What type of bikes do we use ?
650 kawasaki adventurers (like the Versys) , and 250 Honda trail bikes .
The 650’s come with a top box(WATERPROOF) and dual purpose tyres .
The 250’s come with a sausage bag (NOT WATERPROOF) , ocky straps and dual purpose tyres .
The 250’s can be lowered for the shorter rider .
Our bikes are fully serviced , tested and in excellent condition – Lan , owner of CP Bikes where we rent them from , takes great pride in his bikes (have a look at our gallery for a first hand look at the 250’s we use) .
What happens if you crash ?
– there’s no good answer !
We have access to emergency services (emergency contact nos./mobile phone)
We are never anymore than 100kms from a hospital .. and there are good hospitals in the area we ride
Our tour guides are first aid trained
You need to have personal medical insurance : there are only 2 x companies that we know of that supply personal insurance cover for riding motorcycles 150cc and above in Asia .
1. CGU Insurance – Ph. 02 88950698 (Australia)
http://travelassist@cgu.com.au
2. Allianz ‘Adventure Pack’- Ph. 131000 (Australia)
*GUESTS MUST PROVIDE A COPY OF THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE CERTIFICATE WITH THEIR DEPOSIT*
Damage caused to bikes cannot be insured and must be paid for by rider .
– our bike hirer (Lan) has been associated with our company from the beginning ; we know and trust him
– Lan will only charge you for parts in repairing any damage caused to the bikes
*IF THE BIKE IS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR YOU MUST PAY FOR ITS RESTITUTION – the age and use of the bike are taken into account when Lan works out the repayment amount .
** we have explored all avenues to try and get property insurance
– a brand new 650 = approx. $12000AUD
– a brand new 250 = approx. $6000AUD
NB – the 650 has fairings which are easily damaged and costly to replace ; 250 trail bikes are a lot more robust !
*YOUR PASSPORT IS HELD BY LAN (BIKE HIRER) UNTIL YOUR BIKE IS RETURNED IN THE CONDITION YOU HIRED IT
We take our tours very seriously and do everything we can to minimise the possibility of an accident .
– if you are sensible and listen to our instructions , the risk of an accident is minimal !
What you are required to wear while riding ?
– kevlar lined riding pants
– helmet (can be supplied by bike hirer) : we rec. you bring your own – motocross style , or vented helmet (because of the heat) .
– vented motorbike jacket (can be supplied by bike hirer)
– motorbike gloves (can be supplied by bike hirer , but we rec. you bring your own)
– vented motorbike boots (it gets hot !) or substantial runners – think – ‘if you come off , will they protect your feet ?’
Wet weather gear ?
It rains ! It’s hot ! – some people are OK getting wet ; others wear wet weather gear ; the Thaibiketours team opts for getting wet !
Licensing?
Thailand officially requires you have an ‘INTERNATIONAL LICENSE’ as well as a MOTORBIKE LICENSE from your country of origin ; for Australia go to any RACV/Q branch , pay them money , they fill out paper work – you get an international license .
A full motorbike license is required for your personal injury insurance — VERY IMPORTANT — Allianz will not honour any insurance claim if you are not licensed ! CGU are probably the same .
Travel Insurance?
Is your responsibility — could be part of your ‘Personal Injury’ insurance — check with your insurer
Road Rules in Thailand?
There are speed limits – we have never been fined for speeding , but that doesn’t mean we condone it !
ALWAYS RIDE SAFE !
Not allowed to ride a motorbike under the influence of alcohol or drugs – if we suspect riders are drunk , or under the influence of drugs – we will not allow them to ride !
Medications/Drugs ?
Check with the Thai Embassy re any medications you require and their legality in Thailand
BEWARE ! — illicit and party drugs are not tolerated in Thailand and harsh penalties apply .
Advise us of any condition you have that may cause a problem during the tour so we can – firstly assess if the tour is suitable for you and – secondly , know how to treat you should you become ill during the tour .
What to bring ?
Motorbike license – both country and international (we need a copy before the tour)
Insurance documents and next of kin contact details (we need copies and details before the tour)
Motorbike gear -can be hired , but we rec. your own gear (you know it fits !)
Money – make sure you bring what you need for lunch , dinner , drinks , souvenirs .
Camera – heaps and heaps and heaps and heaps of fantastic photo opportunities
Phone with Travel Sim sim card (Auspost)
Toiletries and medication
Minimal belongings is what we rec. to enhance your experience of freedom and not be weighed down with a heavy pack .
Socks , jocks , t-shirts , shorts , thongs , insect repellant , antihistimine , toothbrush , diarrohea med. , non-refrigerated probiotic , panadol , antiseptic for cuts/stings”
Manners
Visas , Vaccinations and Notifications
Australian citizens do not require a visa to travel to Thailand
We recommend Australian citizens register travel details on the Australian Government’s Smart Traveller website
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
See your local doctor for vaccination/medical advice prior to travel
Communication
A TravelSim card , which is available from any Australian Post Office is obligatory on this tour ; they work !
Every other Australian telco provider has had problems in Thailand on our tours !
Not only does it upset other tour members when you ask them to borrow their phone so you can call home , but it is important that we can keep in touch with each other on the tour — if we get lost , get hurt
What to eat/drink
Don’t drink the tap water is our recommendation ; we often drink bananna and mango smoothies , or ice drinks …. and they do use tap water …. a contradiction ? Yes – we take the risk ; whether you do is up to you .
Food – commonsense ! If you can see it being cooked over heat , there is a good chance that it is OK . Having said that , we like to try everything and so make our decision where we eat based on the general cleanliness of the premises . Thai’s are generally very clean people who use fresh food .
Even so have your medication handy and always carry a roll of toilet paper – having an upset stomach doesn’t have to stop the trip and the enjoyment does continue .
One of our tour guides recommends a DAILY PROBIOTIC EVERY MORNING to put the good bugs in – METAMUCIL EVERY NIGHT to get the bad bugs out
What’s included ?
- all flights
- all Thailand transfers (ie – bus/train fares to/from airports/hotels)
- all accommodation
- all breakfasts
- motorbike hire
- fuel
- full day , catered tour of Bangkok
- fun
- adventure
Money Exchange Rates/Cash/Cards
The THB Exchange rate hovers around $1AUD = 25THB
Banks in Australia and Thailand give you the worst exchange rates .
You will get the best exchange rates from legitimate ‘street-booth’ exchangers ; the Thai ones give a slightly better rate than the Australian ones .
Cards or Cash ?
ATM’s are readily available in Bangkok and Chiang Mai . The smaller towns usually have 7/11 type shops where you can get cash , though we recommend you have some cash with you — “CAN YOU LOAN ME” doesn’t go down well in Thailand either !
Most credit cards charge you interest if you draw cash — so Debit or Travel cards are recommended .
Meals cost around $3AUD
Non-alcholic drinks cost around $0.50c AUD