Sarah

I have been researching Thailand - and there are so many places I want to see. Has anyone rented a car in southern Thailand?

Margo

Local bus and train services plus the availability 'everywhere' to hire a car and driver make renting not only not necessary but altogether a better option. You must appreciate that in the event of an accident it is not just an 'insurance issue', you could find yourselves in somewhat 'unpleasant' situations.

jeepy

How does one go about hiring a driver? We would like to drive around in the north. Any recommendations?<BR>

Kathie

I've arranged for a car and driver at many locations around SE Asia. I always ask my hotel for recommendations, and I've always been very pleased.

Tangata

You might want to check out http://www.asiatradingonline.com/thepub.htm they will rent you a car with an English speaking driver/guide for about 1200 Baht a day plus petrol and accommodation if it is an overnight trip.

John

Go to the bus station in any town and ask around for a driver. You can find a Thai willing to drive you anywhere in Thailand. Try not to have to pay too many finder's fees to touts for finding you a driver as you want most of the money to go to the driver. You should be able to get some good trips. Three of us travelled from Surat Thani to Krabi for $25. We would have had to have waited all night for a bus which would have taken ages so I think for a quick coat to coast taxi ride this is not too bad when divided by three.<BR><BR>Beware of Thai driving though - they do not drive like they do in the US.

orgy7

as an expat said if your driving and you get into an accident which is not your fault the thais will consider it your fault. the logic is if you were not in thailand both would never hvee crashed.. <BR><BR>-another negative for renting a car. you may be stoped by the police (especially if your a farang) and will be asked for kickbacks..<BR><BR>

Margo

There is a very disturbing post on another forum ( for those who get are alone of other planets! ). Someone rented a vehicle and had to pay out over 1,000 dollars plus hassles with authorities etc. Don't do it. Shame on the major rental companies that they never ever say a word to renters about it, nor do they ever tell anyone that you simply MUST have an international Driving permit.