After searching online regarding renting a motorbike in Phuket and finding very little information on the subject, we decided to write a complete guide to Phuket motorbike rentals and hopefully answer all the questions you may have.

With out a doubt, the best part of renting a motorbike or scooter on phuket is you can get to see a lot more of the island, freely and whenever you like.

As holiday rental agents this is one of the extra services we get asked to help with. Which is why we now arrange and organise bike hire for all of our guests that book their holiday through Alexanders.

Driving Licence

A valid International Driving License is compulsory for all tourists driving any motor vehicle in Thailand. When renting a motorbike only your passport will be requested, this is to prove identity and to stop theft/damage and is usually retained until you return the motorbike. As most people don’t feel comfortable doing this, some rental companies will allow a copy of your passport.

Rental Contract

As with any contract, always read carefully and make sure you understand it fully before you sign. Some things to be aware of are that under Thai law the driver, not the owner, is fully responsible for the condition of the motorbike. This includes the price of replacing the motorbike in the event of theft or any damages caused during the hire period.

Before renting a motorbike always check the condition it’s in and note with the hire company any body damage and mechanical damage; brakes, tyres etc.

Insurance

Before you rent a bike with any hire company, make sure to check what insurance is actually being provided. All motorbikes by Thai law must have basic insurance. (this is VERY basic!) The insurance will NOT cover any damage to the motorbike, to your self, hospital costs to the third party, loss of earning to either party or theft.

What this basic insurance will cover is minimal hospital costs for the driver and passengers of your vehicle only. We recommend to anyone thinking of hiring a motorbike to have some type of personal holiday insurance to pay for most or all medical/hospital costs.

If the accident was your fault, you will have to pay for both vehicles to be repaired and any hospital costs. This is obviously vice versa if the accident was the other vehicles fault. Also be aware that Thai nationals will almost always try and claim some compensation payment for loss of earnings.

Thai Law

To rent a motorbike the driver must hold a valid International Driving License.

All motorbikes must also have a valid road tax disk, valid insurance and a number plate (all affixed to the motorbike).

Despite many people not wearing helmets on Phuket, this is breaking the law. ALL riders on a motorbike (including the passenger) must wear a helmet at all times. When renting a motorbike make sure you are given 2 helmets per bike. If stopped by a police officer and you are not wearing a crash helmet, you will be given a 300 baht (US $10) fine.

Oh and don’t forget in Thailand we drive on the LEFT side of the road.

Things to be aware of.

If you are an inexperienced rider our advice would be to opt for the safety of a hire car, taxi or tuk tuk. Thai’s show an extreme disregard for traffic laws, regularly leading to unexpected and dangerous maneuvers on the roads.

If you are an experienced driver, you will very quickly notice how poor the standard of driving is in Thailand. The best advice we can give you is to always expect the unexpected (driving on the wrong side of the road, undertaking you when you are indicating to turn left etc).

Hopefully this post hasn’t put anyone off renting a motorbike in Phuket, as the positives far outweigh the negatives. Just remember to always drive within your abilities, never drive drunk, explore as much of the island as you can and enjoy everything Phuket has to offer.

Below is a handy list of useful phone numbers you may need during your stay in Phuket.

This is the same list we provide all of our rental guests and owners with. If you would like to download this list to print, you can do so with the link here: Useful Phuket Phone Numbers

OK, so maybe not the moment we’ve all been waiting for but we think it’s good news for Phuket holiday makers and residents working in the tourism industry.

Spotted in Kamala today was the Google street view car. For those of you who are not familiar with Google’s street view, when using Google maps (for example this Phuket villa rental page), there will be a street view option which shows a interactive, panoramic view from the road at certain locations. Obviously not all locations are covered as extensively as others.

Why do we think this is good news for holiday makers? Imagine someone is considering booking a Phuket holiday rental and searches the address or area on Google or Google maps, instead of being limited to the pictures provided by an agent or owner, they can know see for themselves an unbiased view of the surrounding area and choose whether its right for them or not.

The more curious can also take visual tours of areas of Phuket or Beaches they would like to visit during there stay.

The street view cars are currently driving in Phuket and Chiang Mai. For more information on Google Street View: www.google.com/streetview

The miniature golf course is perfectly suited for families or groups to enjoy most of the day and night. The opening hours are 11am – 11pm. The price for adults is 280THB and 200THB for children upto 12 years old.

The restaurant and bar which opens at 2pm offers a large International and Thai Menu. Dishes include salads, pizzas, pastas, burgers, popular Thai food and a small kids menu.

Phuket Adventure Golf also offers event hosting and number of different packages, ranging from Childrens parties to medal and trophy packages.

For more info and pictures of the course, visit there website: www.phuketadventuregolf.com

1. Surin Beach – One of my favourite beaches on the island.

Image source: MarkLeo

2. Kata Beach – A great sunset shot of Kata beach

Image source: mst7022

3. James Bond Island – Not exactly on Phuket but close enough.

Image source: Jo@net

4. Phromthep Cape (Laem Phromthep) – On the southwestern corner of Phuket, offers spectacular views.

Image source: edwin.11

5. Karon Beach – A beautiful view just after sunset.

Image source: superUbO

6. Kamala Beach – Jumping from the rocks at the north end of Kamala Beach.

Image source: *sean

7. Surin Beach – Another picture from Surin Beach.

Image source: jeeheon

Many people have become used to booking hotel accommodation as they are unaware of the range and quality of rentals that are available to them. This being one of the reasons why holiday rentals have acquired so many myths.

Don’t let these misconceptions stop you from enjoying an affordable and memorable holiday rental in Phuket.

Myth #1. Phuket holiday rentals are expensive.

Truth: When it comes to holiday accommodation nothing compares in price to a holiday rental. The average nightly rate of one hotel room is comparable to that of a large, multiple bedroom apartment or villa rental. Its quite clear that for a family or larger group visiting Phuket, this will certainly work out much cheaper than staying in multiple hotel rooms. Take it one step further and look at the privacy and independence offered and there really is only one obvious choice.

Myth #2. Phuket holiday rentals aren’t well maintained.

Truth: Obviously we cannot speak for all holiday rentals in Phuket but we can for our own. We are first and foremost a property management company, we over see all of the day to day maintenance issue that occur in the properties that you will find on this website. And we do this to the highest of standards.

During your stay with us we are on call 24/7 to deal with any issues that may arise. We also offer a daily maid/cleaning service at no extra cost.  So if you prefer to leave the housework at home, then holiday rentals can also be a great option.

Myth #3. Phuket holiday rentals are too far from attractions

Truth: This one couldn’t be further from the truth. Where there’s a hotel, there is always a holiday rental. One example would be this Kamala Apartment which is located among many hotels and is only 100 meters from the beach! You will also find many holiday rentals in more out of the way and isolated parts of Phuket where you won’t find a single hotel.

Myth #4. Phuket holiday rentals are hard and unsafe to book

Truth: Thanks to the internet it’s now not only incredibly easy to find your perfect rental but it’s also easy to safely book your accommodation online. To inquire about the availability of a property, simply complete the form on the properties page and our reservations manager will reply the same day with confirmation of availability or with alternative available dates and properties.

Myth #5. Phuket holiday rentals don’t offer the same facilities as a hotel

Truth: If you enjoy amenities like a private swimming pool, fully equipped kitchen, separate bedrooms for each guest,  Satellite TV, Wi-Fi and much more all included in the rental rate, then we will guarantee you will enjoy a Phuket holiday rental so much more than a hotel.

As for facilities, the majority of listed properties on our website are located in secure developments and complex’s and offer such facilities as communal swimming pools, shuttle bus service, restaurants, bars, gyms, saunas, tennis courts and even squash courts!

To subscribe to our page, you can click the like button in the right sidebar or you can visit the page directly here: facebook.com/AlexandersProperty

We have also added like buttons to all property pages, this will share the properties you like with your friends.

Registered travel agents can expect to receive 10% commission on holiday rentals (under 90 day) and 5% for long term bookings (over 90 days). All enquiries are replied to within 6 – 12 hours, agents will also receive a quarterly newsletter update with newly added properties and special offers.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a partner or to register your travel agency with Alexanders Property, simply fill in the form on our partners page or call us on +66 (0) 817 005 451.

Below are just 3 of the ways hiring a property management company can save you time and money.

1. Maximize your rental income.

As property managers we know what similar properties in your area are renting for and we also have an experienced understanding of what tenants are willing to pay. This allows us to advise you on what rental rates to charge that will maximize the return on your investment whilst minimizing the vacancy of your property.

2. Maintenance and repairs.

At Alexanders we see the maintenance of your property as one of our primary roles. From organizing and overseeing everyday maintenance issues to the urgent situations that need immediate attention. We perform weekly property inspections which we feel are vitally important for detecting problems early.

We have forged strong relationships with local trade’s people and by offering them steady and repeat business, we can save you the property owner money and time.

3. Minimize vacancies.

Hiring Alexanders as your property management company will also help in minimizing vacancies in your rental property, by keeping it rented with quality tenants, whether you choose to rent long term or for holiday rentals.

As experienced property managers, we know the local rental market and provide advertising services through our various networks and marketing channels. And to save you even more money, we don’t charge you a listing or advertising fee.

Well we’re finally moving into our new office in Phuket.

We have almost completed all of the work that needed to be done to the building, now just the furnishing and having all the signs made.

Stay tuned for more pictures.