Hello, looking to get a few hours paid experience of riding a m/c or scooter in Pattaya. Havenβt ridden in 35 years and donβt just want to hire a bike and get on these crazy roads, without getting my confidence first. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks recommendations to gain confidence riding a motorcycle or scooter in Pattaya after 35 years without riding. Several comments suggest local driving schools such as Advance Driving School and Honda classes for safe riding practice. Additionally, advice on getting good accident insurance and considering the use of motorbike taxis for safety is highlighted. Participants share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of practicing in less busy areas and the need for proper motorcycle licenses and insurance.
Just play GTA for a few hours and then ask yourself if you can handle it in real life. If the answer is "no" then pat yourself on the back fir not being retarded.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And you lived to tell the tale well done you
Tony *************
It's easy but at first I was a bit afraid so I used my mountain bike and after riding that as far as to Rayon, 100 km go and back I can tell you motorcycle is much safer.π That was a suicide mission
Henrik *****
You may be needing this on the back of your shirt.
Michael ********
Every man for his self is the only rule you need to know, and get good insurance.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Chuck it's that initial getting on and keeping the balance thing for me. I pedal a push bike no problem but the weight of a scooter/ m/c is different. Just a question of confidence and getting this old grey matter to remember what to do 555
Henrik *****
Forget about the word scooter, it confuses a lot of prople.
In Thailand it is all motorcycles, and for that a motorcycle drivers license is needed, also for insurance purposes.
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Henrik *****
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Chuck *********
Same boat as you. It has been about 35 years for me also. I would take bike out at 6am in Pattaya to get practice. Now Living in Nong Bua Lamphu, not much traffic so easier for this old fart to get around. Wife still refuses to ride with me though π
Simon *******
It's not unusual to see a motorbike coming at you on the wrong side of the road sometimes it could be a car or pickup
I live in Wongamat, about 1km north of the dolphin fountain (Naklua Soi 16, Soi 18). Here you can rent motorcycles like everywhere else but it's not as busy. You could rent a motorcycle here and practice driving around the roads near by. Thai people are too polite to laugh at you in front of you, and anybody else is a tourist so screw them :)
agree Honda will give you what you want. Practice riding in a safe environment, the opportunity to get back on a bike and the potential to get your license as part of the 3 or so day courseβ¦.and itβs a lot of fun too.
If you don't have a motorcycle license/endorsement from your home country just remember that if you get in any accident your insurance will not cover you.
driving a motorbike instead of a car is the way to go getting around town, but unlike your car, it will give you a new understanding of what "close" means in Thailand. The best way to describe it is "I didn't hit you did I?"...lolol. Took me a lot of years to get used to that, and I still haven't fully adapted.
just had 4 monthes riding a bike in phuket. Not a pleasant experience to be honest , but due to traffic being horrendous. I really did not want sit in the long traffic queueβs. I am 67. Been riding a bike since 16 years old.
Its a crazy place. You need to be so so aware of whats around you. Esp the bikes under taking you on the inside. You need to constantly be using mirrors. Get yourself a good helmet. And check your travel insurance. As most only covers up to 125cc. Makesure you have international drivers license. And makesure its stamped up. I got stopped few times in road blocks. The police specifically check for this. Best of luck. Ride safe!π
thanks for the tips, I probably shouldn't be riding again at my age and I'm happy using taxis etc but I just want to get around a bit more and explore. If you think the Thai's are bad wait till I get amongst them ππ
Honda Safety Riding School courses is where you get good training and lots of experience on a safe, closed course with lots of soft traffic cones simulating different environments you are likely to encounter on the road.
Itβs not expensive either.
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Brook ********
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Vinny **************
They drive or ride same side as uk
But they disregard any rule and do as they seem fit .
on and off. Hard to predict. Sometimes it only rains in part of Bangkok and the rest is dry. Hit and miss π but I feel safer driving here (and in the rain) than in Europe or the U.S. Maybe it is just my imagination but I feel drivers are more polite and respectful here, in particular towards scooters and motorcycles.