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#1
07-06-2007, 01:16
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hello
Hi everyone,
First timer to Thailand, 25 years old from ireland. Came across this forum and after reading some of the stuff decided it was time to investigate for myself. Convinced two mates to come along also, well didn’t really take much convincing! So staying in BBK for 2 nights and then down to Patong for 12 days. We are interested in renting out a motorbike to go around the island. Just to do stuff for the daytime besides lying on the beach or by the pool for the whole time. We all have full car licences but none of us have any experience with motorbikes so im wondering 1) Is this a really bad idea?!? One of us being killed/mangled would probably put a bit of a damper on the holiday. Did a search of the forum for motorbike stuff and it sounds a bit crazy! Obviously because we have no experience with bikes we would be taking it pretty easy/being careful but am I just being a bit optimistic. 2) Does anyone have any suggestions on any cool places to go see around the island if we did do this? Thanks! 
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#2
07-06-2007, 01:24
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Hi noway,
Welcome to the forum  Have a look at the driving in Patong before you decide to hire bikes  Although they drive the same side as us (on the left), the things you see are crazy. If you do decide to hire a bike, be aware you won't be insured , if you have an accident, you will be blamed if its a thai involved. Be prepared for the unexpected, drivers turning across you, no signals, as many as 6 on one bike If you are into beaches, Surin, and Laem Sing to the north, and Kata Noi, Karon and Nai Harn to the south of Patong are all worth a look. Patong beach is poor by comparison. Also worth a visit, Phuket Fantasea in Kamala, elephant trekking, cobra show and snake farm, and the view at Cape Promthrep (sp  )Whatever you decide, have a great trip. For a first timer, thats guaranteed
__________________
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my Granddad Not screaming in fear like his passengers
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#3
07-06-2007, 01:38
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Quote:
It probably would put a damper on your holiday when you think about it... I wouldn't recommend learning to drive scooters/motorbikes in Thailand... That said they do drive on the left hand side (as Dawsey says.)and I have seen countries with worse driving... It's the no experience with bikes and other variables i.e. Alcohol etc. that make me say this... Have a gander at: http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/ac...-scooters.html Welcome to the board and have a good trip....  Last edited by Pad Mc : 07-06-2007 at 03:05.
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#4
07-06-2007, 01:47
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Noway...Welcome to the boards. So when are you heading out to LOS? Lots of info contained throughout the forums to help you out a great deal on your first trip. So just read a lot. Motorbike...If your not an experienced seasoned rider then no I wouldn't recommend you do it. I'm very comfortable on a bike in Patong but have been riding for 30 years. And yea...a little sense of humour..."being killed or mangled in a accident would indeed but a damper on your holiday...5555555
__________________
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
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#5
07-06-2007, 02:00
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To add to Dawsey's post:
Also during the day consider shooting, golf and paintball(Not sure if its still run!) but dont do the snake farm +cobra show, as its a very cruel show and they have respect for the snakes. Although can be interesting if you have no experience of snakes! If you have no experience of bikes, i would be double careful using the bikes at night, and try not to at all. Alot easier getting a tut-tut if your hotel is far away from where you are drinking.
__________________
"WILL WORK FOR BEER AND BG'S"
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#6
07-06-2007, 03:40
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Quote:
those places sound good, thanks dawsey
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#7
07-06-2007, 03:57
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Thanks for the replies guys, Spector - we are heading out on the 21st July Pad Mc - I don’t think we will go drinking while driving around the island, It’s just to get out for the day, sishow - we haven’t managed to book a hotel in patong yet but i doubt we will be staying too far from the "entertainment" so wont be driving at night either. no doubt we'll meet some of you guys in MTB, time to go browse the hotel section now, i won’t bother you guys with suggestions as im sure somebody’s already asked in here!!
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#8
07-06-2007, 04:52
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Yeah well you could give it a go. There's not much to driving scooters/mopeds. Just make sure you check out the lay of the land as it were and do a few short spins first... Research it well first though. Scooters are called Motorbikes in Thailand... I take it when you say motorbike you don't mean racing style or Harley or something similar, you just mean a wee scooter to hire? Sorry I hope I'm not confusing you! Last edited by Pad Mc : 07-06-2007 at 04:58.
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#9
07-06-2007, 06:00
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heading out the 21st july also bangkok, pattaya and patong. heading back 5 august my fourth time... might see ya round, G.
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ONE WAY TICKET TO BANGKOK, SIE VOU PLE!
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#11
07-06-2007, 13:31
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Welcome on the board. Enjoy yourself, but take it easy with the motorbikes. There are some pretty crazy riders and a lot of them think that their nickname is Valentino Rossi...
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 Operation SnowGirl will continue 
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#12
07-06-2007, 17:12
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God no, we might manage scooters, there's not a hope of getting us on real motorbikes!.
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#13
07-06-2007, 17:17
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im sure youl spot us, look out for 3 pale paddies on scooters travelling at 5 miles an hour and looking very nervous!!!
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#14
07-06-2007, 18:02
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Hi and welcome to the Board.... Have a great time, but take some of the advice that has already been said about bikes. If you are not experienced then i would not chance it, and you'll see why on the trip from the airport to Patong... Saw some crazy driving on the way down.
Have a good trip and take some time to do some reading on here, lots of great advice about stuff to do and places to visit. Look forward to reading your trip report when you get back.
__________________
Life is like a box of chocolates..... you go to Thailand and get greedy 
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#15
07-06-2007, 18:42
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Hi Noway
Welcome to the forum. I would not recommend motor bikes at all unless you have a death wish, especially at this time of the year. It is monsoon season and it gets very wet and the roads can be very slippy. I hired a car there recently and it was great. I hired through Auto Europe. I got a brand new toyota from Avis (dont hire from a local company). It cost €120 for a week. I did about 500 kms during the week and the petrol cos me 650 baht (€13) If you need the web address for the car hire company let me know. By the way it is very hilly around patong but great fun. Have a great time and will look forward to reading your report. What do you want to do while you are in BKK. if you need advice please ask Cheers
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Hire a tuk tuk, it's cheap enough when sharing.|
#17
08-06-2007, 02:31
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thanks cybernator, ill post a trip report all right wen we get back
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#18
08-06-2007, 02:43
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Hi shanghai Yes please could you send me the web address for the car hire company, the only plan we have for bkk is plan for day 1 2:00pm - arrive at hotel in bkk 2.01pm - arrive at the nearest soapy massage place ......... 6pm - food and sleep 9pm - hit nana plaza!! plan for day 2 see day 1 from 2:01pm
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#19
13-06-2007, 11:50
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im sure youl spot us, look out for 3 pale paddies on scooters travelling at 5 miles an hour and looking very nervous!!![/quote]
555555555 only advice i can give you mate is that you also need eyes at the back of your head.before you make a turn make sure you look left right then left right again repeat that procedure about 7 times then make a full throttle turn with your eyes closed hopin nothing flies past knocking you off...  just kidding mate just be very aware of the traffic like mentioned pretty much no rules on the roads... goodluck!!
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#20
13-06-2007, 12:25
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hi noway, welcome to the board!
if you`re hanging on your life you should go by tuk tuk or taxi than by motorbike...  just organize a taxi driver (such a minibus or something) and tell him that you want to drive around a bit for a day! they are not really expensive, but it is much more saver than driving yourself around there! but: it is up to you 55555
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#21
13-06-2007, 19:01
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hi Noway
The car hire web site is Auto Europe Discount Car Rentals, Airfare, and Hotels If you have any problems come back to me. I have another couple of addresses as well. What dates are you in BKK?
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#22
19-06-2007, 22:13
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Thx shanghai We'll be in bkk for only 2 days, 21st and 22nd july.
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