Rental Cars/Motorbikes
Renting a car or motorbike gives you the freedom to explore Thailand at your own pace. There are several rental shops in the provinces where you can rent vehicles for daily or longer-term use.
### Rental Cars
#### Options
- **Local Car Rental Agencies:** You can find local rental companies offering cars for rent. Prices and vehicle conditions can vary, so it's recommended to do some research and check reviews before booking.
- **International Rental Companies:** Some international car rental companies may have branches or partners in Pattaya or Rayong. These include companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
#### Requirements
- **Driving License:** You need a valid driving license. For foreign tourists, an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by your original driver's license is usually required.
- **Age:** The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, but this can vary depending on the rental company.
- **Credit Card:** Most car rental companies will require a credit card for a security deposit.
#### Costs
- Rental costs vary depending on the size and model of the car, rental duration, and insurance options. Daily rates can vary from budget options (a small car could be rented for around 1,000 THB/day) to more luxury vehicles.
### Rental Motorbikes
#### Options
- **Local Shops:** Numerous local motorbike rental shops can be found throughout Chanthaburi, especially in tourist areas. These shops usually offer scooters and motorcycles.
- **Hotels and Guesthouses:** Some accommodation options might also provide motorbike rental services for their guests or can arrange rentals through local providers.
#### Requirements
- **Driving License:** A motorbike driving license or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement is technically required, but on the ground, not all rental shops insist on this.
- **Age:** The age requirement for renting a motorbike is usually lower, starting at around 18 years of age.
- **Deposit:** A cash deposit and/or leaving your passport may be required as a security deposit.
#### Costs
- Renting a motorbike is generally a cheaper option than a car, with daily rental rates often ranging from 200 to 500 Thai Baht, depending on the bike's model and condition.
### Safety
- **Insurance:** Ensure you have insurance coverage for health and possible damage to the vehicle. Verify what is included in the rental agreement.
- **Helmets:** Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike in Thailand, as it's the law and essential for your safety.
- **Local Laws:** Comply with all local traffic laws and make sure you're comfortable with the traffic conditions in Thailand.
### Tips
- **Pre-Check:** Always check the vehicle for any pre-existing damages and take photos before taking possession of it.
- **Fuel Policy:** Understand the fuel policy – whether you need to return the vehicle with a full tank or the same level as when you rented it.
- **Driving Conditions:** Be aware that driving conditions in rural Thailand can differ greatly from those in your home country.
#### Options
- **Local Car Rental Agencies:** You can find local rental companies offering cars for rent. Prices and vehicle conditions can vary, so it's recommended to do some research and check reviews before booking.
- **International Rental Companies:** Some international car rental companies may have branches or partners in Pattaya or Rayong. These include companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz.
#### Requirements
- **Driving License:** You need a valid driving license. For foreign tourists, an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by your original driver's license is usually required.
- **Age:** The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21, but this can vary depending on the rental company.
- **Credit Card:** Most car rental companies will require a credit card for a security deposit.
#### Costs
- Rental costs vary depending on the size and model of the car, rental duration, and insurance options. Daily rates can vary from budget options (a small car could be rented for around 1,000 THB/day) to more luxury vehicles.
### Rental Motorbikes
#### Options
- **Local Shops:** Numerous local motorbike rental shops can be found throughout Chanthaburi, especially in tourist areas. These shops usually offer scooters and motorcycles.
- **Hotels and Guesthouses:** Some accommodation options might also provide motorbike rental services for their guests or can arrange rentals through local providers.
#### Requirements
- **Driving License:** A motorbike driving license or an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement is technically required, but on the ground, not all rental shops insist on this.
- **Age:** The age requirement for renting a motorbike is usually lower, starting at around 18 years of age.
- **Deposit:** A cash deposit and/or leaving your passport may be required as a security deposit.
#### Costs
- Renting a motorbike is generally a cheaper option than a car, with daily rental rates often ranging from 200 to 500 Thai Baht, depending on the bike's model and condition.
### Safety
- **Insurance:** Ensure you have insurance coverage for health and possible damage to the vehicle. Verify what is included in the rental agreement.
- **Helmets:** Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike in Thailand, as it's the law and essential for your safety.
- **Local Laws:** Comply with all local traffic laws and make sure you're comfortable with the traffic conditions in Thailand.
### Tips
- **Pre-Check:** Always check the vehicle for any pre-existing damages and take photos before taking possession of it.
- **Fuel Policy:** Understand the fuel policy – whether you need to return the vehicle with a full tank or the same level as when you rented it.
- **Driving Conditions:** Be aware that driving conditions in rural Thailand can differ greatly from those in your home country.