Motorcycle Rentals in Asia: Everything We've Learned in 9 Years
Nine years of motorcycle rentals across SE Asia: get a UK motorcycle licence before your first trip (the 200 baht bribe is fine, the crash from not knowing how to brake on wet downhill is not). Bring your own helmet (the local half-shells protect your scalp, not your skull). 110-125cc for cities, 150cc minimum for mountain passes. Cash deposits only. World Nomads insurance pays out if you have the licence. Skip the Easy Rider tours. The Ha Giang Loop is one of the great roads on Earth and the whole point is the riding.
Frequently asked questions
Technically yes. Practically, no rental shop has ever asked us for one. Police sometimes ask and the standard practice is a 200-300 baht roadside payment. Get the licence anyway because training saves your life.
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