Car rental in Thailand

Brand-new cars with full equipment · Save up to 35% by booking early

Decided to rent a car in Thailand? Below is all the information you need:

Car rental in Thailand

Renting a car in Thailand can be an exciting way to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. Whether you're planning to visit bustling cities or remote beaches, Bookingautos is here to help you find the best car rental deals from both international and local companies. Before you hit the road, here's what you need to know:

Driving Requirements

To rent a car in Thailand, you'll need:

  • A valid driver's license from your home country
  • An International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • A passport
  • A credit card for the deposit

Road Conditions and Rules

Driving in Thailand can be challenging for foreigners. Keep in mind:

  • Thais drive on the left side of the road
  • Traffic in major cities can be congested
  • Rural roads may be poorly maintained
  • Always wear your seatbelt
  • Don't drink and drive - penalties are severe

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Consider your itinerary when selecting a car. For city driving, a compact car is ideal. If you're planning to explore rural areas or visit Chiang Mai's mountains, an SUV might be more suitable.

Insurance

Always opt for comprehensive insurance coverage. This typically includes:

  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
  • Theft Protection (TP)
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)

Fuel Policy

Most rental companies in Thailand use a "full-to-full" fuel policy. You'll receive the car with a full tank and are expected to return it the same way.

Navigation

While many rental cars come equipped with GPS, it's also a good idea to have a backup navigation app on your smartphone. Consider downloading offline maps for areas with poor internet coverage.

With Bookingautos, you can easily compare offers from various car rental companies in Thailand, ensuring you get the best deal for your needs. Whether you're planning to cruise along the beaches of Phuket or navigate the streets of Bangkok, we've got you covered. Remember to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure the best rates and vehicle availability.

Your Complete Video Guide

Ultimate Road Trip Itineraries in Thailand

Thailand's diverse landscapes and rich culture make it an ideal destination for unforgettable road trips. Exploring the country by a rented car allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the local way of life at your own pace. Here are two exciting itineraries to inspire your Thai adventure:

Northern Thailand Loop

This 7-10 day journey takes you through the stunning mountains and cultural sites of northern Thailand.

  • Chiang Mai: Start your trip in this charming city, known for its temples and night markets.
  • Pai: Drive through winding mountain roads to reach this laid-back town, famous for its hot springs and waterfalls.
  • Mae Hong Son: Explore the remote beauty of this border town, home to hill tribes and picturesque rice paddies.
  • Doi Inthanon National Park: Visit Thailand's highest peak and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Lampang: Discover the city's unique horse-drawn carriages and teak architecture.

Southern Thailand Coastal Route

This 10-14 day itinerary showcases the best of Thailand's stunning beaches and islands.

  • Phuket: Begin your journey on this popular island, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.
  • Khao Lak: Relax in this tranquil coastal town and visit the nearby Similan Islands.
  • Krabi: Explore limestone cliffs, mangrove forests, and pristine beaches.
  • Koh Lanta: Take a ferry with your rental car to this laid-back island paradise.
  • Trang: Discover lesser-known beaches and enjoy the local cuisine.
  • Hat Yai: End your trip in this vibrant city, known for its shopping and food scene.

Remember to check road conditions and obtain necessary permits before embarking on your journey. Always drive safely and respect local traffic laws. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, your Thai road trip will be an experience of a lifetime.

For more information on road trips in Thailand, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand website.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Europcar

Most popular car class

Compact

Average price

32 € / Day

Best price

23 € / Day

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January
€197
February
€152
March
€142
April
€186
May
€250
June
€179
July
€205
August
€196
September
€216
October
€147
November
€139
December
€232

Popular rental locations in Thailand

Documents needed to rent a car

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

10 Smart Tips to Make the Most of Your Car Rental

Download Google maps offline

All modern smartphones have a GPS function. You can save on the "Navigator" service and roaming charges for the Internet if you download maps in the Google Maps application in advance. Offline maps also support route building and navigation. To download a map - open the area you need by controlling the scale, and enter "ok maps" in the search.

Thailand 1

Book in advance

Thailand is now in ever-increasing demand, which affects the high demand for car rental. By booking online, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises after you arrive at your destination. Both with the car itself and with its rent.

It is better to book a car at least one and a half months before the trip. As the required date approaches, the number of available offers is reduced, and the cost of the remaining models increases. If plans change and the trip is postponed, then you can cancel the rental without any sanctions 2 days before it starts.

Which car to choose

Choose a car according to the purpose of your trip. You can drive around the city and its surroundings in a compact car VW Up or VW Polo. These models are the most popular with our customers in Thailand.

In the mountains, more powerful transport will be required. Pay attention to the volume of the engine - it must be more than 1.6 liters. An all-wheel drive crossover would be ideal. Fiat Tipo Estate will cost €32 per day. By the way, before leaving, do not forget to refuel with a margin. On the rises, the fuel goes one and a half to two times more. Gas stations in mountain villages are rare.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance advice

When you pick up your rental car, you need to take it seriously. This is especially true if you do not intend to purchase additional insurance. You should carefully inspect the received car and fix all scratches, dents, and other defects in the contract. It is also recommended to take a picture of the existing damage to the car, its number, write down the name of the rental company employee.

Thailand 2

What types of insurance are available for car rental?

  • Third Party Liability (TPL). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Waiver (T.W.). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
Fuel Policy

When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Thailand for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.

Thailand 3

Rent without mileage limit

According to the rental conditions, the mileage can be limited or unlimited. Travel lovers should choose the option without a limit. It will cost more, but in the end it will save. Check the appropriate box to filter offers with unlimited mileage.

Thailand 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Thailand, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

Which rental company to choose

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Thailand 5

Our clients name the top companies in Thailand - EUROPCAR with an average rating 9.9 points and SIXT with 9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Getting a car at a rental office

Before signing a car rental agreement, it should be carefully checked for damage and defects. Do not be shy to point out the identified problems and problems - then you will not have to answer for them. When returning, pay attention to the fuel in the tank. Its volume must correspond to that prescribed in the agreement.

Also, do not ignore the phone number provided by the technical support representative when concluding the contract. After all, even the most experienced driver is not insured against a breakdown, accident or other force majeure event. In such a case, contact a specialist before the arrival of the police.

Our advantages

24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees

Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

Download the BookingAutos mobile app

Download our mobile app and get access to special offers and discounts in Thailand.