To Rent A Car Or Not? Advice?

[sabai jai]

I also cross-posted this under 'travel':

We are visiting TH for 2 weeks in Februrary, and want to spend a week experiencing friendly Isaan, off-the-beaten-path, relaxed travel before heading back south. We are looking for a combination of planned destinations and stumbling across interesting things and local color. I can get by in Thai and can read, so being away from tourist infrastructure is not a worry. But my big question is:

Does renting wheels (car, pick-up, or motorbike) really open up a whole new perspective and pace for this area? Or, me being a uninitiated California driver, will it be too stressful/dangerous and take the "relaxing" out of the vacation? (I have no plans on driving near BKK or at night).

The Budget TH website really piqued my interest (http://www.budget.co.th/travel_worldclass.php)

I would love to hear yours thoughts / experiences on driving in rural parts of Thailand. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks! ขอบคุญมากครับ

[mijan24]

I also cross-posted this under 'travel':

We are visiting TH for 2 weeks in Februrary, and want to spend a week experiencing friendly Isaan, off-the-beaten-path, relaxed travel before heading back south. We are looking for a combination of planned destinations and stumbling across interesting things and local color. I can get by in Thai and can read, so being away from tourist infrastructure is not a worry. But my big question is:

Does renting wheels (car, pick-up, or motorbike) really open up a whole new perspective and pace for this area? Or, me being a uninitiated California driver, will it be too stressful/dangerous and take the "relaxing" out of the vacation? (I have no plans on driving near BKK or at night).

The Budget TH website really piqued my interest (http://www.budget.co.th/travel_worldclass.php)

I would love to hear yours thoughts / experiences on driving in rural parts of Thailand. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks! ขอบคุญมากครับ

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In my opinion having wheels opens up oppurtunities that you may otherwise miss and cars or pick-ups are not overly expensive. I dont know how much "budget" charge but the lady just next door to Eric's bar in Khon Kaen est 1300baht a day which includes 1st class insurance and all vehicles are under 1 year old hope this helps.