Joe Louis hires a motorbike
When my friend fell off her motorbike while returning from a waterfall in Pai, it was more a feeling of relief than of panic. She tipped over off the side of a dirt path, and fortunately was only scraped up with no major injury or damage to the vehicle. Sure it was her first time driving a motorbike, but she was getting by just fine all day. The accident wasn’t a result of inadequate skills; it was simply the inevitable. A rite of passage for all those who take the plunge on two wheeled motorized transport.
Every traveler to Thailand seems to have a motorcycle accident story. They can range from a simple scuff up to broken limbs and hospital visits. While there is a romanticism about driving a motorbike on a journey of discovery (of country and of self), it is important to exercise caution. Wearing a helmet in good condition and only driving at a comfortable pace, especially on winding and wet roads, are musts. If you do get into an accident, make sure to get proper medical attention to clean out any wounds. And don’t forget to ride in style – break out the aviators and bomber jacket!
See what other bloggers are saying about Pai:
“Renting scooters is a brilliant way of combining freedom, flexibility and a new appreciation for remaining alive in one easy step. I did it a few times in different places and absolutely loved it. Licenses and helmets are usually optional, but do try not to crash if you don’t want a permanent nasty reminder of your time in South East Asia, or at least an unpleasant conversation about paying for damage at the end of it all.”
–What’s Dave Doing
“That said – riding a motorcycle in Thailand with experience, patience and understanding of how the rules (or lack of rules) of the road work may very well provide you with one of the most exhilarating and rewarding travel experiences you could ever imagine. The country at times in fact almost feels like it was sculpted to be explored by motorbike.”
–That Lucky Boy
