Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Surat Thani

Surat Thani rarely gets the postcard treatment its neighbouring islands do, and that's exactly what makes it worth exploring on two wheels. Picture riding along the Tapi River at dusk, the water catching the last light before you turn inland toward Chaiya's old shophouses, or following a quiet limestone road toward Khao Sok, where jungle-covered karsts rise straight out of the mist. A scooter lets you set your own pace through all of it, stopping wherever the view demands.

The city itself is stretched thin along the river, and its best sights — temples, the pier, the floating market — sit far enough apart that walking gets old fast. A car feels like overkill on roads that are mostly flat, lightly trafficked once you're past downtown, and easy to navigate. That's where a scooter earns its keep: light enough for narrow lanes, quick enough to cover the 20–60 km stretches out to Chaiya or the coast, and cheap enough that **scooter rental in Surat Thani** makes more sense than a taxi for every trip.

Top 10 things to see in Surat Thani by scooter

1. Khao Sok National Park — limestone karst roads winding into one of Thailand's oldest rainforests.
2. Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam) — a dramatic reservoir ringed by cliffs, with a scenic ride out to the dam viewpoint.
3. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya — one of southern Thailand's most significant Srivijaya-era temples.
4. Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram (Suan Mokkh) — a forest monastery known for meditation retreats and quiet, shaded roads.
5. Kaeng Krung National Park — waterfalls and hot springs along a quieter jungle route.
6. Don Sak Pier — a coastal ride to the ferry terminal for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, with sea views the whole way.
7. Chaiya Old Town — a historic riverside town of old shophouses and archaeological sites.
8. Tha Chana coastal road — a quiet seaside stretch along the Gulf of Thailand.
9. Bang Bai Mai Floating Market — a canal-side weekend market and an easy local ride.
10. Surat Thani riverside promenade — an easy evening loop along the Tapi River through the city centre.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Surat Thani?

You'll need a motorcycle-category licence — either a Thai licence, or your home licence paired with an International Driving Permit that carries a motorcycle entitlement. Some shops rent without checking, but police checkpoints do, and your insurance is void without it. Most rental shops set a minimum age of 18. A deposit is standard practice; it's worth asking to leave cash or a passport photocopy rather than handing over your actual passport.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Surat Thani?

A standard automatic scooter runs around 900 THB per day in low season, rising to roughly 1,200–1,500 THB during high season. Bigger bikes (300cc and up) or manual models typically cost 1,000–2,500 THB per day depending on engine size.

• Prices climb in December and January, the busiest months for both Thai and European travellers.
• May through October, the rainy season, is the cheapest and quietest stretch to book.

When to book a rental scooter in Surat Thani?

High season runs November through February, when dry weather and steady demand push prices up — book a few days ahead if you're arriving over the New Year. Low season spans May to October; rain showers are more frequent, but roads are emptier and rates drop noticeably, so if flexibility matters more than sunshine, this is when to go.

Local traffic rules in Surat Thani

Thailand drives on the left, so keep to the left lane and overtake on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger and are enforced with on-the-spot fines. Speed limits sit around 60 km/h in town and up to 90 km/h on rural highways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, tightened to 0.02% for riders under 20, and roadside checks are common, especially around holidays. Keep your licence, IDP and rental papers on you at all times — checkpoints do turn up outside the city, particularly on routes toward Khao Sok and the ferry piers.

Ready to explore Surat Thani at your own pace? Just use the search form at the top of the page to find a scooter that suits your trip. Have a nice trip!

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!