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In this article, we get to tell you everything you need to know about bike rental in Krabi in 2025.
Motorbike rental is a fun and affordable way to explore the beautiful area. However, renting a motorbike can be unnerving, especially if you don’t know what to look for, and you don’t know where to rent your bike. If you have never rented a motorbike in Thailand before, we do recommend spending a little bit of time researching some of the challenges and potential problems. We don’t want to put you off motorbike rental; this really is a great way to get around. However, a little bit of research can save a lot of difficulty and stress later.
As a full-time travel family, we have lived in Thailand and explored this country extensively by motorbike. We particularly enjoyed our time in Krabi, and if you get the opportunity, we highly recommend that you rent a motorbike in Krabi. Just make sure you read this article carefully first so that you know exactly what to expect and what to check for.
In this article, we’re going to include helpful details and specifics such as bike rental price, what to look for in a bike rental contract, what to check for on the bike, and, of course, we are going to recommend the best place to rent a bike in Krabi. We’ll also include some safety tips and things to do by bike in Krabi, so this really is a full and in-depth guide to bike rental in Krabi.
HOW TO GET AROUND KRABI – Full guide on the best ways to get around in Krabi
PLAN YOUR TRIP – Don’t miss these wonderful things to do in Krabi
EPIC DAY TRIP BY BIKE – Don’t miss this amazing Krabi day trip
Why rent a motorbike in Krabi?
If you’re planning to visit Krabi, we highly recommend exploring the wider area. However, taxis in Krabi are very expensive compared to other areas of Thailand. For example, a shared taxi to the beautiful Emerald Lagoon is likely to cost you at least 2000 baht. In contrast, you can find motorbike rental in Krabi for around 200 baht per day. Renting a bike in Krabi really can save you a lot of money on your trip.
Another advantage of renting a motorbike is the freedom and flexibility. There is something very liberating and exhilarating about going at your own pace and setting your own itinerary for exploring Krabi.
It’s important to be aware that there are some risks of traveling around Krabi by motorbike. If you’re not familiar with the roads in Thailand or you do not have a lot of experience riding motorbikes, then bike rental may not be for you. However, if you are skilled, experienced, and qualified to ride a motorbike, then riding around Krabi is a great transport solution for the area.
Top tip: Even the budget motorbikes in Krabi are big enough for two people, so if you are traveling as a couple and you’re looking to get around the area on a budget, bike rental is genuinely an excellent option. Most bike rental places will happily give you two helmets for free when you rent a motorbike.
Where is the best place to rent a motorbike in Krabi?
Rent near your hotel or guest house
To make your trip as convenient as possible, we recommend finding a bike rental dealer that is located close to your accommodation in Krabi. Krabi is a big area with several towns where you can stay. It doesn’t make a lot of sense renting a bike from a town that you are not staying in because it will be more tricky to pick up and return your motorbike.
In our opinion, the best area to stay in Krabi is Ao Nang town. This town has two beautiful beaches and is surrounded by dramatic steep limestone cliffs. This town is also very well set up for tourism with plenty of tour agents, bike rental shops, markets, restaurants, and cafes. You can also take taxi boats to Tonsai and Riley Beach from Ao Nang.
FIND OUR MORE – The Best Areas to Stay in Krabi
Top Tip: Many hotels and guest houses in Krabi actually include bike rental. They may be willing to give you a special deal as a guest… you can only try!
Best Bike rental in Ao Nang
The best bike rental dealer in Ao Nang is Mr. Kord Car & Bike Rental (Ao Nang). We have marked the location of this bike rental dealer on the map. They have good English and a wide range of motorbikes that you can choose from. They also have excellent deposit policies which allow you to choose a flexible arrangement.
Mr. Kord Car & Bike Rental
Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand
Phone Number: +66 95 629 4990
Open Daily 8.30am – 8.30pm (No need to pre-book!)
Personally, we prefer not to leave our passport because this is quite a risky move, and they have options where you can pay cash deposits or contribute towards an insurance policy which allows you to keep hold of your passport when you rent a bike. Mr. Kord also has some of the best bike rental prices around (starting at 200baht per day), and the staff speak excellent English and are very friendly and supportive when you rent your bike. Mr. Kord is located in the center of Ao Nang (see map above), making it a very convenient option for bike rental if you are staying in the area.
How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Krabi?
The cost of bike rental in Krabi depends on the type of motorbike you wish to drive, the dealer that you choose to rent from, and your ability to barter. Many things in Thailand have a flexible price, and bike rental dealers may be willing to give you cheaper rates if you are renting a bike for longer or if you are able to barter with a smile on your face.
Typically, bike rental in Krabi starts at around 200 baht per day (roughly £4 or $5) for a small 125cc motorbike. If you’re planning to rent a bike for one week or more, you may be able to get a slightly cheaper bike rental deal. Larger and more powerful motorbikes may cost 500 baht or more (£10 or $12).
Remember you will also need to factor petrol cost into the budget of getting around by motorbike. The good news is that petrol is very cheap in Thailand; this is probably going to be negligible in your travel budget. You can often see small roadside stores selling bottles of petrol which can be poured directly into the petrol cap of the bike, which is normally located under the bike seat. Alternatively, there are several larger petrol stations around town where you can top up your bike.
What do you need in order to rent a motorbike in Krabi?
- Medical Insurance
- Money for deposit and rental
- Passport (may need to check & copy)
- Contact & Hotel Details
- Drivers License (rarely checked in Thailand for a small bike)
1 Insurance
In order to ride a bike in Krabi, we recommend making sure that you have sufficient travel insurance to cover riding a motorbike in Thailand. Normally, insurance policies will require that you are sufficiently qualified to ride a bike. If you’re not qualified, you may not be covered. And remember, riding a bike is risky. Always check the exact terms and conditions in your travel insurance policy before you rent a bike.
2 Deposit
You will also need to leave some form of deposit to rent a bike in Krabi. The exact deposit depends on the bike rental dealer. We have recommended Mr. Kord Car & Bike Rental. They have a very reasonable deposit policy. You can either leave a passport or you can leave 3,000 baht in cash (around £60 or $80). This will be returned in full when you return your bike, assuming that there is no damage to the bike.
It is important to make sure that the value of the deposit is noted on the receipt or on the bike rental contract. Many bike rental dealers will ask you to leave a passport; if possible, we recommend negotiating a cash deposit rather than leaving your passport – you never know when you will need it. Some companies may also allow you to pay for an insurance policy rather than taking a deposit. Mr. Kord Car & Bike Rental asks for an additional 80 baht per day to cover their insurance (no passport or cash deposit needed).
3 Hotel & contact information
Even if you are not required to leave a cash or passport deposit, you will need to leave contact details, your hotel address, and you may also need to leave a photocopy of your passport. Make sure you bring your passport when you rent your bike so that they can take a photocopy in their office.
4 Cash to cover the deposit & rental
When you rent a bike in Krabi, you will also need to pay cash upfront to cover the duration of your rental period. So make sure that you bring a sufficient amount of cash to cover a cash deposit and your full rental period. You may need to take a trip to the cash machine before you rent a bike in Krabi!
Do you need a driver’s license to rent a motorbike in Krabi?
Officially, you do need a driver’s license to ride a motorbike around Thailand, and the driver’s license needs to include the category of motorbike that you are riding. Officially, a bike rental dealer could check your driver’s license before they release a bike to you. They may even have to see an international license. Officially, the police could also stop you and check your driver’s license.
However, if you do not have a driver’s license, this may not be a problem. Many bike rental dealers don’t bother checking your license, especially if they are renting smaller bikes, and it is very rare for police to stop tourists and check licenses in Thailand. So although the official guidelines are that you should have a driver’s license, it is very unlikely to be a problem if you are not traveling with your driver’s license. We have used bike rental in many areas of Thailand for many years and have not had any problems, and very rarely has anyone checked our driver’s license.
Things to check before you rent a motorbike in Krabi
- Test drive & check brakes and engine
- Check lights including indicators
- Check bodywork and exterior of the bike (take pictures)
- Check the tyres (no old worn tyres!)
- Make sure you can pop the seat up & find petrol tank
- Check the contract
- Check helmets
1 Check the bike
Before you rent a motorbike in Krabi, it is important to check everything carefully. Firstly, make sure you check your motorbike fully. We recommend checking the tires; if they are looking worn out, you may end up with a puncture, and you will generally be responsible for fixing or replacing punctured tires. We also recommend that you check the brakes and the lights. You may need to do a short test drive before you agree to take the bike. Make sure you know how to find the fuel cap on your bike and how you can release a seat to find under seat storage.
We also recommend that you check the outside body of the bike very carefully for scratches, dents, and damage. If there is any visible sign of damage, we recommend that you take a photograph and draw it to the attention of your bike rental dealer. Also, make sure that you check that you can get a bike helmet which fits you.
2 Check the contract
You will also need to have a look at the bike rental contract. Many bike rental dealers use very similar or identical bike rental contracts. You will typically be responsible for any damage that occurs to the bike through misuse or accidental damage (for example, if someone knocks your bike over when it is parked up and it breaks some of the bodywork, you will probably be responsible for this even if it is not your fault).
In general, you should not be responsible for any internal problems with your bike. For example, if your bike has engine failure or the battery is weak and you cannot start the engine, these things are not generally your responsibility. It is important to have the phone number of your bike rental dealer so that you can contact them if you have any problems. They may be able to provide some assistance if you are stranded with a bike that is not working.
Top tip: Make sure you have a copy of your bike rental contract
Safety tips for motorbike rental in Krabi
If you’re planning to travel around Krabi by motorbike, we recommend having a little experience before you go. If you have never ridden a motorbike in Thailand, then take particular care and make sure you get some practice in an area that’s not too busy. The motorbikes in Krabi are relatively easy to ride; they are automatic bikes, so you only need to operate the brakes and accelerator, which is generally a twist of the handlebar.
If you’re riding a motorbike on the main roads around Krabi town, then we recommend going very carefully. These roads can be quite fast-moving and can get very busy. Although the roads are generally well-surfaced in the area, you can encounter potholes, and there are often areas of roadworks around town where the surface may be uneven or covered with grit. Watch out for roads covered in sand and take particular care in rainy weather because the road surface can get very slippery in this area.
We already mentioned that you should make sure you are covered by your travel insurance policy to ride a motorbike around Thailand. In general, travel insurance policies will cover you as long as you are sufficiently qualified to drive a motorbike.
A few amazing places to visit by motorbike in Krabi
If you’re planning to rent a motorbike in Krabi, then we recommend heading out and exploring some of the beautiful attractions around the Krabi district.
- The Emerald Lagoon
- The Krabi Hot Spring
- Tiger Cave Temple
- Klong Root Kayaking
- Din Daeng Doi Sunrise Spot
- Jungle Tree House Cafe (This one’s a real Hidden Gem!)
- The Krabi Elephant Sanctuary
- Thai’d Up Jungle Ziplines and Canopy Obstacle Course
Top tip: If you’re planning to do an island-hopping trip of the Krabi Bay, then you will not likely need your motorbike on that day. So you could plan your island-hopping trip at the beginning or the end of your time in Krabi and return your bike so you are not paying for bike rental on the same day that you do your island-hopping trip.
