Phuket Thailand - Motorcycle rental + touring and leaving LOS on them..

Lightemup · #1 12-01-2008, 21:14

Ok, I have had this idea in my head for a while, that I want to take a drive around Thailand on a motorcycle and maybe extend this into Laos, Cambodia and possibly Vietnam. Feck, maybe do an extended asia tour. Duration, possibly 1 month plus.

Does anyone know if its possible to take a rental bike into those countries?

What kind of insurances one need for it?

And where to rent a bike for the trip?
Preferably a BMW F650GS, as I have a lot of time on that bike.

Also is it possible to do visa on arrival at the land borders of Laos and Vietnam or do they need to be applied before hand and whats the approximate wait time for one?

Hoping to pull it off before rainy season starts

LivinLOS · #2 12-01-2008, 22:13

Taking a bike thats not your own out of the country is not so simple.. The bike probably needs to get a tabien rot (vehicle passport) or at least cars do anyway.. And you will need statements from the owner, ID copies, etc etc..

I doubt your going to find a regular rental agency ok with that, but I also guess you may find a specialist.. Also its non trivial getting into and out of Vietnam I hear but much easier with bikes than cars.

The GT Rider forum is exactly this stuff.. Off road and bike tours for Laos Thailand Cambo and Vietnam.. If you dont get an answer there I know a specialist 4x4 agenecy that customs clears and rents 4x4's from Laos through to Tibet that I discussed some stuff about China car clearances, they might have contacts.

Let me know what you find out as I would like to do the same for Cambo and vietnam..

Pad Mc · #3 12-01-2008, 22:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lightemup

Also is it possible to do visa on arrival at the land borders of Laos and Vietnam or do they need to be applied before hand and whats the approximate wait time for one?

Cambodia and Laos do 30 day tourist visas on arrival... Vietnam you have to apply beforehand. There are some Scandinavians that get a waiver for Vietnam (Denmark is one country according to MrDK)... Its very easy to get a Viet Visa in Cambodia, any hotel, guesthouse or tour operator can organize one, costs about $30 for a 30 day... You could also get a Viet visa in BKK...

You also have the option of hiring bikes in different places as you go along. Cambodia and Vietnam are great places for Biking. Less stressful driving than LOS IMO

Lightemup · #4 14-01-2008, 23:36

LIL

Thanks for the GT link, however, cant access the forum, registration is turned off currently. but the website seems useful though.

nelsonone · #5 15-01-2008, 09:46

would be better to buy the right bike and sell it on return Keld....I tried to take a hire bike out a few years ago and was told a firm NO!....also couldn't even hire one to leave at the laos border...was just impossible

Lightemup · #6 15-01-2008, 12:44

Yeah, I got a question into BMW Thailand asking for a price right now.
According to the GT website It can be done with rental bikes, but you need the right documentation. Like the owners full information, id and address, permission and such, but buying would be easier it seems.

But then I cant buy, as I dont have a non-immigrant visa or a workpermit...

LivinLOS · #7 15-01-2008, 17:01

I took a mates bike to Malaysia.. I checked it out and had to have ID, bike docs, and a letter from him giving permission.. Then at the border no one asked a damn thing and I just sailed through..

LivinLOS · #8 15-01-2008, 17:06

Forgot to say.. I have bought bikes and cars while on 30 days stamps and tourist visa's... I dont know if that was bending rules, only phuket or normal ??

I thought it was just the license you needed the non imm for ??

MajorTom · #9 15-01-2008, 18:16

I have bought bikes on tourist visas. Not tried on 30 day stamps though.
Also know guys that got driving licenses on tourist visas. Simbo did a thread about the procedure/requirements a while ago.

LivinLOS · #10 15-01-2008, 18:53

I think they wont issue one currently in Phuket town on a visa thats not non imm / long stay.. Certainly thats what they told me.

The Loop · #11 15-01-2008, 19:39

I am pretty sure a tourist visa is the minimum requirement to purchase a vehicle at the moment.

Lightemup · #12 16-01-2008, 00:10

Bummer, have to be a little creative then when I get back, as I probably will end up buying a new BMW F650 GS, and will do a much longer trip than what is written up in the opening post.

LivinLOS · #13 16-01-2008, 10:50

If you want a F650.. Let me know what you paying.. I knew of a couple sold recently in top top nick.. May know for one now..

Also knew someone who got 10 or so brand new but bent unregistered ones in a year or two back. Sorted books for them and they were fire sale prices.

Lightemup · #14 16-01-2008, 13:10

LIL, PM sent

bodimila · #15 24-01-2008, 13:43

Hey LU I am going to be in LOS Jan 27th - Feb 23 doing same type of trip. I have a Nighthawk 750 CB (old Faithful) rented in Chang Mai through David at GT forum. They get a better rate but then charge $20 for setting it up for you. They have been pretty helpful so the $20 seems like a no brainer. Then I will hit up Pattaya before I head down to Phuket and rent from James at DMT. I have left info below. I have no affiliation or have even rented from these guys but it looks like a pretty good set up. They rent either F650s or R1200 GS's with bags. I have a R1200 GS that I tour around Colorado and beyond but I think a F650 is a better bike in Thailand. Especially if your in the city at all or back roads. Also Check out ADVrider.com if your not already familiar or even a reg contributer. Ride with the rubber side down and I hope to buy you a drink on the road.

Best Regards, Bodi

James
discovery moto tours

Luxury Guided Adventures

88/7 Moo 8, Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Phuket

Tel: +44(0)8700 726 739 Fax: +44 (0)1242 211 505

Email: info@discoverymototours.com

Web: Welcome to Discovery Moto Tours 2007-8 Tour Guide

Mobile : +66(0)81 892 2781

Mobile: +44(0)7866 588 395

Skype: Jamesshayler

Email: james@discoverymototours.com

LivinLOS · #16 24-01-2008, 13:49

BTW forgot to report..

Silver F650 of my mate.. Spotted mangled round a tree in somones front garden.. Mate was found in a room in BKK hospital..

Usual story..

bodimila · #17 24-01-2008, 14:03

I just my opinion but I would pass up buying a F650 back in the states and just find a used R1200 GS. I have ridden both. I own an R12GS. If you are going to do any adventure touring it just can't be beat. It is nice to be able to pass cars at full speed going up hills with a full load. That actually keeps the riding safer since you spend less time on the wrong side of the yellow line. Not that you would ever cross a yellow line to pass a car

Of course if your a single track tech guy then Maybe the F650 is a good choice. But who wants to do single track with that big of a bike anyway? Just my humble opinion. Check out ADVrider.com of you haven't already, it is PACKED full of touring info.
Bodi

LivinLOS · #18 26-01-2008, 17:31

Phuket Gazette - online English newspaper for Phuket, Thailand, with daily news, classified ads, yellow pages, business listings, upcoming events, event calendar, phuket events

Still seems like a lot of money to me..

Lightemup · #19 31-01-2008, 13:36

Well, I kinda bought a bike up in Chang Mai, that I need to go and pick sometime in Feb. from a guy on GT-Rider.

F650GS 2002, 9200 km's, lots of accessories he asked 420.000, Im figuring 400.000 will get it for me.
Green book etc. Will have to see how to get it registered.

Same type of bike I used in the army, so I know how to take it apart etc.

ADVrider.com is a good site, lots of good stuff. Im on it, same handle as here.

There are good deals right now on GT-Rider on 1150 GS's around the 400.000 mark.