Car Hire Pattaya
Driving in Pattaya and Thailand

Car Hire in Pattaya is easy and so is driving a car around Thailand.

The roads are generally of an excellent quality and it is a great way to get to know the Thailand most people never get to see. You will meet Thai people who are not working in tourist areas. In Bangkok most signs are in both Thai and English but be prepared to sit in traffic jams and waste valuable holiday time when driving in Bangkok.

A self drive holiday offers the opportunity to experience the wonderful Thai culture, meet Thai people who do not work in tourist areas, and you have the opportunity to stop as long as you like at the many points of interest in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Car rental prices in Thailand are usually between 500 Baht to 2500 Baht depending on model, age, size. In Pattaya you can find car rentals just about anywhere between beach road and 3rd road. Private car rental places in Pattaya are a little cheaper than the larger outfits. However, you may want to consider to renting from a larger company which will provide proper rental insurance.

Don't go on price only and make sure the car has proper commercial/Rental insurance and ask to see a copy of the policy. If the vehicle is not properly insured, in case of an accident the driver is kept liable for all claims. Put a copy of the insurance policy in the car, along with a copy of the car registration book and make sure you also have the telephone number of the insurance company.

Some people rent cars at the Bangkok airport and you can make a reservation online with Orbitz without paying in advance. You can choose from four companies; Hertz, Sixt, Budget and Avis. If you are coming to Thailand for the first time I would not suggest to drive on your own.

Most rental places will require you to pay upfront plus sometimes a deposit of several thousand Baht. When renting a car walk around the car and make sure to take pictures of any existing damage or ask for an undamaged vehicle. I always make sure that I receive a car with a full tank as it is much easier to return the car with a full tank than trying to match a fuel level.

A foreigner driving in Thailand is required to either have an International Driver's License (IDL) or else get a Thai driver's license to drive in Thailand. Many policemen will be satisfied if you produce a Driver's license from your home country when you are being stopped but I am not sure how that may play out in case of an accident.

Thailand has an excellent network of well maintained roads and highways between all main centers. Almost all of the north south routes are dual carriage way. Road signage follows international convention and is in both Thai and English. Unless you know where you are going I wouldn't recommend Night driving. Motor bikes can on occasion be a hazard, particularly as they are often ridden into oncoming traffic!

No Passing Sign

Stop Sign

Stop Police Check

A Few Road Rules

• The maximum speed varies between 80 and 120 km/h (52-60 mph) on expressways and country roads
• In Thailand you are required to drive on the left hand side of the road
• All insurance is invalid if a driver exceeds the legal alcohol limit.
• Wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drink driving laws apply
• The maximum speed limit in cities and towns is 60km/h (35 mph)
• Police regularly check motorists speed

Driving in Pattaya
Getting Around Pattaya
Car Prices in Thailand