Driving in Thailand

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most rewarding countries to explore by road — highway networks are well-maintained by regional standards, distances are manageable, and the freedom to stop at temples, market towns and viewpoints on your own schedule is genuinely hard to beat. But driving in Thailand has its own set of rules, quirks and risks that are worth understanding before you collect the keys.

Drive on the left

Thailand drives on the left-hand side of the road, the same as the UK, Australia, Japan and India. Vehicles are right-hand drive. For travellers from left-hand-drive countries (the US, most of continental Europe, Canada), the adjustment is usually manageable on motorways and open roads but demands extra concentration at junctions, roundabouts and when pulling out of car parks. Take extra care turning left across oncoming traffic and use your mirrors frequently until the muscle memory settles in.

International driving permit and licence requirements

A valid driving licence from your home country is required, but an international driving permit (IDP) is also strongly recommended and in practice required by most car hire companies. Thailand officially requires an IDP for foreign visitors, and hiring without one — or being stopped at a police checkpoint without one — can create complications. An IDP is simply a multilingual translation of your home licence and must be obtained in your home country before you travel; you cannot get one in Thailand. See our full guide to international driving permits for how to apply.

Your home licence and IDP should both be in date for the full period of your hire. Keep both documents with you when driving at all times.

Road conditions and safety

Thailand has a high road-accident rate, and this is worth taking seriously. Motorbikes and scooters are everywhere, often weaving between lanes without signalling, and truck drivers in particular can be aggressive on rural highways at night. Specific things to watch for:

• Motorbikes frequently travel the wrong way on the hard shoulder, emerge from side streets without stopping, and filter through gaps that close quickly.
• Night driving on rural roads carries particular risk — poorly lit vehicles, animals on the road, and occasional unmarked road works make it significantly more dangerous than daytime travel.
• Rain in the wet season (roughly May to October) can make roads slippery quickly, and tropical downpours reduce visibility sharply. Slow down and increase following distance.
• Speed limits are 90 km/h on most regional roads and 120 km/h on expressways, though these are widely ignored in practice. Police speed traps do operate.

Comprehensive car insurance is strongly recommended. Check what your rental agreement covers and consider supplementary cover for third-party liability. Note that rental agreements may exclude cover for incidents on certain unsurfaced roads or on islands.

Main highways and routes worth knowing

The main north–south backbone is Highway 1 from Bangkok north to Chiang Mai and beyond. From Bangkok south towards Hua Hin, Surat Thani and the peninsula, Highway 4 (also called Phetkasem Road in its urban sections) is the main artery. Thailand's expressway network around Bangkok, operated by the Expressway Authority of Thailand, uses toll booths — keep small notes (20, 50 baht) handy, as some booths do not give change for large bills. Electronic toll options are available for registered users but not practical for short-term car hire visitors.

For the north, the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai route via Highway 118 is a beautiful mountain drive. The Khao Yai access roads and the road through Doi Inthanon National Park near Chiang Mai are spectacular but require careful driving on narrow mountain roads.

Driving to the islands: car ferries

Thailand's most popular islands are reached by car ferry, which opens up a genuinely rewarding style of travel — particularly if you are exploring the south over two or more weeks. Key crossings:

• Koh Samui: car ferry from Don Sak pier (off the Surat Thani bypass) to Koh Samui's Lipa Noi pier. The crossing takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes; Raja Ferry and Seatran Ferry both operate the route with multiple daily sailings.
• Koh Phangan: car ferry also from Don Sak or via Koh Samui; less frequent than the Samui service.
• Koh Chang: short car ferry crossings from Laem Ngop pier near Trat, taking around 30 minutes. Multiple operators run this crossing throughout the day.
• Koh Lanta: car ferry from Ban Hua Hin pier in Krabi province; roughly 30-minute crossing.

Always book ferry space for your vehicle in high season (December–February) — some routes fill up, and queuing at a pier with a car for the next available sailing can mean a long wait.

Check whether your car hire agreement explicitly permits taking the vehicle on a ferry and onto the relevant island. Some rental companies restrict this, particularly for cheaper vehicles. Buying adequate insurance coverage — which may not be standard on island driving — is worth clarifying at the hire desk.

Fuel, parking and practical tips

Petrol stations are plentiful on all main highways and in towns, with PTT, Esso and Shell among the most common operators. Unleaded (benzine) and diesel are available; most rental cars take benzine. Avoid the cheapest unbranded pumps on rural roads if you are uncertain about fuel quality.

Parking in Bangkok and major cities is generally paid and managed by the venue (shopping malls have large multi-storey car parks, typically well-signed). In smaller towns and beach areas, street parking is usually free and informal.

Seat belts are legally required for front-seat passengers. Mobile phone use while driving is illegal. Drink-driving laws exist, and Thailand's legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% — lower than some travellers expect and enforced at periodic checkpoints, particularly at night and during festivals.

Which is better: car or motorbike?

Many travellers in Thailand hire scooters or motorbikes rather than cars, particularly in Chiang Mai, along beach resort strips and on smaller islands where a car is cumbersome. If you choose this route, ensure your travel insurance covers motorbike riding (many standard policies do not), wear a helmet at all times (legally required and available from the hire shop), and be honest about your experience level. A motorbike is nimble and cheap but considerably less forgiving if something goes wrong. See the entry on IDP requirements — a separate motorbike licence category may apply.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Thailand?

Yes. Thailand officially requires an IDP for foreign drivers, and virtually all hire companies will ask to see one alongside your home licence. An IDP must be obtained in your home country before you travel; it cannot be issued in Thailand.

Is it safe to drive in Thailand?

Driving is possible and many visitors do it successfully, but Thailand has a high road accident rate. Take extra care around motorbikes, avoid driving at night on rural roads, and do not rush. The risk is manageable with good awareness but should not be taken lightly.

Can I take a hire car on the ferry to Koh Samui?

Many hire companies permit this, but you must confirm it explicitly in your agreement before you travel. Some operators charge extra or exclude ferry crossings. Always book a space for your vehicle in advance during high season.

What side of the road does Thailand drive on?

Thailand drives on the left, with right-hand-drive vehicles — the same as the UK, Australia and Japan. Most visitors from left-hand-drive countries adapt reasonably quickly but should take extra care at junctions.