There aren’t many better places in Thailand for scooter rental than Khao Lak. It’s not a tropical island paradise with winding coastal roads, but it’s a series of villages stretched out over 20km. That’s why if you want to explore everything on offer in this peaceful Thai paradise you need two wheels. Start your engines, let’s go.

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Super Short Guide

I always like to start with a condensed version of all the key information for those who suffer from chronically short attention spans. I know this is a common ailment these days, so I like to support those of you who couldn’t possibly read a whole post. 

How Much Does it Cost?

Renting a scooter in Khao Lak will cost you upwards of 200 THB per day. That’s the lowest price I found on my latest visit in March 2024 for a standard 125cc Honda Click from a reputable company.

Most bike hire companies will also ask for a deposit of 1,000 THB and a copy of your passport.

Where to get one?

I’ll tell you about the three best places to hire a bike from shortly, but if you just want to know my personal favourite, it’s 5 Star Motorbike. They offer the best service, online booking and great prices. I couldn’t fault them.

Do you need a licence?

I hate to break it to you but you do need a licence to ride a scooter in Thailand. The licence you need is called an International Driving Permit, or IDP for short. 

If you haven’t got an IDP you can get one emailed to you from the helpful guys at the International Drivers Association. It’s not free, but it’s cheaper than paying the police fines when you inevitably get pulled over. 

That’s your super short guide to how to rent a scooter in Khao Lak! I’ve got plenty more to tell you about, so why not read on, if only for the sketches?

Your Ultimate Guide to Riding Around Khao Lak

Right then, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of everything you need to know before heading off to get your two-wheeled stallion. 

Where to Get One

Let’s start this ultimate guide with the three best motorbike hire shops in town.

5 Star Motorbike – My Personal Favourite (and no deposit)

It makes sense to start with my go-to place for scooter rental in Khao Lak, 5 Star Motorbike. The reason this is always my first choice when I’m in town is that not only are the rental prices good, it’s just so easy to hire a scooter here. 

There’s an online booking system so you can see what’s available and what it will cost you. The prices are clear and non-negotiable, unless, that is, you want monthly scooter rental. If so, it’s worth sending them a message and seeing what they can offer.

You can get a 125cc Honda Click for just 200 THB per day. If you prefer to shop at the top end, a Forza 300cc will set you back 400 THB per day. Another beauty of this place is that they don’t ask for a cash deposit. A copy of your passport is all they need. 

They’re located near the main road, but their preferred method is to deliver the scooters to you at your accommodation and collect them when you’re done. You can message them through their website or contact them on the number below. 

WhatsApp: +66614370136

Address: Phetkasem Road, 26/165 Bang Niang, Khao Lak, Thailand

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No. 1 Motorbike Rental Khao Lak – The Perfect ‘Plan-B’

There’s always a chance, especially during peak season, that 5 Star Motorbikes will be low on stock, so you need a backup plan. Luckily there’s another great option, and that is No. 1 Motorbike Rental Khao Lak.

Here you will need to leave a deposit of 1,000 THB, and the prices are likely to be a bit higher than at 5 Star, which is why they get low on stock, but if you can get overpaying a bit more you’ll be a happy rider in no time.

The bikes are always in great condition and the service you’ll get from the owners is second to none. 

Again, they prefer to operate on a delivery and collection basis, so it’s best to contact them via WhatsApp before you arrive and then you can look forward to having a shiny set of wheels ready and waiting for you at your hotel.

I’ve used No. 1 Motorbike Rental Khao Lak a couple of times now, granted each time was because 5 Star didn’t have any standard scooters available for me, but it’s never a problem. We’re lucky to have a few great options when it comes to reputable, recommended hire companies in town. 

Address: 4/19 Moo .7 T.Kukkak A.Takuapa Khao Lak Khao Lak, Thailand

WhatsApp: +66810574515

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Khao Lak Golden Tour & Scooter For Rent – More Than Just Bikes

Last but by no means least on the list is Khao Lak Golden Tour & Scooter For Rent. 

I haven’t personally used them, but a good friend of mine who spends a lot of time in Khao Lak swears by them. Mainly because they do great rates for long-term rental, and they do your laundry too.

So, if you want to combine your scooter rental with your laundry run, and grab a delicious smoothie while you’re at it, this is the place for you.

The shop is located down by the beach and is more of a traditional rental store compared to the others that want to deliver and collect the bikes, here you just turn up and ride it away. 

Address: 67/65 Takua Pa District, Khao Lak, Thailand

WhatsApp: +66963705654

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The Cost of it All

As mentioned in the short guide, scooter rental here will cost you upwards of 200 THB per day. That’s the cheapest price I found for a standard 125cc Honda Click from a reputable motorbike rental company. I say that because you’re always able to find someone who will do it cheaper, but you have to be very careful if you always go for the cheapest option.

Most people In Thailand are indeed kind folk who you can trust. But it’s naive to think that there aren’t some bad eggs out there looking to make money out of a traveller’s misfortune. When renting from a random guy on the side of the road it’s more likely that you’ll get a motorbike in bad condition which is only endangering you when you start riding it. Is it really worth the risk just to save a dollar or two each day? 

The reputable stores are also likely to ask for a deposit. The standard options in Khao Lak are cash, usually 1,000THB, or your physical passport. I always choose the cash option as my passport is much more valuable to me, but choose what you like.

In my opinion, 5 Star Motorbike is the best place for to hire a motorbike in Khao Lak, and they don’t ask for a deposit!

The Rules to Get Riding

I’m not going to go into detail about the rules and laws to follow when riding a scooter in Thailand, as that’s a legal minefield, but there are a few basic things that all travellers should know before riding in places like Khao Lak.

Get the right licence

Yes, you need a driving licence to ride a scooter in Thailand. The licence you need is called an International Driving Permit, or IDP for short. 

If you haven’t got an IDP you can get one emailed to you from the helpful guys at the International Drivers Association. It’s not free, but cheaper than paying the police fines when you inevitably get pulled over.

So, my advice is to bite the bullet and buy one, because trust me, it’s a great feeling when the police officer uses your licence to show other riders what they need to have to avoid a fine before letting you ride off.

Insure your precious body

As well as getting an IDP, you should check that your travel insurance policy covers you for riding a motorbike on your travels. World Nomads has different options available. Use who you want but just make sure you’re covered. 

Stay off the booze when riding

This is hopefully a self-explanatory one. It’s easy to forget that rules exist when travelling through chilled-out paradises like Khao Lak, but they do. You will still get in trouble with the police if you’re caught drunk on a motorbike. So just don’t do it. Taxis are cheap or just stroll down the beach roads if needs be.

Protect your beautiful brain

Yes folks, fun police here, put a helmet on! You’ll see loads of people riding around Khao Lak without one, but so what, just because they’re risking it to feel the air flow through their hair doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.

Any decent motorbike hire store in Khao Lak will give you helmets, so wear them.

Where to Go

Apart from just riding up and down and visiting the many villages in Khao Lak, you might be wondering what else you visit now that you’ve rented a scooter. 

I recommend looking at the top trips and tours available with Get Your Guide. Then you can see what takes your fancy and just make your own way there. 

Usually, the tours available include all of the transport, which you don’t need, so just use their list as a guide to the best things to do in Khao Lak and go do them by yourself. Or if you find something that really takes your fancy, or includes alcohol, book the trip and enjoy the service.

So there you have it, your Ultimate guide to Khao Lak scooter rental in 2024. Enjoy it out there! 

Another passion of mine is sport, which is why you’ll also find loads of posts about the best sports bars I find along the way. If you’re interested here’s my post about the best sports bars in Khao Lak.