On every smaller island (with some exceptions) a scooter is worthwhile.
In Bangkok it is not advisable. PhiPhi is too small for a scooter. In Samui, a scooter would be worth it for the whole holiday. Its a matter of taste and depends on whether your hotel is out of the way and what you want to do.

Many people advise against scooters when they hear the word "scooter". You feel insecure and hear a lot of negative things. Accidents, rip-offs, expensive hospital stays, stressful traffic.

At the latest when you are told a very overpriced price by a taxi driver on an island like Ko Samui, for example, the solution of renting a scooter comes to mind again. I can rent one for the whole day, for about €5 to €8. The taxi driver wants 40€ for the ride to the next village (5 minutes). But I want to get back later, I think to myself. That would be 80€.

Renting is possible everywhere. There are countless rentals and many hotels offer scooter rental directly. The prices vary from 150 to 250 baht. A helmet is compulsory and advisable. If you are stopped by the police, you will have to pay a fine of 200 baht without a helmet.

If you want to rent a normal scooter with automatic transmission, you have no problem at all. 90% of all offers are small automatic scooters of about 100ccm. Just keep your balance and press the throttle, thats it.

Choose a scooter, press against the tyres to see if there is any air left. Sit on a scooter and roll one step and operate both brake levers individually. They should at least brake noticeably. If the scooter looks old, sit on it and test the brakes first. Ask for the daily price and tell the seller how long you want to borrow it. If you agree with the price, tell him "OK". Take photos or a video of the scooter. You should be able to see previous damage such as scratches and dents in the paintwork. Maybe take the seller with you on the video, so that you know when the video was taken. Also inform the seller about any previous damage. Personally, I have never been tricked into buying a scooter with damage. The scam with allegedly caused damage such as craters and dents is especially well known when renting jet skis.

You hand over your passport as a deposit, sign a piece of paper and receive a key and a helmet. The paper usually states [loosely translated] that the tourist renting the scooter pays for everything in case of damage or theft. Often the "fantasy" price is also included. Actually, it is always the new price of 1000-3000€, regardless of whether the scooter is actually 10 years old and only worth 200€.
There is never any insurance. In very large shops that specialise in this, it may be possible with enquiries. But nobody cares about that. Theft is not a problem in Thailand. Dont leave the key in the ignition and use the steering wheel lock. If you park in a crowded car park for two-wheelers, leave the steering wheel lock open. This is because the parked scooters are next to each other and behind each other, so you can just push other scooters away to make your way out of the parking space.

No one ever asks to see your driving licence when you rent a scooter. You should only have one for police checks. Even then, you dont necessarily have to show it. Your German driving licence is sometimes sufficient. However, an international driving licence is recommended. If you have an accident with another person, the person without a driving licence is automatically at fault. It costs about €15 and is valid for 3 years.

The first drive will certainly be strange. First of all, you should remember that Thailand drives on the left. Traffic in Thailand is not as orderly as in Germany. People overtake on your left and right. When there is a traffic jam, all the locals drive past the waiting cars on their scooters, no one waits in line. Scooter drivers always push past you. Do not adjust your speed to the other scooter riders. Always drive slowly. There are plenty of places you can get through at slow speeds. At high speed it becomes critical. Sand on the side of the road, a car overtaking you or pedestrians blindly crossing the road. If you drive slowly, nothing will happen to you. Accidents at night happen mainly to tourists under the influence of alcohol. Never forget your helmet, because even if you are careful, other road users are not always.
Tip: In sand and gravel, do not accelerate, keep the handlebars steady and straight.

There are petrol stations and private "petrol stands". These private petrol stations offer petrol for the scooter in litre bottles. Insert the key into the lock on the side below the seat upholstery and unlock. You can now fold up the seat. Unscrew the fuel cap and fill the bottle. Private fuel stands are about twice as expensive. Still cheap and hardly worth mentioning considering the low consumption.

I always applied sunscreen on the beach.
The first tour to the Golden Buddha in Koh Samui was great.
As soon as I got back to the hotel room, my neck and arms were fiery red. Therefore, sun cream or long-sleeved clothing.

With GoogleMaps and a cheap SIM card, you can enter your destination as a route and let yourself be guided. Add headphones and all you have to do is follow the instructions of the navigation voice. If you dont want to make things too easy for yourself, use GoogleMaps again and again to check your current position via GPS. As a general rule, avoid losing face in Thailand. If you ask someone for directions and they dont know, they will tell you anyway. Not because he is "evil", but because he doesnt want to appear ignorant in front of you. It doesnt always happen, but dont be surprised or even angry because of the wrong directions. It was still meant nicely.


Avoid driving just before evening or even at night. In Thailand it gets dark suddenly. The roads are poorly lit or not lit at all. Many vehicles do not have working rear lights. People in dark clothing cross the roads. Free-roaming dogs cross your path. Drunk people stagger from the pavement into the street. You see much less in general. Other vehicles see you much worse.

Damage or accident
There are countless scooter drivers in Thailand. Therefore, there are many small private garages. A flat tyre can be repaired for 3 Euros. If there is no garage nearby, call the rental company. Repairs are very cheap. The nearest workshop will pick you and the scooter up and repair the tyre for a maximum of 20€.