Renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai is a great option for exploring areas outside the old city.
Riding a motorized bike is not mandatory, but it will make travel much easier and faster, to certain parts of the region.
After living in Chiang Mai for six months, I found that renting a bike was a great option to get me around. I rented a Honda Click 125i (one of the more popular scooters) for the three months I lived in Chiang Mai.
I visited again in 2023 and rented bikes for the week, as it just makes getting around a lot faster.
Here are some tips on renting a scooter in Chiang Mai!
You will hear many people refer to a scooter as a motorbike, the words are interchanged often. However, they are two different types of bikes and require two different types of licenses.
Scooter (Most popular rental)
- Step through Platform
- Engine size ranges from 50 cc – 300 cc. The most common is the 125cc
- Ideal for short trips with lower speed limits
- IDP license covers this type of bike
Motorbike:
- Powerful motorcycle
- Engine size ranges from 125 cc to 1000 cc
- Manual transitions typically
- Often requires a specific motorcycle license
Where to Rent a Motorbike or Scooter in Chiang Mai
Here are my top five picks for renting a scooter. I rented from four of the five of these locations and had no issues.
Mango Motorbike and Scooter Rental
Located in the Nimman area and open since 2012. Everyone at the office speaks English so the rental process is easy. Mango is very popular and does sell out of bikes often, however, the other companies are just as good so you may need to use a few options while visiting.
Bikky Chiangmai Kadsuankaew
Also located in the Nimman area, the rental process is very fast and the bikes are reliable. It is also located right next to a gas station.
Zippy Motorbike Rentals
Just north of Huay Kew Road, Zippy is in a quiet area which gives you some space to practice riding the bike. It is on the same road as Khao Soi Maesai, the Michelin Guide Selection for the best Khao Soi in 2023.
Cat Motors
Located in the Southwest corner of the Old City. Very friendly staff and fast rental process.
Ann’s Rentals
Located just outside of the Old City on the North East side. It is a 7-minute walk to the “nightclub” area of the old city.
Costs of Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai
Bike rentals cost anywhere from 100 – 250 baht ($3.00 -$7.00 USD) per day.
You can also rent scooters for a month ranging from 2000 -3500 baht ($60-$150 USD) for 30 days.
All locations will give you a free helmet, with no face covering. If you are going for a long drive and prefer to not have bugs fly in your face, you can pay a small fee to rent a helmet with a face mask.
You will need cash for the deposit. All locations will give you an option to leave your passport OR leave a cash deposit.
I would not leave your passport. Just take some extra baht out of the atm for the deposit, using an international bank card to avoid fees.
They will ask for anywhere from 2000 – 5000 baht for the deposit. As long as the bike is returned in good condition you will get your cash returned to you.
How to Rent Motorbikes in Chiang Mai
In Thailand, it is required to have an IDP (International Driver’s Permit) when driving a motorized vehicle.
I am from the United States and purchased my IDP at a local AAA office in America. The total cost is approximately $40 for a one-year license. It is valid in 100 countries and includes two ID photos which are taken on-site.
I didn’t drive with a license on my first visit but I was lucky and never got stopped. More recently, I did get stopped by the police but I had my license on me so I was able to continue driving, without a fine.
Before you leave the shop take a video of the bike. That way you will have proof if they try to say you caused any damage to the bike.
I did fall once (my mistake hitting the gas too fast on a U-turn) and there were a few scratches on the bike which I told them about but they said mai pen rai – no problem! And I was not charged for any damage.
Save the shop’s phone number in case you need to call them while on the road. The locals are extremely friendly and are willing to help you in any way to get you back on the road.
Travel Insurance
I suggest using Safety Wing for travel insurance when renting a motorbike.
It will cover you as long as you are wearing your helmet and driving with an IDP if you get into an accident.
Why Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai?
- Parking – it is much easier to park a bike versus a car.
- Saves Time – you can use Grab (a popular car-sharing service like Uber) to get around instead, however, sometimes they do take a while to pick you up.
- Saves money – it’s much cheaper to drive a bike yourself to a landmark outside the city center, versus renting a private driver.
How to Drive a Motorbike in Chiang Mai
In Thailand, you will drive on the left side of the road.
This can feel strange for anyone who drives on the right side of the road in their home country. I suggest riding in a Grab or tuk-tuk before renting a bike, to see how it feels to be on the other side of the road.
Watch how the driver makes left and right turns, as well as the flow of traffic.
At traffic lights, motorbikes will cut in front of all of the cars, to be in the front of the pack. It will take some getting used to, but it means you will be in front of the cars, instead of behind them while they blow exhaust in your face!
What to Bring on a Scooter
Helmet
I cannot stress about wearing your helmet enough. You will see many tourists with burns on their legs and sides of their bodies from falling on the bikes. This is usually alcohol or speeding-related. Wear your helmet!
Phone holder
A phone holder for your bike is a MUST! If you are not following another driver who knows the way, it is easy to get lost.
When you put your phone in the cup holder, you can no longer see the GPS on the phone screen. You can buy a phone holder at many of the shops in Chiang Mai or purchase this holder in advance.
Backpack
I prefer wearing this slingback crossbody bag, as it’s easier to access items while you wait at a traffic light, versus a bag with two straps. There is only a small amount of storage under the bike seat so you will likely need a backpack.
Getting Gas in Chiang Mai
Before you leave the Chiang Mai Motorbike rental office, check your gas tank and ask where the closest gas station is. Most of the time I received a bike with no gas in it.
Luckily there are gas stations usually a short drive from each rental office.
While on the road and not in the city, you will see roadside stands that sell gas, especially on the Mae Hong Son Loop (more info below).
They will have a sign outside saying “gas” or just the price of the gas, usually around 30 baht a gallon.
A Thai local will siphon the gas into the bike for you. It’s strange at first accepting gas from a stranger and not a gas station but you get used to it!
Chiang Mai Accommodation Options:
- Hostel in the Old City: Revolution Chiang Mai
- Boutique Hotel: Pran @ Kumuang House
- Hotel with Pool: Yantarasri Resort
- Apartment in Nimman Area: Palm Springs Fountain Nimman
What To Be Cautious Of While Driving Motorbikes
Weather
During the dry season (November – April), it can feel extremely hot while riding your bike. Wear a hat and plenty of sunscreen. I suggest wearing longer shorts or pants also, to not stick to the seat.
If you are coming during the rainy season (May – October), driving on slick roads can be a challenge. I suggest not renting a bike and using Grab, Tuk Tuks, or Songthaews.
Other drivers
Driving can be dangerous if you are not used to driving a motorbike or on the opposite side of the road. Drive slowly and with caution at all times.
Storage
There is a small amount of storage under the seat for a water bottle and your keys, but not much else. I use a small backpack when riding a scooter to hold my belongings.
Where to Take Your Scooter in Chiang Mai
There are many cute cafes, excellent restaurants and a few large malls to visit within a quick 10-minute ride from anywhere in Chiang Mai.
Here are some popular places to also take your motorbike rental in Chiang Mai that are a little further to get to:
This is a temple atop a forested mountain featuring ornate gold carvings & a 17-meter, sitting Buddha statue.
You can complete this loop in one day. You will see waterfalls, overlooks, and possibly random elephants taking a stroll! I like using Voyage’s in Style Google Map for this ride.
This is a 5,499-foot mountain featuring trails through evergreen forests which includes a hilltop temple.
This waterfall is small, but it’s an easy hike to get some pictures and cool down during a hot day.
This is an artificial lake lined with bamboo huts & eateries serving local dishes, popular for walking & cycling. It takes about 20 minutes from the old city to get here.
Emergency Numbers to Know in Thailand
If you need help while driving your motorbike, the locals will come and assist you right away. Just in case no one is around, here are a few important emergency numbers for Thailand.
- Police – 191
- Fire – 199
- Ambulance: 1669
- Tourist Police – 1155
Don’t Want to Rent a Motorbike?
It’s OK if you decide not to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai. You can use Grab, hail a Songthaw or a tuk tuk to also get around the city.
For the songthaew and Tuk Tuk, make sure you have Thai baht to pay them, they do not take credit cards.
You can also take a Guided Tour to many locations around the city. I use Get Your Guide for all of my tour bookings.
Final Thoughts
While safety may be a concern at first, renting a scooter will be worth it. As long as you get an IDP and drive slowly and cautiously, you will be fine. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get around Chiang Mai quickly and efficiently.
I hope that my info on motorbike rentals in Chiang Mai helps you on your next visit!
Visiting Thailand? Here are my Guides:
Northern Thailand
- 13 Beautiful Temples Not to Miss in Chiang Mai
- 8 Reasons to Live in Chiang Mai
- The Best and Worst of Chiang Mai
- Where to Workout in Chiang Mai
- How to Read a Nutrition Label in Thailand
- How to Lose Weight Eating Thai Food Everyday
- Where to Spend a Rainy Day in Chiang Mai – Maya Mall
- Exploring the Nimman Area of Chiang Mai
- Muay Thai in Chiang Mai – Where to Watch & Practice
- How to Get a Muay Thai ED Visa
- How to Book Tickets for the Night Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Bangkok
Southern Thailand/ Islands
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