How to Secure Private Car Rental in Bangkok

First-time visitors to Bangkok are frequently surprised by its size. With a metro area population exceeding fourteen million people, it is the largest city in Southeast Asia. With a city of this size, finding your way around with taxis or public transport can be time-consuming. 

For maximum flexibility, most people staying for longer than a couple of days should consider a private car rental in Bangkok. Booking a rental car is straightforward, but we have a few tips that can help make it easier. 

Understanding Your Needs

The first thing travellers must do is determine their travel dates and their pick-up and drop-off points. Drive Car Rental offers four convenient locations, including Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports. For those planning on arriving in Bangkok and departing through another city, Drive Car Rental also offers clients the option to pick up at one location and drop off at any other location. Our many locations throughout Thailand make us one of the most convenient rental agencies in the country. 

Next, it’s time to choose your vehicle type. Those travelling alone or in a group of two to four can select a compact car that is perfect for navigating narrow streets in Bangkok or the flat terrain that surrounds the city. Visitors planning on adventuring into the mountainous areas should consider a larger car or SUV that has the power necessary for mountain roads. No need to worry about road quality–Thailand has excellent infrastructure and most roads are paved and smooth. 

Lastly, consider add-ons, such as car seats for children or GPS units. Travellers from Canada and America often find out that their smartphones are sim-locked to the carrier back home and won’t accept a local sim card for internet data. No sim card means the phone’s map functions won’t be able to find efficient routes. GPS navigation can be a significant time-saver when navigating Bangkok’s one-way streets. 

Ensuring a Smooth Rental Experience

Thailand has a tourism high season and low season. The months of November through April are the high season, and car rental in Thailand during those months can be a challenge. Visitors are advised to book a rental car as far out as possible. This will help secure the car you want, rather than leaving you with whatever is available. 

Travellers who visit Thailand during the rainy season from May to October are also advised to book earlier. This can help you take advantage of early booking discounts and ensure you receive your desired vehicle. 

Those visiting during this time might be concerned about inclement weather, but in reality, it rarely rains all day. Short morning and afternoon showers are common, and the middle of the day is often overcast, helping keep temperatures reasonable. In fact, some argue that this is the best time to visit Thailand, as the jungles and rice fields turn stunning shades of green, and cool mornings and evenings await. 

Finally, insurance is highly recommended for any would-be renter. Travel insurance plans and free insurance available via credit card perks often come with a litany of fine print that excludes coverage in many circumstances. Purchasing insurance means not having to worry about costs, should something happen. 

Making the Most of Your Rental

One of the best reasons to rent a car in Bangkok is the flexibility to visit destinations outside the city. The ancient temples of Ayutthaya and Khao Yai are just two examples of spectacular sights that await those who venture outside of Bangkok’s concrete canyons. Finding your way to these destinations by yourself often involves hiring a private car with a driver that can easily cost double what a rental would. 

For those staying in town, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho are two fantastic sights that aren’t to be missed. They are located on the Chao Phraya River with a convenient ferry terminal nearby to cross the river. The ferry terminal enables you to visit the awe-inspiring Wat Arun or take a river cruise to experience a side of Thailand that few will ever see. At Drive Car Rental, we’re committed to providing the best service in Thailand. All of our vehicles are newer, fuel-efficient, and reliable, and we’ve recently begun offering electric car rentals. Visit our site today and find out how you can drive an electric vehicle in Bangkok!