Self Drive in Bangkok, Thailand

Car Rental
Many major car rental companies including Hertz and Avis can be found in Bangkok and other major destinations in Thailand. There are also independent Thai counterparts.

In addition, the Airports Authority of Thailand provides rental car service at Don Muang Airport.

Drivers License
While you probably can get by without one, it is best to have an international driving licence.

Renting a car tends to run a bit over a thousand baht a day from the majors and a bit under for the independents.

That's for unlimited mileage. While the price of gasoline has risen here as elsewhere, it is still reasonable when compared to the U.S. or Europe.

Driving in Bangkok

• Driving in Bangkok, and Thailand in general, is vastly different than in the west. For those people used to driving on the right hand side of the road (as in the U.S.), the first challenge is driving on the left (as in the U.K.).
• Challenge number 2 when driving in Bangkok is adjusting to the vast differences in speed and assortment of vehicles - ranging from push carts and bicycles to speeding motorcycles, busses, trucks and cars.
• If you manage to overcome those challenges, there is another one waiting for you - the different perception of space of most Thai drivers.
• Essentially, if no one hits you, everything is just fine.
• It is commonplace for drivers to pass, on the right or the left, within one or two inches of you.
• Tailgating is also the rule rather than the exception.
  
• Finally, remember that infamous Bangkok traffic. It's not much fun to sit in that for hours.

Driving Options
In general taking a taxi or hiring a car with a driver is preferable.

Arrangements for drivers can be made through your hotel or car rental companies.