Renting a Car in Bangkok

Renting a car in Bangkok can save tourists both time and money. It allows visitors to explore Bangkok and its surroundings at their own pace. Compared to crowded public transit or haggling with taxi drivers, a rental car offers far more convenience. 

Those looking for a car rental in Thailand can depend on Drive Car Rental to provide first-class vehicles and service. In this post, we’ll explore how to make the most of a rental car in Bangkok. 

Avoid the Traffic

Bangkok’s traffic is as legendary as its nightlife scene. The morning rush hour from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and the evening rush hour from 4:30 to 6:30 PM can see very heavy traffic. However, even during these hours, much of the traffic can be avoided by using express tollways–just be sure to have plenty of small bills to pay at the toll booths. 

For only a couple of pounds, visitors can zip from one side of the city to the other, even during rush hour. Once you’re on the side of town where your destination is, avoid the main thoroughfares and stick to the side streets. Be aware, though–many streets in Bangkok are one-way. 

The best way to navigate side streets is by choosing an in-car GPS navigator as an option when booking a rental car. It will help you make sure you don’t find yourself stuck in one-way alleys that go nowhere. 

Visit Well-Known Sites Far From the City

Plenty of tourist destinations touted in Bangkok travel blogs and magazines aren’t actually located in Bangkok. In fact, many are up to two or three hours away. Tour agencies will promote day trips to these destinations, but at a steep cost and with little time for individual exploration. With a rental car, tourists can see the sights at their own pace. 

Tourist hotspots like the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Ayutthaya can be quickly reached by car. Without a busload of tourists tagging along, the journey will be far more enjoyable. 

On arrival, there’s no need to worry about an itinerary. With your own car, you can feel free to hang out and take in everything these sites have to offer. Those with very flexible schedules can even spend the night for an additional day of sightseeing. 

Ayutthaya, in particular, requires at least two full days to see all the ruins on display. Many of them are spread across town or just outside of it, which makes a rental car invaluable compared to guided tours that only show visitors the main temples. 

Tips for Driving Like a Local

Thailand drives on the left side of the road. Visitors from countries like the US where they drive on the right may need an adjustment period.

Thailand is also famous for its motorbikes, which outnumber vehicles two to one. Motorbikes will often ride in the left lane or on the shoulder of the road on the left side. Sometimes, though, they can be found zipping between cars in heavy traffic to get to the front of the line. Always check your mirrors and blindspots for motorbikes before changing lanes. 

In some areas, you may find food stalls that extend into the street. Keep calm and just drive carefully around them. Night markets are also common throughout Bangkok and Thailand, and they may close some roads in the evening to allow pedestrians to wander around. With a little research in advance, these streets can be avoided. 

Why Choose Drive Car Rental?

Visitors to Bangkok looking for a budget-friendly car rental in Thailand will find Drive Car Rentals offerings to be both affordable and wide-ranging. We have compact cars for small groups, perfect for navigating the narrow alleys in the heart of Bangkok. 

Additionally, we can provide larger vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, for large groups or those looking for extra space. Finally, customers who want to go green have the option of renting one of our electric vehicles. Drive Car Rental provides both BYD and Tesla cars as part of our fleet. 

Customers also have flexibility in their pick-up and drop-off locations. Simply tell us at booking if you’d like to pick it up at one location and drop it off at another; we also have offices at most major airports throughout Thailand. Visit our site today and see what is available for your next Bangkok getaway!