Car hire in Thailand

In Thailand, tuk-tuks and motorbikes are the most common modes of transportation. However, you can also enjoy your vacation in comfort, as car rental in Thailand is quite popular. The rental procedure is fairly simple, the list of required documents is short, and prices are reasonable.

You can rent a car upon arrival. However, experienced tourists recommend booking in advance: prices at airports may be inflated, and available cars can often be scarce due to the high tourist flow.

Advantages of Car Rental with Localrent

Localrent offers good quality cars for rent in Thailand. Our advantages:

1. Simple and quick selection. You can choose the car brand, type of insurance, transmission type, and rental location.
2. Complete transparency. Real prices are shown during booking. No hidden charges or taxes.
3. Low prepayment. When placing an order on the website, you only pay 15-20% of the total cost, with the rest due upon receiving the car.
4. Simple interface. Convenient filters help you find the right car.
5. Low deposit. The exact amount is shown in the car's profile during booking.

What You Need to Rent a Car

The list of required documents is short. You will need a bank card and original copies of the following documents — copies or digital versions are not accepted:

• A valid international and national driver’s license;
• Passport.

Each car has a minimum required driving experience and driver age, listed in the vehicle’s profile.

Traffic Rules

Thailand has left-hand traffic. Traffic lights use the standard three signals. However, there is a special rule: left turns are allowed even on a red light.

Outside cities, the speed limit is 90 km/h; on highways — 120 km/h. In cities and other populated areas, the limit is 60 km/h. When entering a roundabout, you must yield to those already in it.

On Thai roads, you will often encounter drivers who ignore traffic rules. Therefore, it is crucial to be extremely cautious. Let careless drivers pass, even if it goes against the rules.

Gas Stations and Parking

There are plenty of gas stations in the country. Most are located on highways and on the outskirts of cities. Most accept both cards and cash.

Thailand has many paid parking areas, especially in large cities and tourist zones. Parking on sidewalks is prohibited, though locals often ignore this. You are also not allowed to leave your car near red-and-white markings — it may be towed to an impound lot.

How to Book a Car in Thailand

Booking a car on the Localrent website is easy. Just follow a few simple steps:

1. Select the rental dates, pick-up and drop-off cities.
2. Choose a suitable car. The site offers sorting by brand and year of manufacture, transmission and drive type, engine size, and fuel consumption.
3. Add extras to your order: child seat, insurance, or a second driver in the contract.
4. Fill in the driver information section.
5. Make a prepayment. You only pay 15-20% upfront. The rest is paid upon receiving the car.

After payment, we’ll send you an electronic receipt and voucher by email. The memo will contain all necessary information and rental company contacts.

 What to See by Rental Car

Many people rent a car in Thailand to visit as many attractions as possible during their vacation. Here are the top 5 popular places to go by car:

1. Phu Chi Fa. A viewpoint offering a stunning view of the mountains and pristine nature. The road is fully paved, accessible even by compact cars. There are many cafes and cozy guesthouses nearby.
2. Krabi. A southern province perfect for relaxing on the shores of the Andaman Sea. White beaches with turquoise waters. Jungle and karst caves will appeal to exotic lovers.
3. Chiang Mai. Located at the foot of the mountains, far from the sea. The city and its surroundings boast many temples and stunning natural beauty. A Nissan March or Toyota Ativ is ideal for this trip.
4. Bangkok. The center of tourist culture. In the capital, you can experience vibrant Thai life, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy local cuisine.
5. Pattaya. A city of authentic Thai entertainment and modern shopping centers. You can drive to Pattaya in a Toyota Vios or Honda City.

Remember that rental cars are only allowed on paved roads; for dirt roads, you’ll need a different type of transport.

Where to Rent a Car in Thailand

Before booking a car in Thailand, choose your pick-up location. You can see the available options on our website by clicking the arrow in the "Pick-up" field.

Some companies offer office pick-up, others let you pick up the car at the airport, near your hotel, or another convenient city location. Many tourists prefer to receive their car upon arrival — for example, at the Phuket or Samui airport.

Rental Tips

We work only with verified rental companies. However, here are a few useful tips to help with booking:

Choose a car based on the number of travelers.

A compact car is enough for one or two people. For families, it’s better to choose a crossover or hatchback with a spacious trunk and cabin.

Check your documents.

Before the trip, make sure all your documents are valid.

Inspect the vehicle.

Carefully inspect the car before rental. Take photos or videos and document all damages in the inspection form. Also note the fuel level.

Follow rental terms.

Return the car by the deadline specified in the contract. Rental companies often charge penalties for delays.

Remember safety.

Insurance is included in the rental in case of an accident. However, it becomes void if the driver was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

With Localrent, it’s easy to rent a car not only in Thailand. Our website also allows you to find a vehicle for travel across Asia, Europe, or Africa

Popular Questions About Car Rental in Thailand