looking for short or long term rental options, you can be sure to receive the best rental services during your travels in Thailand.

• Compact car: around 900 Baht per day
• Medium sized car: 1100 Baht per day
• SUV: around 1300 Baht per day

More specific details are as follows:

Budget Car Rental

With over 33 serviced locations across Thailand, Budget Car Rental is globally recognized as a reliable car rental company. This business offers flexible rental terms, so you can choose from a wide variety of vehicles, whether you need them for a few days or a few months. 

• Compact car: around 900 Baht per day
• Medium sized car: 2000 Baht per day
• SUV: around 2200 Baht per day

More specific details are as follows:

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), and Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW) are the three most common types of car rental insurance in Thailand. In the event of an accident involving other people, other vehicles, or the elements, renters are adequately covered by these policies. 

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance 

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance covers any liabilities for the injuries caused to people in an accident that involves your vehicle. This can include cyclists, passengers, pedestrians, or drivers of other vehicles involved in the accident. 

Below is a table that shows what CTP insurance entails and their average coverage limits:

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)

A Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is a basic form of insurance for car renters. This option provides renters with coverage and limits their responsibility in the event of theft, damage, vandalism, collision, fire, or acts of nature against the vehicle. It also reduces their financial responsibility in the event that a car must be fully replaced. 

Below is a table that shows what LDW insurance entails and their average coverage limits:

Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)

A Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW) is an optional insurance policy that may be chosen in addition to an LDW. This provides additional coverage in the event that excess fees stem from an accident that causes damage or loss to the rental vehicle and you are in default. 

Below is a table that shows what SLDW insurance entails and their average daily costs by car type:

Please note that  Damage Waiver coverage is typically made available upon request at car rental agencies. Additional details regarding coverage limits are highly dependent on the valuation of the car being rented, among other variables. 

Gas stations are abundant in Thailand, ranging from PTT to Shell, Caltex, Esso, and Bangchak stations. As you travel from one province to another, you can count on passing by a number of service stations where you can get gas, use the restroom, grab a cup of coffee, or even grab a bite to eat. 

When it comes to buying gasoline in Thailand, you can be sure to see attendants tending the pumping station. Simply pull up to the side of the pumping station, tell the attendant how much you want to pay in accordance with the price per liter, let them fill up your gas tank, and be on your way.

Depending on gas prices and the size of your car, a full tank can cost around 2300 baht for 50 liters of gasoline. Payments for gas can be made using cash, QR code payments, credit cards, and debit cards. 

Thailand’s parking system is a mixture of free and paid parking. Some authorized parking lots offer free parking, while others require payment and are clearly marked or tended by personnel in official uniforms. The costs are an hourly rate that must be paid directly to the personnel. 

To find parking spaces in Thailand, look for signs showing the words written in Thai ที่จอดรถ or simply the P for parking sign. Parking can generally be found near BTS and MRT stations, beside and inside malls, within gas stations, and inside office buildings. If you’re a customer of a local restaurant, they will also offer you free parking beside their restaurant. 

Having said this, these systems can shift and worsen depending on traffic conditions and public events, where people may often be found parking haphazardly and ignoring certain rules. 

Listed below are the general rules for parking in Thailand: 

Signs: Most of the street signs and signals indicating parking spots are only written in the native tongue, with ที่จอดรถ, or “Tee Jord Rod,” meaning car parking, shown on signs. 

• Red and white lines: Indicate that parking is not allowed and will result in fines or tire clamps. 

• Yellow and white lines: Indicate that stopping is allowed for short periods of time and are usually reserved for drop off or pick up spots. 

• White rectangles: Indicate that cars may park along the lines without restrictions except time limits. Time limits are usually shown on signs near the parking zone. 

• Diagonal white lines: Indicate that the space is reserved exclusively for motorcycles and other vehicles with only two wheels. No parking for four-wheelers or other vehicles is allowed.

When it comes to renting luxury cars in Thailand, you will be spoiled for choices. Whether you’re looking for a convertible, sports car, or SUV, you can access these luxurious cars all over Thailand, given that you’re willing to pay. Prices range from 25,000 to 60,000 baht per day. 

Additional information about renting luxury cars is as follows:

• Minimum age requirement of 25 years of age
• Must have a credit card
• Must make deposits once vehicle is picked up
• Must have had a license for a minimum of one year

Depending on your needs and the size of your family, the popular vehicle models may vary in choice. However, Japanese automakers have a reputation for producing sturdy vehicles, are popular among Thais, and many of their components are produced in Thailand. 

Below are the most popular models by car type: 

• Compact: Honda City, Honda Civic, Toyota Altis, Toyota Vios
• Mid-sized: Toyota Camry
• SUV: Honda Crv, Toyota Fortuner, Honda HRV

When it comes to driving in Thailand, it’s important to note that drivers drive on the left side of the road, never assume that drivers will automatically stop at intersections, and u-turn with extreme caution. 

Explanations can be found below: 

• Drive on the left side of the road: Driving in Thailand occurs on the left side of the road, this is the number one rule. 
• Don’t assume that drivers will stop for you at intersections: Driving in Thailand can be unpredictable, especially with motorcyclists in the picture. So be extra careful about incoming traffic, and be sure to double check whether or not you are clear to proceed. 
• U-turn with extreme caution: A lot of accidents occur during u-turns in Thailand. As a result, it is important to be absolutely sure that you are in the clear prior to making a u-turn. Cars will generally blink their lights at you twice to let you know that they will not stop for you.