Why Explore Bangkok by Scooter?
Before diving into the places, here’s why renting a scooter in Bangkok is your smartest move:
- Freedom to go anywhere: BTS and MRT only cover central zones.
- Save money on Grab or taxi fares: Especially when exploring outer areas.
- Park anywhere: Most attractions and markets have free scooter parking.
- Local experience: You’ll see the real Bangkok, not just the tourist zones.
📌 Tip: For daily scooter rentals in Bangkok with zero deposit, full insurance, and online booking, check Motorbike rent Bangkok.
1. Bang Khun Thian Seaside: Bangkok’s Hidden Coastline
Location: Southernmost tip of Bangkok BTS Access: ❌ None
Bangkok actually touches the sea — but almost no tourists know this. Bang Khun Thian Seaside is a surreal, peaceful stretch where mangroves, seafood restaurants, and coastal breezes replace the city chaos. A raised bike-and-walk path stretches through the wetlands all the way to the Gulf of Thailand.
What to do:
- Eat fresh crab and seafood at hidden local restaurants
- Walk or ride to the edge of Bangkok’s coastline
- Take Instagrammable shots with the wind turbines
Why scooter only? There is zero BTS or MRT coverage in this zone. A scooter is the only practical way to explore it unless you want to spend a fortune on a taxi.
2. Taling Chan Floating Market (and Neighboring Temples)
Location: Bangkok Noi District BTS Access: ❌ Closest station is over 6 km away
This charming weekend floating market is a favorite among locals. Boats serve noodles, grilled seafood, and coconut ice cream while performers play Thai classical music. Next to it, peaceful temples like Wat Champa and Wat Taling Chan offer quiet spiritual spaces.
Highlights:
- Grilled river prawns on banana leaves
- Longtail boat rides through Bangkok’s canals (khlongs)
- Traditional Thai music and puppet shows
Scooter advantage: You can hop between temples and markets easily, skipping long, disjointed public transport routes.
3. Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin (Srinakarin Train Market)
Location: Srinakarin Road, behind Seacon Square BTS Access: ❌ More than 25 minutes by taxi from the nearest BTS
This is Bangkok’s most famous vintage night market — filled with antique shops, food stalls, classic cars, bars, and live music.
Why it’s amazing:
- Retro-themed bars and shops
- Rare vintage clothing and collectibles
- Craft beer, cocktails, and grilled street food
By scooter: Parking is free and easy. You can even extend your trip to Paradise Park Mall or hidden food spots nearby that tourists miss.
4. Bang Krachao – The Green Lung
Location: Across the river from Khlong Toei BTS Access: ❌ Ferry needed + long walk/cycle
Bang Krachao is a vast man-made island full of trees, birds, and fresh air. It’s one of the most eco-preserved zones in Bangkok and perfect for a half-day scooter trip.
Things to do:
- Ride through elevated walkways in the forest
- Visit Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park
- Explore Bangkok Tree House and floating cafes
How to enter: Use the Bang Na pier or cross from Khlong Toei with your scooter on a boat. Some piers allow scooter transport!
5. Nong Chok & Min Buri Countryside
Location: Eastern Bangkok outskirts BTS Access: ❌ None at all
Once you pass Min Buri market, the city dissolves into open rice fields, canals, and farms. This is a taste of rural Thailand without ever leaving Bangkok province.
Best for:
- Peaceful weekend rides
- Visiting lesser-known temples like Wat Sriboonruang
- Exploring local Muslim and Khmer-Thai communities
Why it matters: No tours go here. No trains go here. But your scooter will.
6. Wat Arun Loop via Scooter (West Riverside Temples)
Location: Across the river from Tha Tien Pier BTS Access: ❌ No direct access
Wat Arun is well known, but the temples nearby often get ignored. Using a scooter, you can make a loop that includes:
- Wat Rakhang Kositaram
- Wat Kalayanamit
- Santa Cruz Church
- Tonson Mosque
Benefits of scooter: No need to depend on boats or cross-pier ferry timing. Park directly in front and temple-hop in peace.
7. Ban Krua Muslim Village & Saen Saep Canal Zones
Location: Near Hua Chang Bridge but spread along Saen Saep Canal BTS Access: ❌ Disconnected zones
Ban Krua is one of the oldest Muslim communities in Bangkok, known for its hand-dyed silk artisans. The Saen Saep canal also hides cafes, mosques, and homes-on-the-water.
Visit for:
- Handmade Thai silk (support local artisans)
- Local Halal food
- Riverside chill without tourists
Scooter benefits: Zip along narrow sois, follow the canal path, and make spontaneous stops.
8. Thep Phrachan Ancient Temple Zone (Lat Krabang Area)
Location: Lat Krabang outskirts BTS Access: ❌ Not accessible via train
Not many tourists know about the Thep Phrachan temple zone in Lat Krabang. It includes a cluster of historic temples nestled between canals and banana plantations, where locals come to make merit away from the crowds.
What to visit:
- Wat Thep Phrachan Worawihan
- Wat Sangkharacha
- Lat Krabang canal paths and Thai dessert stalls
Scooter Tip: Use the On Nut–Lat Krabang Road and cruise past rice fields and canals. The ride itself is part of the attraction.
9. Soi Suan Phak Food Street – Hidden Eats in Thonburi
Location: Bangkok Noi / Thonburi zone BTS Access: ❌ None nearby
Suan Phak Soi 1–3 is a microcosm of Bangkok’s food obsession, packed with ultra-local street food stands, dessert carts, and noodle shops that are hard to reach unless you live nearby.
Try these:
- Moo Palo (5-spice pork belly)
- Kuay Jab Yuan
- Tod Mun Pla Grai (spicy fish cakes)
Why by scooter? These sois are very small and hard to reach. Taxis don’t wait, and Grab is hit or miss.
10. Bangkok’s Last Remaining Train Cemetery (Nong Bon)
Location: Behind King Rama IX Park, Nong Bon BTS Access: ❌ None
There’s a secret railway graveyard hidden near Nong Bon that’s become a surreal photography spot. Rusted locomotives, overgrown grass, and abandoned carriages make this a dream location for urban explorers.
Scooter-only? Absolutely. No signage, no taxi drop-off points. This is for the adventurer willing to look beyond TripAdvisor.
11. Co-working Spaces in Bang Na, Suan Luang & Lat Phrao
BTS Access: ❌ Not walkable from stations
Digital nomads and remote workers love Bangkok, but the best value co-working spaces are nowhere near the BTS line. Some scooter-only gems:
- Muchroom (Lat Phrao): Creative loft space, low fees
- Klique Desk (Suan Luang): Quiet, great Wi-Fi
- LoftBangkok (Bang Na): Loft-industrial vibe, bike-friendly parking
Bonus Tip: Grab coffee from nearby scooter cafés with on-site parking like Chu Coffee Roaster or Kaizen Coffee Ekamai Soi 27.
12. Buddha Monthon Park (Phutthamonthon), Nakhon Pathom Border
Location: West of Bangkok, about 25km BTS Access: ❌ Not possible
A massive spiritual park with the tallest free-standing Buddha statue in Thailand, surrounded by manicured gardens, ponds, and shaded walking paths.
Why it’s worth it:
- Picnic and relax under the trees
- Experience Thai Buddhism in a peaceful, real-world setting
- Practically zero foreign tourists
Perfect for a scooter day trip: Smooth roads and scenic villages along the way.
13. Nong Bon Lake & Wind Sports Park
Location: South East Bangkok (Prawet) BTS Access: ❌ None
This enormous artificial lake is home to Bangkok’s official kite surfing and sailing school. It’s also a peaceful spot for morning scooter rides and sunset views.
Activities:
- Rent kayaks and windsurf boards
- Jog, walk or picnic
- Watch kite surfers during windy season
Scooter bonus: You can park directly at each side of the lake and explore by riding around the perimeter.
14. Ancient Kilns at Klong Song Ton Nun
Location: Lat Krabang industrial zone BTS Access: ❌ Deep into residential zone
A tiny local historical site where ancient ceramic kilns were found — and still used by a few families. This spot is tucked away in a quiet street between industrial buildings, hidden even from most Thais.
What’s special:
- Talk to families preserving centuries-old pottery skills
- Buy one-of-a-kind handmade plates or incense burners
Access: Only via scooter. Walking in is impractical and public transit doesn’t go near.
15. Hidden Riverside Cafés Near Bang Wa
Location: Southern Bangkok (not accessible by BTS) BTS Access: ❌ No nearby station
The Phasi Charoen and Bang Wa canal zone hides multiple riverside cafés, such as:
- Baan Bang Wa Café – riverside seating
- Bangkok Treehouse Viewpoint – jungle bridge & canal deck
- Canal Space – minimalist art space
Scooter Route: Ride along Ratchaphruek and exit at Bang Waek Soi 14 or 15 to find peaceful spots locals guard like secrets.
16. Police Checkpoints & Scooter-No Zones: What to Avoid
Some roads and neighborhoods in Bangkok restrict scooters. Here’s what to know:
Avoid:
- Rama IX Expressway / Tollways – Motorcycles forbidden
- Some parts of Sukhumvit / CBD during peak hours – Police checkpoints
- Victory Monument roundabout – Over-policed and tight traffic
Tips to stay safe:
- Always wear a helmet (2,000 THB fine without one)
- Keep a photo of your passport & international license
- Avoid overtaking from the left on narrow sois
17. One-Day Bangkok Scooter Itinerary: Hidden Gems & Chill Vibes
Start your scooter early to beat traffic and enjoy the quieter side of Bangkok.
🛵 8:00 AM – Pick Up Your Scooter
- Pick up from Rentlab Bangkok at On Nut or Bang Chak.
- Ensure you have helmet, phone mount, insurance, and full tank.
🛐 9:00 AM – Wat Thep Phrachan (Lat Krabang)
- Ride through quiet canalside roads
- Explore peaceful temples
☕ 11:00 AM – Coffee Break at Kaizen Coffee Suan Luang
- Park easily in front, scooter-friendly spot
🍜 12:30 PM – Lunch at Soi Suan Phak Food Street
- Grab Moo Palo or spicy fish cakes
🧘♀️ 2:00 PM – Chill at Nong Bon Lake
- Park and walk along the water
- Option to kayak or windsurf
🌅 5:00 PM – Sunset at Hidden Riverside Café (Bang Wa)
- Enjoy views, iced Thai tea, and silence
🛑 7:00 PM – Return home
- Use Ratchaphruek > Rama 3 for scenic return
18. 3-Day Bangkok Scooter Travel Plan: Deeper Exploration
Day 1: Urban Wilderness & Local Eats
- Rama IX Park walk
- Train cemetery photography
- Night food run in Thonburi
Day 2: West Bangkok Spiritual Loop
- Buddha Monthon Park
- Wat Bang Phra (Sak Yant temple, optional tattoo)
- Street food in Nakhon Pathom
Day 3: Workspace + Chill Ride
- Morning: Co-working in Suan Luang
- Afternoon: Lake ride at Nong Bon
- Evening: Sunset canal café near Bang Wa
19. Scooter Safety in Bangkok: What You Need to Know
🪪 Required Documents:
- Passport copy
- International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorbike endorsement
- Thai insurance (included with most rentals)
🪖 Gear Checklist:
- Helmet (mandatory!)
- Phone holder with Google Maps
- Sunglasses and water bottle
- Protective clothing or long sleeves
🚦 Rules You Might Not Know:
- Left turn on red light = ❌ prohibited (unless stated)
- Scooters are banned from tollways and expressways
- No alcohol, not even a sip – random breath checks happen
- Red license plates = new scooter = don’t leave Bangkok province
🧯 Emergency Contacts:
- 191 = Police
- 1669 = Ambulance
- Local repair: Rentlab mechanic support available via LINE
20. Where to Rent a Scooter in Bangkok
Skip the street vendors and go for reliable rentals with support:
🛵 Rentlab Bangkok
- ✅ Online booking with calendar
- ✅ Insurance and helmet included
- ✅ English support via chat
- ✅ Self-pickup lockers near BTS
- ✅ Fleet includes Yamaha NMAX, Aerox, Click
Others:
- Mango Bike Rental (in Sukhumvit, no online system)
- BSR Bike Shop (big bikes, mostly tourists)
Compare Before Booking:
Feature | Rentlab | Mango | BSR |
---|---|---|---|
Online Booking | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Lockers Pickup | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Thai Company | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Full Insurance | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
GPS Phone Mount | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
21. Flat Tires & Repairs: Don’t Panic
If your tire is flat:
- Don’t ride far – you’ll ruin the rim.
- Use LINE or WhatsApp to contact your rental shop.
- Use Google Maps for “ร้านปะยาง” (tire shop) nearby.
- Most charge only 100–150 THB and fix it in 10 minutes.
Other common repairs:
- Brake pads (loud squeaking): ~250 THB
- Oil change: ~150 THB
- Chain adjustment (for manual bikes): ~100 THB
Tip: Carry a 100 baht note under your seat just for emergencies.
Final Thoughts: Why Scooter is the Real Way to See Bangkok
BTS and MRT are efficient—but they’re linear and crowded. To truly explore Bangkok’s real culture, food, and scenery, a scooter gives you the freedom to:
- Stop at a temple that’s not on any map
- Follow a canal road that locals use daily
- Avoid over-touristed routes
- Access peaceful, untouched nature inside the city limits
Bangkok scooter travel is safe, fun, and incredibly local—when done right.
Bookmark this guide and ride smart.
Ready to explore Bangkok like a local? Book your ride now at 👉 Rentlab Bangkok