There’s nothing that feels like freedom more than riding a motorbike on your first trip to Southeast Asia with limited time off from your office job. It is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get around the beach towns and islands of Thailand and Bali, with wind in your face, rice fields flashing by and temples in the distance.

But for all the carefree magic that comes with two wheels in Thailand or Bali, there’s an undercurrent of chaos - unmarked turns, potholes the size of small bathtubs, and a traffic culture where rules feel more like suggestions. Renting a motorbike here is incredibly common,  but it’s also where a lot of travelers get hurt, you need to decide for yourself if the risk is worth it. 

If you're going to rent a bike - and you probably will - here's how to do it right. 

Why Everyone Rents Scooters in Thailand and Bali

Because it’s cheap, easy, and hands-down the best way to get around. Taxis add up fast, public transport barely exists outside major hubs, and the places you really want to be - the waterfalls, the quiet beaches, the jungle temples - are rarely walking distance.

Daily rentals can be as low as $7 USD depending on engine size, island, and whether you’re haggling in-person or booking through a hotel - hotels will charge a premium, so if you are on a budget it is best to find someone local to rent from. Weekly and monthly rates get even better.

There is a huge difference between riding a scooter though the quiet dirt roads of an island or small beach town and riding through the center of a city like Denpasar, if it is your first time especially, make sure to stick to somewhere with easier, slower moving traffic to get your practice in. 

What You Actually Need

An International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
This is the technical legal requirement in both Thailand and Indonesia, however international permits are very, very rarely asked for. In all of my travels to 55+ countries, this has only come up a couple of times - but if it does you could find yourself in trouble or unable to get a rental. To be safe, you can get an IDP from AAA for $20 and a few minutes of your time before your trip.

Travel Insurance That Covers Motorbike Accidents
Most don’t - and some only cover you if you have a valid license for motorcycles. Read the fine print, because if you get hurt and your policy doesn’t cover scooter rentals, you’re on your own.

A Helmet
Look for one with a solid chin strap, full coverage, and a snug fit. If you're riding more than a few days, consider buying a proper one locally.

How to Not Get Scammed

• Take a full video walkaround of the bike before driving off. Highlight every scratch, dent, and quirk.
• Avoid giving your passport as a deposit. A copy is usually enough, or leave a small cash deposit instead.
• Test everything - brakes, lights, horn, mirrors. Don't ride off until you’re sure it works.
• Fill the tank yourself. Many rentals come with just enough fuel to get you to the first station.

What Kind of Bike Should You Rent?

For most travelers, a 110cc to 150cc automatic scooter is perfect. It’s light, easy to handle, and fast enough to zip up hills without tipping over - I tend to go with a smaller engine because I always think Brandon drives too fast and I like to slow him down a bit so I'm not screaming and holding on for dear life. 

If you're carrying a passenger or heading into the mountains (like Northern Thailand or Ubud’s highlands), go for the higher end of that range. If you've never ridden before, don’t rent a manual motorbike. No matter how cool you think you'll look.

The Roads Aren’t as Easy as They Look

In Thailand, especially in places like Chiang Mai and the islands, expect left-hand driving, chaotic intersections, and drivers who cut corners with zero warning. Roads can be smooth and well-maintained in some areas, but turn into gravel pits or slippery sand traps just a few minutes later.

In Bali, the roads are often narrower, busier, and lined with dense motorbike traffic. Ubud, Canggu, and Seminyak are infamous for aggressive scooter congestion, blind corners, and potholes mid-lane. Add surprise rainstorms, wandering dogs, and zero regard for lane discipline, and you’ll start to understand the stakes.

Rule of thumb: ride like no one sees you, because most of the time, they don’t.

What to Wear On a Motorbike

To be honest, I've always just worn the same outfits I would be wearing, and have ridden plenty in shorts, dresses and sandals - which is a risk, and I have a couple of small scars to show for it. 

If you want to be safer, it is best practice to put on everything on to protect you:

• A helmet that actually fits
• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants or jeans
• A jacket or long-sleeved shirt for longer rides

Don’t Skip the Practice Ride

If this is your first time, find a quiet side street and spend 30 minutes getting the feel of the brakes, throttle, and balance. The rental shop isn’t going to teach you - and the road certainly won’t.

Avoid riding at night until you're confident. Don’t try to keep up with locals. And if your gut tells you the route ahead looks dicey? Trust it.

A Few Final Tips That Can Save You

• Rain comes fast and hard. Always check the forecast and carry a poncho.
• Use Google Maps offline mode and pre-download the map - cell signal can flaky outside the towns.
• Avoid highways and high-traffic roundabouts until you’ve had a few days of riding.
• Never drink and ride. It's not just reckless - experienced legal guidance for motorcycle crash victims report that it is the number one cause of tourist deaths on scooters.
• Don’t leave valuables in the bike seat overnight. 

Renting a motorbike in Thailand or Bali can open up parts of the country you’d never reach by car or foot. It’s thrilling, unforgettable, and in many ways, the best way to experience the rhythm of local life.

But it’s not something to take lightly. Treat it with respect, stay alert, and don’t fall for the illusion that just because everyone’s doing it, it’s safe. Because at the end of the day, the most important part of the adventure is making it home in one piece.