Thailand Tour FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

✅ What's Included

📆 Tour Overview

🇹🇭 Travel to Thailand

🥘 Food

🚐 Motorcycles & Support Vehicle

🏍️ Riding

🏨 Hotels

💰 Pricing & Money

What's Included in Your Tour

✅ All Hotels
Of course, all of the accommodations are included in this tour. And if you look at the Itinerary, you will see that some are more rustic than others, and some are downright luxurious (beachside bungalows, you know we're talking about you 😉). But they all are special in their own way. Tim and I have selected each one specifically for this trip, visiting them in person, to make sure we are offering you only the best, most authentic and comfortable accommodations of Thailand.

✅ Meals
You're going to love the food in Thailand! Everyone does. And this tour is ALL INCLUSIVE! That means every breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price.

ALL Breakfasts
ALL Lunches
ALL Coffee Stops
ALL Dinners

This includes one appetizer, one main entrée, and one drink of the following - coffee, tea, water, or soda. ***Please note that dessert, alcohol, or specialty drinks are not included.

Questions about dietary restrictions and other food concerns can be found in the food section HERE.

✅ Rental Motorcycle
Your rental motorcycle is included with the tour, of course! All of the motorcycles listed HERE come with the tour package, there is no extra fee for different models. Local basic insurance for the bike is also included in the price.

✅ Support Vehicle
It will be big enough to carry all our luggage plus whoever wants to ride it in (Van Life package, or 2up passengers). See our Price Packages for more on that.

✅ 1 Flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi
Although your flights to and from Thailand are not covered, we'll be dropping off the bikes and flying down to the fabulous southern islands on Day 6, and that flight is included in the tour price.

✅ All Transport between Day 1 to Day 10
As long as you don't arrive in the middle of the night, we will pick you up at the airport when you arrive and arrange for your drop off on departure day. And all the transport in between is covered, along with any tolls - actually, motorcycles don't pay tolls in Thailand! AWESOME!

✅ Tim and Marisa as Guides 😁
Yup, you get us as guides throughout. I mean, I might be biased, but I think we're fun to travel with...

✅ All Park Fees, Entrance Tickets
We're going to visit tons of cool places, and it's all part of the tour price.

✅ All Excursion Costs
We will also be going on some fun excursions, like a village visit, an elephant excursion, and island hopping boat trips. They are all included in the tour price.

✅ Gas
All of the fuel for the motorcycles is covered in the price of the tour.

✅ Satellite Phone with S.O.S. and Tracking
We always carry our Garmin Inreach with us no matter where we go. So we can send messages out, or an S.O.S. in an emergency from anywhere. And while we're on the subject of safety, I am certified in First Aid!

✅ Visa Assistance
Thailand visas are very easy, and we'll help you through the new online process. Any visa fees are not included (there shouldn't be any for most people).

💰 For an Extra Fee -

Your Own Documentary Video
As we travel, we'll be making a video of our journey through Thailand together! Won't it be great to come back home and relive your adventure on your own TV screen?

This ~40 minute documentary will be at an extra cost. Please let us know if that's something you're interested in before the tour starts.

What's Not Included

❌ Airfare to Chiang Mai and from Krabi, Thailand
You are responsible for getting to the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand for the start of the tour and out of Krabi in southern Thailand at the end of the tour. We HIGHLY recommend coming to the region a few days early if you can because jet lag can be tough. More on that HERE.

❌ Visa Fees
There may not be any, and like we said above, we'll help you with the online process.

❌ Travel & Medical Insurance
These are not included in the tour price. We strongly recommend that you carry comprehensive insurance that covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and motorcycle riding abroad, as many policies exclude that.

❌ Alcoholic Drinks and Specialty Beverages
A specialty drink is anything that's not coffee, tea, water, or basic soda.

❌ Some Desserts
Although we cover all meals, a "meal" constitutes one appetizer, one main entrée, and one drink of the following - coffee, tea, water, or soda. So that means if you're interested in dessert, that will have to be ordered separately.

❌ Snacks and Souvenirs
Save room in your luggage for awesome souvenirs!

❌ IMPORTANT - Helmets are not included! (as well as other motorcycle gear)
I know that flying with helmets is no fun, but you're really going to want to bring your own helmet for this trip. That's because the helmets here in Southeast Asia are small (they may not fit you), and they are possibly not up to your standards. We want you to be comfortable and safe. Plus if you bring your own helmet, you can have your Cardo or Sena with you for listening to music!

❌ Motorcycle jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and rain gear are also not included. Please bring your own motorcycle gear, and make sure you can be comfortable riding in some tropical heat and humidity (mesh is great).

Rain gear is also essential to have, because Thailand is so green and lush for a reason. Although we've picked the driest season, we recommend having both removable rain jacket and pants. For more information, please see our Packing List.

❌ All Tips for Local Guides
Many people went into making this trip possible for you, not just us. And the people of Thailand are so warm, smiling, and welcoming that when they do a good job, we believe they are more than deserving of a tip (and our money goes a long way out here). So please note that gratuity for guides, drivers, our sweeper rider, and anyone else who assists us along the way is not included.

Tour Overview

How many spots are available?

We like to keep all our tours as intimate as possible and at a maximum of 10 people per tour. Our minimum is 5 people. If you have a big group that wants to join, Let Us Know.

If this tour sells out, will you add more dates?

We can't always do that, but some years we absolutely can and do! Contact Us for more.

These dates don't work for me. How can I choose different dates?

Contact Us, and we’ll see what we can do.

How can I make my reservation?

Simply fill out our Contact Form, and we’ll get in touch with you to set up a one-on-one phone call. We love this part of the process because we really get to chat with you, get to know you, and are able to tailor the tour to better fit your needs. Then once you pay your deposit, your spot on our tour will be reserved.
Important – Please do not purchase airfare or any other non-refundable travel expenses related to the tour until after your spot has been confirmed by paying the deposit.

What if I want to sit out some activities?

For most activities, you totally can. The only obligation is that if you rented a motorcycle, you ride it from one location to the next. See our Itinerary for more details on what we'll be doing.

Will you have a TAT certified Thai tour guide with you?

Yes we will! According to Thailand's Tourism Business and Guide Act, it is required for all tour groups operating in the country to have an official Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) guide.

What are your terms and conditions?

Because we encourage everyone to read through our T&Cs carefully, we've made it easy with a short and sweet, plain English version that can be read HERE. It does not replace the real ones though, which you can find at the bottom of the Contact Form.

Travel to Thailand

What type of weather should I prepare for?

We've chosen the absolute best time of year to visit Thailand where the days should be perfect - clear skies with sunshine, warm but not too hot, humidity at a comfortable level... But we can't guarantee it. Since Thailand is in the jungle-filled tropics, it can rain and get scorching hot at any time. We'll also be going to Thailand's highest altitudes in the north where it can get cold, especially while riding. So be prepared with appropriate gear for both the hot beaches and cool mountains (see our Packing List for our recommendations).

If I'm coming from far away, how bad is the jet lag?

For people coming from North America, I'm not going to lie, it's as bad as it gets since you'll be coming from the complete opposite side of the globe. And even from Europe jet lag can be pretty brutal. Don't think jet lag won't affect you, because it can sneak up at the worst moments (think riding a bike in the heat 🥵). So we highly recommend you get here early. Check out our guide below:

Coming from Nearby: 3 hours (time zones) or less away - You may arrive to the region on the start date or earlier.
Coming from Fairly Far: 4-8 hours (time zones) away - Consider 1 day of rest in the region prior to the start date.
Coming from Very Far: 9-12 hours (time zones) away - Consider 2 days of rest in the region prior to the start date.
Age 50+: Jet lag effects often worsen with age. Consequently, if this is you, consider adding a day to the above.

Keep in mind that Thailand is in UTC+7 time zone year round (does not change for daylight savings). Contact Us for our recommendations on other places to visit as you get acclimated (Bangkok, Cambodia, Laos, Bali...)

I've heard marijuana is legal in Thailand. Is this true?

Yes, marijuana is legal in Thailand! But there are some rules regarding it that you should be aware of:
- First of all, you are not allowed to bring cannabis / marijuana products into the country in any form (including medicinal with a prescription).
- You also must be mindful of where you smoke it. Though there are some establishments that allow you to smoke marijuana there, most do not. Outside of those places, you must be in a private outdoors space with no one else around and it cannot be your hotel room or balcony.
- Finally, operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or drugs is not permitted on our tours.
As long as these rules are followed, enjoy 😉.

What should I pack?

Great question! We've got a whole Packing List.

How can I get phone service while in Thailand?

If you want to have phone service while here, we suggest purchasing an eSIM or getting a temporary international plan with your phone carrier for your trip. You can also get a local SIM card at the airport, and they can be quite affordable.

Am I going to have to use a squat toilet?

Most likely not, phew! Thailand has really become quite tourist-friendly, which includes having Western toilets. That being said, it is possible that there will come a moment when a squat toilet is unavoidable. I can give tips on using them once you're here.

Is Thailand safe?

Although "safe" is a relative term, Thailand is about as safe as it comes. Yes, crime can happen, especially in places with lots of foreigners, and we must always keep our wits about us. But we have only ever felt warmly welcomed everywhere we've gone in Thailand. No one tries to cheat us out of money, and we've never felt threatened. I'm pretty sure you're going to love it here.

Will I need to obtain any visas ahead of time?

Thailand has just introduced a new online visa system for many people who previously came visa-upon-arrival. Now you must complete an online form 3 days or less prior to your arrival in Thailand, but we will help you with the process before you come. It's very simple and instantaneous.

Are there any specific Thai laws I should know about?

Before coming to Thailand, you should be aware that all vape products are illegal, meaning you cannot carry them into the country. And although it is legal to purchase and consume marijuana within the country, it is illegal to bring it in, including medicines with CBD oil in them.

Food

I'm sensitive to spicy food. Will I survive Thailand?

If this is you, then you'll definitely need to be selective in which types of Thai dishes you order. For example, no curries, and no Khao Soi (which is curry based). Also, be very wary of Thai soups and salads which are usually quite spicy. Pad Thai is an excellent, non-spicy option for you, and actually, most noodle dishes are pretty safe. And we'll be mostly going to places that serve Western food, so of course pastas, pizza, and burgers are not spicy (unless it's a special Thai variety). So let us help you with ordering and we’ll try our best to get you non-spicy food.

I'm vegetarian / vegan. Will that be ok for this tour?

Thankfully, Thai cuisine is known for its fresh vegetables, tofu dishes, and salads. Thailand is also very used to tourists, so most restaurants have vegetarian or vegan options available. For vegetarians, most rice or noodle dishes can be made with the meat switched out for tofu. But if you are vegan, be careful about fish sauce added to things like Pad Thai Noodles and Papaya Salad. We'll help you out and make sure you eat well.

I have a dietary allergy such as gluten intolerance / lactose / peanut / shellfish, etc. What will I be able to eat?

All of these things should be avoidable, but some are easier than others. Gluten isn't usually a problem since most dishes are based on rice, but if you have a very strict intolerance, keep in mind that many soy sauces are made with a tiny bit of wheat. Lactose and dairy is simply non-existent in most Thai dishes, and peanuts are found sprinkled over Pad Thai or Papaya Salad, but can be lurking elsewhere. As far as shellfish go, it used to be almost impossible to find a Thai dish without tiny shrimp staring up at you. But with more tourism now, Thailand has grown accustomed to people wanting food without shrimp or fish or even any meat, and so they are quite accommodating these days. Please let us know if this is you so we can help with the ordering.

In general, how much do meals in Thailand cost?

Every meal on this tour is INCLUDED! YAY! But if you're interested in buying meals outside of the tour, the food is very reasonably priced in Thailand. You can get a full meal of delicious street food for as little as $3 USD! That being said, at more upscale establishments your meal may cost anywhere from $5 to $15 dollars on average for lunch, and perhaps more for dinner.

Keep in mind that alcohol is not included in the tour.

Motorcycles & Support Vehicle

Can I put my luggage in the support vehicle?

Yes, you can!

Can I hire riding gear, or do I have to bring my own?

I'm afraid most of the gear available out here may not be in your size or to your standards. Therefore you should bring all your own riding gear, including your helmet. Also, do not forget a removable rain suit. See our Packing List for more information.

Can I bring my own motorcycle?

If that’s something that’s possible for you, you can (and for a discounted price). If you are bringing your motorcycle from outside of Southeast Asia (meaning it is not a Thai, Malaysian, Laotian, Vietnamese, or Cambodian bike), you should be aware there's some important paperwork that needs to be completed before you can bring it in. Contact Us if you'll have your own motorcycle in Thailand.

I want to ride 2up. Will these motorcycles be suitable for a passenger?

Since we are 2Up and Overloaded, you have definitely come to the right place with this question! And we do absolutely offer some bikes that are GREAT for riding with a passenger. See our Motorcycle list for our 2up recommendations.

I'd also recommend packing an Airhawk or another type of cushion for your seat. Most motorcycles do not have the passenger in mind when they made the seat.

If I'm a passenger, can I ride in the support vehicle on any given day?

Yes, you absolutely can! This is a great perk of being a passenger. And who doesn't want some nice air-conditioning every once in a while?

Riding

Are all the roads on this tour paved? Can I ride off-road?

99% paved! No off-road at all. But don't be fooled into thinking this ride is easy - the twists and turns can be so tight and there are so many, some people get seasick! You really need to be able to handle a motorcycle on curves to ride on this tour. At the same time, there might be some spots with construction, gravel sections, or even… sand. Being comfortable in these situations is important. See our Difficulty section for more details.

Will we be riding every day?

No. The first part of the trip is pretty intense for riding, but then it will get easier and more relaxing as we go along. And days 6-10 we'll be saying goodbye to the big bikes and riding on little scooters! For more on that, check out our Itinerary.

What happens if it rains?

Because this is Thailand, it very well might rain. In this situation we will pull over, put on our rain gear, and then continue riding carefully. Once the rain is over, we’ll stop to take the rain gear off.

What is the most we will ride in a day?

Our longest day is over five hours, and we try to stop as often as we can for rest, coffee, and bathroom breaks. We also recommend packing a seat cushion like an Airhawk.

What are the rules for your group riding style?

At our orientation meeting, we will go over all the rules and answer any questions you may have. If anything changes, we'll let you know at that time.
1) Roles & Formation - Though this can change, usually Tim and I are in the front, then everyone else, then the sweeper is the last rider, and we will all be trailed by the support vehicle. As always in group riding, we ride staggered.

2) Prepare for the Day - Every morning, we will send you the day's waypoints and itinerary. Though you don't have to follow your phone (you'll be following the person in front you), in case of an emergency, we suggest you have your phone charged at all times and with offline Google Maps downloaded (we'll show you how).

3) Ride Comfortably - The pace is set by the group, and we highly encourage you to go at the pace that feels most comfortable for you. If you would like to go faster, simply let Tim in the lead know. If you would like to slow down, you can do so and the sweeper and support vehicle will stay with you.
4) If Something's Wrong, Stop - If you ever lose sight of the person behind you, or if you feel like there is something wrong (with the motorcycle or you're not feeling well), please stop immediately and stay right where you are. We will all eventually stop and come back to make sure you're ok. This way, no one is ever lost or left behind. And remember, the sweeper and van will always be behind you.
If you have any questions, feel free to Contact Us.

What if I get into an accident?

There are two things to consider here - your personal safety, and the condition of the motorcycle. If you are injured in an accident, we will immediately get you to the closest and best medical facility available. The good news is, Thailand's health services are fantastic and usually quite affordable. Still, we highly advise you to have medical and travel insurance for this trip. We are not responsible for any of your medical costs.

Now for the bike. You are covered up to $200 USD worth of damage (at the time of writing). Anything over that, and you will be responsible for the cost. That $200 price is part of the local limited liability insurance coverage which is arranged through the motorcycle rental company.

In the situation that your bike is inoperable for whatever reason, we will switch it out with the sweeper's bike so you'll always have something to ride. We try to do our best to make sure you can continue the tour in a comparable manner.

If at any point you feel as if you can't or don't want to ride anymore, we will leave your bike behind (tow charges may be applied), and you are welcome to continue the tour with us in the support vehicle 😁! You will not be refunded the cost of your motorcycle rental, but you will still be able to enjoy the rest of the tour with us.

Hotels

What type of hotels will we stay in?

A range of luxurious and rustic, with some very fancy places and some more humble ones. Overall, we want to be sure that this tour is both fun and comfortable. See our Itinerary for more details on every hotel we will stay at (note: it may change).

Will I be sharing a room with another rider?

No. Everyone on our tour gets a private room. That means the room is either all for you if you signed up alone, or it's for you and your partner if you are attending the tour as part of a couple's package. You will not need to share a room with a stranger. See all our prices HERE.

Will the rooms have air-conditioning?

Yes, they will!

Pricing & Money

How much is this tour?

You can see all our price packages HERE.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit is $1,000 USD per person to reserve your spot on the tour. Nothing is reserved until the deposit is paid.

How do I pay?

We accept multiple forms of payment and will discuss your options prior to payment. But to sum up, if you are based in North America, there are specific methods that might be best for you. Otherwise, wire transfers and Wise work well, and we also accept payments by credit card or PayPal, just note that any fees are your responsibility.

What is your return and cancellation policy?

We have arranged for your tour to take place at the best time of year, but this means hotel rooms and motorcycle rentals book up fast. So we've done our best to make our cancellation policy fair and in line with industry standards while also covering the irrecoverable costs for reserving your spot with the motorcycle and hotel rooms. Take a look below:

If You Cancel MORE Than 3 Months Before – You will get a full refund of all money paid minus a $500 cancellation fee per private room. This means if you are two people sharing a room, the cancellation fee is $500 for the two of you.
If You Cancel LESS Than 3 Months Before – You will get a full refund of all money paid minus a $1,000 cancellation fee per person.
If You Cancel LESS Than 1 Month Before - All funds paid will be forfeit.

Before booking, please see all our Terms & Conditions. You can find the full legal version at the bottom of the Contact Form when you sign up, and you can also read a shortened plain English version HERE.

How much cash should I have, or will credit cards be good enough?

Although credit cards are accepted all throughout Thailand, you'll usually be charged a 3%-4% fee to use them. Some small stores do not accept them at all. Therefore, we recommend going to an ATM right away (at the airport) because some places on the route don't have ATMs easily accessible. I think $100 to $200 USD should cover you depending on how much of the following you want to purchase:
- Alcohol & Specialty Drinks
- Desserts
- Souvenirs
- Gratuity Tips for Guides/Staff
We also recommend keeping a tiny stash of US Dollars / Euros and an extra credit card somewhere on you in case of an emergency (wallets sometimes get lost, cards could get eaten by ATMs).

Will I need to tip on this tour?

It's very much appreciated. Many people went into making this trip possible for you, not just us. And the people of Thailand are so warm and welcoming that when they do a good job, we believe they are deserving of a tip (and our money goes a long way out here). So please note that gratuity for guides, drivers, our sweeper rider, and anyone else who assists us along the way is not included.

I'm excited! Sign me up!