Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat)

Picture swapping the tour bus for open air: the road climbing through Khao Yai's forested hills, mist still hanging over the valley, and no itinerary but the one you set yourself. Nakhon Ratchasima — known to almost everyone simply as Korat — is the gateway to Thailand's northeast, and the best way to see it is with your own set of wheels. One morning you're wandering the Khmer ruins of Phimai Historical Park, and by afternoon you're winding along Route 2090 with the jungle closing in on both sides.

Korat's real attractions rarely sit inside the city itself. Phimai is a good hour northeast, Khao Yai National Park sprawls out to the south and west, and the reservoirs, vineyards and viewpoints in between are strung along wide, well-surfaced rural highways with none of the gridlock you'd fight in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. A motorcycle rental in Korat lets you chain all of it into one loop, stopping wherever the view demands it, instead of being boxed into a tour bus schedule.

Top 10 things to see in Korat by motorcycle

1. Phimai Historical Park — a Khmer-era stone temple complex about 60km northeast of the city, among the finest Angkor-style ruins outside Cambodia.
2. Khao Yai National Park — UNESCO-listed rainforest with waterfalls like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat, and the classic ride out of Korat.
3. Thanarat Road (Route 2090) — the twisting approach into Khao Yai, loved by riders for its curves and forest views.
4. Pha Diao Dai Viewpoint — a cliff-edge lookout inside Khao Yai with sweeping views over the plains below.
5. Mu Si Reservoir (Lam Takhong) — a lakeside loop near the park, with sunflower fields and vineyards close by.
6. PB Valley Khao Yai Winery — Thailand's best-known vineyard, rolling across the hills, and a favourite coffee stop.
7. Wat Salaloi (Prang Ku) — a historic Khmer prang right in Korat city, an easy first stop before heading further out.
8. Khorat Fossil Museum — dinosaur and fossil finds unique to the region, an easy country-road detour.
9. Sai Ngam Banyan Tree Forest — a striking cluster of giant intertwined banyans near the Buriram border, a favourite rest stop on longer loops.
10. Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram — a giant hilltop Buddha near Pak Chong, visible for miles and a popular photo stop on the way to Khao Yai.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Korat?

You'll need a motorcycle-category licence — either a Thai licence or your home licence backed by an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle entitlement. Some shops won't ask to see it, but police checkpoints do, and insurance is void without one. Most rentals set a minimum age around 18, and you should expect to leave a deposit; we'd suggest offering cash or a photocopy of your passport rather than the original.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Korat?

A standard automatic or manual motorbike runs around 900 THB per day in low season and 1,300–1,600 THB in high season. If you want something bigger or brand new, premium scooters and bikes over 300cc go for 2,500–3,500+ THB per day.

• November to February is the priciest stretch, driven by cool, dry weather and peak domestic tourism around Khao Yai.
• April to June and September to October are your best bet for lower rates, in the hot and rainy-season lulls.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Korat?

High season runs November through February, when skies are clearest and Khao Yai is busiest — book a few days ahead if you're arriving then. Low season stretches May to October, quieter and cheaper, though afternoon monsoon showers are common from around June. Either way, once you decide to rent a motorcycle in Korat, our search form at the top of the page will show what's available for your dates.

Local traffic rules in Korat

Thailand drives on the left, so keep to the left and overtake on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger, and checkpoints do issue on-the-spot fines for skipping one. Speed limits sit around 60 km/h in town and up to 90 km/h on the rural highways connecting Korat to Khao Yai and Phimai. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, and roadside breath tests are routine, especially around holidays — so it's best to ride clear-headed and enjoy the scenery instead.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!