Thailand Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Thailand

With Enjoy Travel, you can find the best deals on car hire across Thailand. We source the best deals to help make your car hire experience affordable and efficient, and we liaise and partner closely with some of the world’s most reputable car rental companies, who provide the best services and range of vehicles to suit your needs and budget.

Securing the Best Deals

There are multiple ways to secure excellent deals on car rental in Thailand. One common way of ensuring your car rental stays cheap is to book in advance. You can also compare prices on suppliers, hire from airports, or narrow down your search based on price or vehicle type. Also, booking your vehicle during off-peak times of the year can help you avoid potential higher charges or higher demand for vehicles.

Understanding Thailand’s Driving Regulations

Rules of the Road for Renters

• To drive a car in Thailand, it’s normally required that you’re aged 18 years, and to rent a vehicle the usual minimum age is 21, although this can differ between rental companies. If you are aged under 25, you may be charged a young driver fee.
• Thailand drives on the left side of the road, which is the same as the UK. This may make it easier to drive in Thailand as you won’t need to adjust to right-hand driving.
• UK drivers need an IDP (International Drivers Permit) to drive and rent a vehicle in Thailand. This must be obtained from your home country before travelling to Thailand.
• Thailand has toll roads across the country. If you have a hire vehicle, tolls can usually be paid either automatically via a toll transponder, by being added to your rental amount, or in cash.

Parking in Thailand – A Guide

Thailand offers widespread parking across the country, with large cities like Phuket and Bangkok being some of the best places to find parking spots. Places like hotels, airports, and community buildings often offer parking at affordable rates, and you can also find street parking in certain areas, as well as designated parking spots for specific types of vehicles like motorcycles and larger vehicles.

Top Attractions in Thailand

Thailand is rife with attractions around every corner, from stunning beaches to culturally significant buildings. Some of the top attractions in Thailand include:

Grand Palace Bangkok: Perfect for sightseeing, this ornate palace and royal residence is one of the most significant and iconic buildings in the country.

Andamanda Phuket: A fun-filled large-scale waterpark that’s perfect for all ages.

Wat Phra Singh Temple: Thailand is scattered with Buddhist Temples, as it is the primary religion in the country. Wat Phra Singh Temple is one of the most visually stunning and culturally significant temples in the country, having been given royal status.

Transport Options in Thailand

Thailand has a number of public transport options available, such as buses, subways and trains. You can also get taxis across most cities, as well as rental vehicles.

Optimal Driving Times in Thailand

Each city in Thailand has its own traffic management and system, but as with most countries, the best time of day to travel is during off-peak hours, such as between 9am-4pm, to avoid heavy traffic and rush hours. Larger cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok usually see the heaviest traffic congestion, so bear this in mind if you plan to drive during the week in particular.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Thailand

While you may opt to hire a vehicle, which is great for personal mobility and freedom, you may prefer to use public transport to avoid the hassle of finding a parking space and potentially dealing with heavy traffic.

Advantages of Personal Mobility

Getting around Thailand may be much easier if you have a rental car. While efficient and frequent, public transportation may follow strict schedules or timings that don’t align with your own itinerary and may not cover every part of the city or place you’re looking to explore. This is where having your own vehicle comes in handy, as you can reach areas freely and don’t have to worry about sticking to an allotted time.

Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Vehicle

As stated, it may be difficult to find somewhere to park your vehicle, especially during busier times of the day. You may also have to deal with heavy traffic. Car hire can be expensive, and you may struggle to find a certain type of vehicle or supplier that you’ve been looking for.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Thailand

Across Thailand, you can find a wide variety of rental vehicles from a range of suppliers, whether economy, luxury, SUV or minivan. Choose from a stylish and practical Toyota Camry, a luxury Mercedes, or a spacious minivan or SUV. You can also find electric vehicles.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

The right vehicle for you depends on your personal circumstances. For example, if you’re travelling in a large group, you may be more inclined to choose an SUV or minivan to accommodate more passengers and have more space. Business travellers may choose luxury or estate vehicles, and solo travellers or couples may prefer smaller economy vehicles. Depending on your budget, you can find the perfect vehicle for you, whether you have a tight budget or can afford to splash the cash a little.

Partnering with Thailand’s Top Car Rental Suppliers

Thailand offers a wide range of car rental services from a large array of rental suppliers. The main car rental companies you can find across Thailand vary between locations but include Alamo, Avis, Keddy, and Sixt, all of which are reputable and reliable car rental companies that offer premium services and the best rates and deals on car hire. We partner closely with the top rental companies to bring you the best deals on car hire across Thailand, no matter the type of vehicle you’re looking for. Be sure you’re aware of each supplier’s rental requirements before booking, as these can differ between suppliers.

Selecting a Reputable Company

Ensure that you thoroughly understand the terms and conditions and the rental agreement of the supplier you choose to rent with before booking. You may want to consider researching your supplier and reading testimonials or reviews from previous car renters to determine which suppliers are the best option for you. Also, check your supplier’s vehicle fleet and determine which vehicles best suit your needs.