Ride with Thomas | Bangkok Motorcycle Adventures

About Your Ride

I'm Thomas, a French expat living in Bangkok since 2019. What started as being a passenger on those orange-jacket bikes transformed into a journey of over 40,000 kilometers across Thailand.

After years of watching Bangkok's streets from the back seat, I realized something: I wanted control over my own journey. In 2023, I walked into that Yamaha shop on Rama 4, passport in hand, and drove out with a brand new NMAX.

Now I explore Thailand's hidden gems—places you won't find trending on social media. Temples tucked away in forgotten valleys, viewpoints where clouds meet mountains, coastal roads that stretch into the horizon.

Want to see what I've discovered? Hop on as my passenger, and let's find places that don't exist on Instagram yet.

41,000+

Kilometers Ridden

Years Experience

Licensed

Thai Driver

The Journey

The Passenger Days

Landing in Thailand, you quickly adapt to a new normal—riding without helmets on the back of orange-jacket bikes, handing over your life to strangers. It becomes routine. But as a passenger, you see everything: the near misses, the bikes lying on the ground, sometimes with oil stains... sometimes with red.

Island Practice

Years passed. Small bikes on islands—Koh Samet, Koh Larn, Koh Sichan, Koh Kood. Each ride building confidence. Each kilometer making me realize: I could do this. I could be the one in control.

The Wake-Up Call

That day comes when you realize: that could be you. The bike on the ground, the red stain. You watch the 70-year-olds, even 80-year-olds still riding through Bangkok's chaos. If they have the courage and strength to survive this long, you can too. It's time.

2023: The Purchase

Rama 4. Yamaha shop. Passport in hand. One brand new NMAX. The journey begins. Days of learning, weeks of isolation studying Thai road signs and rules. Pass the paper test, the driving test. Done. Two years later, renewed for five more years.

Today: 40,000+ KM

Now I ride constantly. 2-3 hours outside Bangkok regularly. I've found places that don't exist on social media. Secret temples. Hidden waterfalls. Roads that wind through mountains nobody photographs. These are my stories. Want to discover them with me?

Where We Can Go

These are just a few examples of the countless hidden gems I've discovered. 2-3 hours from Bangkok, there's a whole other Thailand waiting to be explored. Have a place in mind? Share your itinerary—I'm always up for new adventures.

Khao Yai

~2.5 hours from Bangkok

Pristine national park with waterfalls, viewpoints, and winding mountain roads that test your riding skills and reward you with breathtaking vistas.

Kanchanaburi

~2 hours from Bangkok

Historic bridges, riverside roads, and hidden temples. Perfect for a day trip with stunning scenery and rich history around every corner.

Eastern Seaboard

~2-3 hours from Bangkok

Coastal roads stretching along the Gulf of Thailand. Feel the ocean breeze as we cruise past beaches, fishing villages, and seaside viewpoints.

Secret Spots

Various locations

The places I keep to myself—temples without tourists, viewpoints without crowds, roads where we might be the only ones for kilometers. These are my favorites.

Your Destination

Tell me where you want to go

Have somewhere specific in mind? Share your dream destination, and let's make it happen. I'm always looking for new places to explore.

Safety First

In Thailand, traffic is one of the most dangerous in the world. Yet, we enjoy riding. Why? Because we respect the road and prepare properly.

🪖 Helmet

What I provide: Basic "EggShell" helmet—the minimum required by police. It does the job for checkpoints, but let's be honest.

What I recommend: Bring your own if you have one. Size matters for comfort and safety.

~800 THB

Decent half-face helmet

~1,000-1,500 THB

Full-face protection (jaw included)

2,000+ THB

Brand-name, quality helmet

🧥 Riding Jacket

Your head is important. But those who survive accidents will tell you—skin burns are the next most painful thing after broken bones.

A safety jacket protects from road rash AND blocks the brutal Thai sun. On the bike, the wind keeps you cool. It's a win-win investment.

~2,000 THB

Good riding jacket at popular Bangkok shops

🧤 Gloves & More

Gloves: Protect your hands. ~300 THB in Bangkok.

Pants: Jeans minimum. NO SHORTS. Ever.

Shoes: Robust footwear. Bring casual shoes for between rides if you want.

Pro tip: The Thai heat on the road is brutal. Safety gear actually helps—it blocks the sun's fire while the bike's speed provides cooling wind.

40,000 KM • Zero Accidents

Over 40,000 kilometers across Thailand, and not a single accident. Why? Because I always wear my gear: 20K THB helmet, 4K jacket, 1K gloves, jeans, and robust shoes.

It's just a good habit. Good mindset won't hurt.

And if that day ever happens... at least I'm prepared. Safety first, enjoy the ride better.

📡 Communication: The engine sound makes talking difficult while riding. I have a Bluetooth device in my helmet. If you bring your own helmet with Bluetooth, we can connect and chat during the ride!

🏍️ About the NMAX: It's not a big bike—it's a lightweight, nimble machine. With 2 people, we're still faster than 95% of vehicles on the road. However, space between the back box and driver seat is tight. Best fit: ~170cm height, 45-65kg weight. These trips can be 1-3+ hours, so comfort matters for both of us. I'm not a Grab driver squeezing to the front to give you maximum space—we need balance! 😊

Not a Service, An Experience

"This isn't a business. It's an experience I want to share—discovering hidden Thailand that tourists never see."

But let's be practical. The NMAX doesn't run on good vibes alone. I just ask you to chip in for the gas that gets us there and back. Fair?

Contribution Guide

Full Tank

Gets us ~150km of adventure

~200 THB

Half Day Trip

2-3 hours out, exploring, return

~100-200 THB

Full Day Adventure

Dawn to dusk, multiple stops

~300-400 THB

Overnight Trip

2-3 days, cover your own accommodation

Split gas costs

The Real Value? Seeing places that don't exist on Instagram. Roads with no crowds. Temples with no tourists. That feeling when you're the only ones for kilometers.

Some experiences don't have a price tag. But 20 baht per liter × distance does. 🏍️

What to Bring

🎒

Small Backpack

Keep it light. Water, snacks, phone, power bank, sunscreen. The NMAX has a back box for extras.

👕

Change of Clothes

Casual wear and comfortable shoes for stops between rides. Wear your riding gear, pack the rest.

📱

Charged Phone

For photos, navigation backup, and staying connected. Thai SIM recommended for data.

💧

Water

Thailand is HOT. Stay hydrated. We'll stop for refills, but bring your own bottle.

😎

Good Attitude

Adventure mindset required. Flexibility appreciated. Some of the best moments are unplanned.

💰

Some Cash

For gas contribution, food stops, entrance fees, and any souvenirs you can't resist.

Let's Ride

Mostly free on weekends and ready to explore. Whether you have a specific itinerary in mind or want to discover my secret spots, let's connect and plan an adventure.

📱 Line

Quick chat? Message me on Line

Line ID: sama.van

💬 WhatsApp

Prefer WhatsApp? Let's talk

+66 095 823 1125

📸 Instagram

See my adventures & send a DM

Go to My Instagram Page

🗺️ Rever

Track my rides in real-time

Add Me on Rever

⏰ Availability

Mostly free on weekends • Day trips • Overnight adventures

What to expect: Safe riding with a licensed Thai driver • 40,000+ km experience • Helmet provided • Yamaha NMAX comfort • Hidden gems off the tourist path

RIDE BEYOND BANGKOK