Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Hi all.

My girlfriend and I are heading over for our first trip to Thailand in about a fortnight%26#39;s time, very excited.

I%26#39;ve just about spent the last month on the net looking at things to do, and I%26#39;m really interested in getting away from the %26#39;touristy%26#39; areas and seeing some of the natural beauty that Thailand is famous for. In particular Khao Phra Thaeo National Park mentioned here:

www.phuket.com/island/parks.htm#khaophra

My question is, should we rent a scooter to get up there? I%26#39;m keen to rent one for a day to go exploring but how safe is it to leave a scooter in the carpark there. I know over here (NSW Australia) you wouldn%26#39;t just leave a scooter in a national park carpark because it%26#39;d quickly get loaded into the back of a ute and never seen again!

Any suggestions on what would be a good day trip out of Phuket?

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

The risk of your scooter getting stolen is low in Phuket. Your biggest risk is having an accident. As I have mentioned elsewhere, Thailand has the highest accident and fatality rate in Asia for motorcycles, and its quite possible your travel insurance may exclude cover for m/c accidents. Driving standards are low and other motorcyclists take huge risks, often causing injuries to innocent people. There is no public ambulance service. If you do risk it, you%26#39;ll need an internationasl drivers permit valid for a m/c, and make sure you get good insurance cover, a helmet, and inspect the bike for damage before you sign anything. Don%26#39;t believe any bs the hire shops give you about its ok to use your own country%26#39;s drivers license.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

No problem at all using a driving licence from another country in Phuket. Bangkok may me different. I%26#39;ve been through dozens of police checkpoints in the past 4 years...never any problem.