The Golden Triangle Rider

[DMC]

Dear All -
Just found this website - basically I'm 18 years young, on my GAP year and thinking of doing a week long trek in SE Asia - probably Thailand. A few questions have arisen...

a) What is needed so far as licences (were I to stay within Thailand) and insurance?

b) What is a good trek to do? About 150-200km a day, staying in large-ish villages at night, with beautiful scenery - maybe a full loop to finish where I started.

c) What would be the best way of getting the bike - renting?

d) Thinking perhaps a moped rather than a motorbike - haven't driven the latter much + they're mighty powerful, would rather a more tame Moped that I can control.

e) Anyone done this? Any thoughts?

Would love replies to DrummondMagic@yahoo.co.uk - thank you in advance.

Yours in thought,
Drummond.

[BobS]

Drummond

ALL of the questions that you are asking are answered on the GT Rider site and message board. Here are some quick answers, but please do some reading for more details.

1. For a week long visit, stay in Chiang Mai and do loops from there.
2. Legally, you need a valid motorcycle license in your home country and an international license.
3. Distance depends on the bike you are riding, the roads you take, how many hours per day you want to travel, and how many stops you make. 250 per day is a decent average. Some riders do more, some less.
4. Rent a bike. Make sure that the bike is insured. Lots of rental info here, and lots of shops in Chiang Mai.
5. A true moped is a small scooter with pedal assist - usually 50cc. They don't exist in Thailand. You can rent small step-thru scooters, 100-125cc, that are fine for travel. See posts by Colin.
6. November-January is the best time to travel.

Again - the info you want is already here.

BobS

"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "...holy shit...what a ride!"

[DMC]

Bob - must apologise for not looking - was somewhat pressurised with time to search thoroughly. Many thanks for the help and most definitely will find time bean for looking through the posts existing.

With kind regards,
Drummond.