Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai

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Renting a car in Chiang Mai is the perfect solution for adventurous travelers wishing to explore Northern Thailand.

Explore the countryside around Chiang Mai at your pace, without being squished in a crammed bus next to smelly strangers.

But before you start driving in Chiang Mai, you might be wondering whether or not you need an International Driver’s Permit (yes, you do), if it’s safe to drive around the city, what the costs are, and which car rental company in Chiang Mai is the cheapest. 

Don’t worry, I’ve got you! 

I loved Chiang Mai so much when I was backpacking Southeast Asia in 2021 that I actually moved here for a little while in 2023, and I’ve been driving all around the area. I love having the freedom to go anywhere I want, whenever I want, on my own schedule!

We’ll cover everything – from the best place to rent a car in Chiang Mai and how much it costs, to safe driving practices and tips to boost your confidence. 

Imagine cruising down a side road that calls to you, stopping for pictures at breathtaking viewpoints, and taking a bathroom break whenever you please. Buckle up and hit the gas!

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Renting a Car in Chiang Mai Overview

Exploring the lush mountains of the north at your own pace is a truly unforgettable experience. With so much to see, renting a car is the perfect solution. 

The process is simple, with numerous car rental companies operating in and around Chiang Mai. You can choose from a variety of vehicles, from compact cars to spacious SUVs, depending on your needs.

I’ve rented cars and scooters in 12 countries so far – sometimes it’s the easiest way to get around! Having your own vehicle provides the freedom to explore the city’s surroundings on your own terms, without relying on public transportation. 

I don’t recommend that you rent a car in Chiang Mai to explore the city itself – it’s just not necessary. It’s super easy to get around town in other ways (tuk-tuk, walking, bicycle, scooter, or songtaew). 

But if you plan to get out of town and see the countryside, and you don’t want to rely on public transportation, renting a car in Chiang Mai makes sense.

Make sure to have your driver’s license and passport ready when picking up your car, and don’t forget to check the insurance options. Once you have your wheels, you’re ready to discover Chiang Mai and all its hidden gems.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Where to Rent a Car in Chiang Mai

With so many Chiang Mai car rental companies to choose from, finding a reliable and affordable service can be a daunting task. 

👉 I love how easy it is to compare the major car rental companies to find the best price with this tool.

Whichever company you decide to go with, always ask what insurance policies are included and what the cancellation policy is.

Booking Your Chiang Mai Rental Car Online

Booking a rental car in Chiang Mai is easy online. 

First, you’ll need to do some research and compare the different car rental companies to make sure you’re getting the best price. 

To save time, use DiscoverCars to compare all of the options available quickly. You can then book your rental car directly from the website with just a few clicks. 

In high season, it’s always recommended to book in advance so that you don’t miss out on the best deals, or find yourself without wheels when you need them. 

Many companies offer delivery services where they will drop off your rental vehicle directly at your hotel or other location in Chiang Mai. Cool perk!

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

Booking At the Chiang Mai International Airport Airport (CNX)

Booking a rental car at the Chiang Mai Airport has never been easier! 

You have two options for booking: the first is to book online ahead of time, where you can select the airport as your preferred pick-up and drop-off location. 

Alternatively, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can simply walk up to the rental car booth when you arrive. 

With the airport situated so close to town, picking up and dropping off your car is a breeze. A tuk-tuk to the airport from town won’t cost more than a few bucks.

Local Thai Car Rental Companies in Chiang Mai

Renting with a local agency can save you money compared to international companies, and although I usually recommend supporting local businesses when you travel, I don’t recommend that travelers choose a local car rental company over a reputable international one when in Chiang Mai.  

Thai rental cars aren’t always well-maintained, so if you want to avoid being stuck with a clunker in need of some TLC. And if you need help with your car when you’re on the road, the peace of mind of being able to speak with someone who speaks English at the international brand is priceless!

However, the local companies are perfect for local expats who need a car for the longer term.

Expats who live in Chiang Mai recommend Red Ride Rentals, Sea Fan Car Rental, North Wheels, and AJ Car for Rent. 

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Important Tips for Renting a Car in Chiang Mai

I’ll go into more tips related to safety further down, but here are some general Chiang Mai car rental tips to get you started:

• Start with the basics: make sure you have a valid driver’s license, International Driver’s Permit (IDP), and a credit card under the main driver’s name with enough balance for the full payment plus a deposit and travel insurance.

• Search DiscoverCars for the best rates for your dates in Chiang Mai.

• Before driving away in the car, inspect it thoroughly and take pictures with your phone in case there are any pre-existing damages to the vehicle. I like to walk around the car taking a video.

• Check how full the gas tank is and make sure you fill it up before returning the car.

• Review the contract carefully. Keep a copy of your rental agreement handy in case of any issues or disputes that may arise while you are driving.

• Ask about insurance coverage and be mindful of the deductible. I always get what my friend likes to call “dragon insurance,” – insurance so good that it would even cover damage from a dragon – or whatever the best insurance is. 

• Check that there’s a spare tire in the car. I found out the hard way when renting a car in Scotland that a lot of rental cars don’t come with them anymore, and had to wait for a couple of hours on the side of the road waiting for help.

🚗 Book a Chiang Mai rental car today!

👩‍🍳 My pick for the best cooking class in Chiang Mai is Benny’s Home Cooking course with a small class size, robust menu, and a near-perfect 5-star rating!

Rules and Requirements for Renting a Car in Chiang Mai

Every rental company has its own rules, so be sure to check them carefully before hiring a car in Chiang Mai. 

Here are some common rules you should be aware of:

• To hire a car in Chiang Mai, you must be at least 21 years old and have a valid B-category driving license held for one year prior to rental. Some companies require drivers to be at least 23 years old and will charge a fee for drivers younger than 26.

• Some car rental companies have a higher minimum age limit of 23, so make sure to check beforehand.

• You will need to present your passport, International Driver’s License and a credit card registered to the main driver with sufficient funds to cover the deposit and fees.

• One big plus is that there are generally no mileage limits on rental cars in Chiang Mai.

• And while it may be tempting to take your rental car for a spin outside of Thailand, it’s not allowed. 

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

How to Get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) 

Travelers can get an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) by applying for one before they travel, in the same country that issued them a national driving license. 

The US application process includes filling out a form and submitting it — in person or via mail — along with two identical two-inch by two-inch, passport-sized photos, a copy of the traveler’s valid U.S. driver’s license, and a fee of $20.

The traveler can download the application from AAA or pick one up at a AAA branch office and bring it to their nearest AAA branch office. If you’re already overseas, you can complete the whole process by mail, but you should expect it to take 5-7 weeks to get your IDP.

I always go to AAA right when they open because there’s usually a wait otherwise. Getting the IDP is really simple, but it’s only valid for a year, which means I have to renew it whenever I’m home (since I’m traveling long-term). 

It is important for travelers to remember that an IDP is an addition, not a replacement for their national driving license, and must be accompanied by their valid U.S. driver’s license when they are driving abroad. And if you’re renting a motorcycle, you’re supposed to have an IDP that’s valid for motorcycles, or you risk being fined.

A lot of car rental companies and scooter rental companies won’t ask to see your IDP but if you ever get pulled over, a police officer is going to ask to see it and will fine you if you don’t. Not having one may also impact any insurance coverage you have.

👉 My top pick for a hotel in Chiang Mai is POR Thapae Gate because it’s in the perfect location and has a great breakfast! The staff here is amazing, and you’ll love having a relaxing place to come home to after a full day of exploring.

Additional Drivers

Adding another driver to your car rental in Chiang Mai has numerous perks to enjoy the beautiful landscapes with your travel buddy! It’s practical since you can share the driving duties, avoid fatigue and take turns enjoying the picturesque routes at your convenience. 

The best part? Adding a second driver is usually free of cost! Just make sure that the driver meets the same requirements as the main driver to be eligible.

However, be cautious in allowing an unregistered driver to operate the rental as in case of an accident, your insurance company won’t cover the damages. 

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

How Much Does Renting a Car in Chiang Mai Cost?

When looking to rent a car in Chiang Mai, you can expect most companies to require at least 24 hours of rental time. And you’ll likely be asked to pay for the full rental plus a deposit by credit card before they hand you the keys.

If you’re looking for an economy-sized car, you can expect to pay between 850 baht and 1,200 baht per day depending on the season. This typically includes cars like Nissan Almera or Toyota Vios and can fit up to 4 adults. 

A full-size SUV or van will cost around 3,000 baht per day and come in models like Toyota Fortuner.

Rental prices usually include VAT but don’t include gas, insurance costs, and extras such as GPS or child car seats – so make sure to double-check when booking if these extras are included in the price. 

If you require a child seat it’s best to ask in advance since they often don’t keep them on site.

Finally, bear in mind that late fees may be applied if you drop your car off later than agreed upon so do plan ahead accordingly!

👉 I took this 5-Star Doi Inthanon National Park, Waterfall & Royal Project day tour from Chiang Mai. See stunning views, visit the highest point in Thailand, and visit a local market. Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back in an air-conditioned vehicle and let a tour guide do all the work.

Car Insurance

Make sure you don’t overlook the importance of car insurance when renting a car in Chiang Mai!

Having car insurance is a smart move for anyone out on the road, and it’s especially important when you’re in an unfamiliar place. The last thing you want is to get into an accident or experience any damages without having the necessary coverage. No matter whose fault an accident is in Thailand, it’s the tourist who typically gets the blame.

While full-coverage policies in Chiang Mai can cost around 400 baht per day, it’s worth the investment for peace of mind. Additionally, it’s worth checking your credit card first – many travel credit cards offer coverage that may meet your needs.

Before you sign any contracts, however, be sure to fully understand the terms and conditions. Pay close attention to the damage waiver contribution and ensure that you’re getting the best policy possible.

Remember, staying safe on the road is the most important thing – and having car insurance can help make that happen. So, make sure you have the coverage you need before you hit the open road!

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with SafetyWing travel insurance.

Deposit

When renting a car, you’ll be required to pay a deposit ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht. For high-end vehicles, expect a higher deposit.

Fuel & Getting Gas in Chiang Mai

When checking out your car at the rental agency, make sure to check how full the gas tank is before driving off as you’ll need to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel that it had when you started your journey. 

In Thailand, there are three kinds of gasoline available: Gasohol 91 or Gasohol 95 and diesel.

At the time of writing this blog post, gas prices in Chiang Mai are 31 baht per liter (¼ gallon), less than $1 USD per gallon – cheaper than many other countries! 

When it comes time to refuel your rental car, there’s always a gas station attendant who will fill up your gas tank for you. Just roll down your window and tell him how much gas you want added – keep in mind that some attendants offer to clean your windshield during refueling which is included in the price of gas but they may also expect a tip in return for their service.

I remember my first time doing a road trip in another country and being surprised that I didn’t have to pump my own gas – I had never been to a full-service gas station before!

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Is Driving in Thailand Safe?

When it comes to driving in Thailand, safety is a major concern for many travelers. I don’t mean to scare you, but knowing the truth will help you prepare for your Chiang Mai road trip. Let’s be proactive so that you know what you’re getting into!

Here’s the cold hard truth:

The most common safety issue in Thailand is road accidents.

With the 9th highest road traffic death rate in the world and the highest in the ASEAN region, Thailand’s roads are among the most dangerous globally.

The country has witnessed an increase in road accidents resulting in nearly 15,000 deaths and over 900,000 road accidents reported in 2022, of which 536 deaths and 7,885 injuries were foreigners. The majority of these accidents involve motorbikes. 

The roads are often overcrowded and chaotic, and the traffic laws are very different from what you may be used to back home. 

Many drivers in Thailand don’t follow the same rules of the road that we have in the US. 

Traffic lights and signs are ignored or forgotten frequently, so being an aware driver is essential.

It’s also important to note that motorbikes are a major form of transportation in Thailand, and they weave around cars on the roads often. So if you plan on driving, make sure to watch out for motorbikes when making turns or merging into traffic.

Driving in Northern Thailand will go smoothly as long as you keep your wits about you. There are some great highways with well-marked lanes, signs, and guardrails that make navigating them easy even if you don’t speak Thai. 

Stick to these highways whenever possible and always pay attention to other drivers on the road – it could save your life! 

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

Emergency Numbers to Know in Thailand

Whenever you travel to a new country, one of the first things you should do is look up the emergency numbers. 

Here are a few important ones for Thailand:

Police – 191

Fire – 199

Ambulance: 1669

Tourist Police – 1155

Medical Tourist Information Center – 1330

It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency contact handy, someone who can help you if you find yourself in a tight spot. Have their phone number ready so that you can reach them quickly and easily if needed

🤩 My favorite way to get to know a new city is by taking a food tour. This Northern Thai Food Tour will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

Tips for Driving in Chiang Mai Safely

Safely exploring the mountainous north of Thailand with a rental car can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to take precautions and stay safe.

• Save the 24/7 car rental phone number on your phone and keep local emergency numbers handy.

• Because of the winding and mountainous roads of Northern Thailand, be sure to drive slowly and carefully.

• Limited street lighting and many vehicles without headlights pose additional risks when driving after dark. It’s best to avoid it if possible.

• Be extra cautious and drive defensively, paying attention to what other drivers are doing and being prepared for anything.

• If you have an accident, contact the rental company for assistance, and make sure to follow their instructions closely. You’ll need a police report for insurance.

• Always have the necessary documentation on hand, including rental papers, your driver’s license and International Driving Permit, passport, and a fully charged phone with a local SIM.

• Don’t forget to bring extra water, snacks, and toilet paper for longer trips.

• Use Google Maps with downloaded offline maps in unfamiliar areas.

• Downloading the Thai language pack to your Google Translate app can come in handy when needing to ask locals for help.

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with Safety Wing travel insurance.

Thai Traffic Rules for Driving in Chiang Mai

Thailand is known for its bustling streets filled with scooters, cars, and tuk-tuks whizzing by. It’s a chaotic and exhilarating experience, but it can be daunting for first-time visitors, especially those planning to rent a car. 

From ignoring speed limits to overtaking on both sides, Thai traffic rules can be confusing for foreigners. 

If you’re planning on driving in Chiang Mai, it’s important to be aware of the rules of the road. 

First and foremost, remember to drive on the left! This is the hardest part for me when driving in Chiang Mai , especially when making turns (that, and driving when it’s pouring rain during monsoon season). After a little practice, it starts to come more naturally.

Many drivers ignore speed limits, but it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Scooters are notorious for weaving in and out of traffic, so keep your eyes peeled. 

When overtaking another vehicle, it’s common to honk lightly as a signal to the other driver. On mountain roads, you must honk before turning a blind corner to alert other drivers. 

Never drink and drive in any country. Take a taxi instead.

And don’t be surprised if you encounter police checkpoints. They may ask to see your international driver’s permit and home country driver’s license. 

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Places to Go Near Chiang Mai With Your Rental Car 

So many travelers to Thailand miss the north, and that’s a huge mistake!  

Chiang Mai is one of the most beautiful and culturally interesting cities in Thailand. With your rental car, you can explore the many sights and attractions around Chiang Mai, from temples to nature preserves.

• Take a scenic drive up to Doi Suthep temple and enjoy breathtaking views of Chiang Mai city

• Chase some of the waterfalls near Chiang Mai, like Sticky Falls 

• Take a multiday trip to Pai or complete the Mae Hong Son loop – you’ll appreciate the stunning views of rural Thailand for miles and miles

• Spend the night in Chiang Rai and visit the famous White Temple

• Visit the Golden Triangle near Chiang Saen or visit some of the other ancient ruins in northern Thailand

• Explore one of the many national parks around Chiang Mai – Doi Inthanon National Park is a great option!

👉 Find the best local tours with this search engine (and the best deals)!

Getting Around Chiang Mai Without a Car

If you’re staying in town, you don’t need a car to get around Chiang Mai.

Here’s a guide to the best ways to get around Chiang Mai without a car:

Tuk-tuks

A colorful and iconic form of transportation in Chiang Mai, tuk-tuks are perfect for short journeys, taking you wherever you need to go in the city. Negotiate a fare upfront, make sure the driver knows your destination, and off you go, zipping around the town. Better yet, just use the Grab app so you don’t have to haggle!

Songthaews

Also known as “red trucks,” these are shared taxis that follow set routes and allow numerous passengers to hop on and off at specific points. They’re cheap and reliable, and you’ll find the drivers are more than helpful in letting you know when to get off.

Motorbikes or Scooters

If you’re feeling adventurous and want the freedom to explore on your terms, renting a scooter or motorbike is a great option. It’s the easiest way to reach those out-of-the-way spots that other forms of transport don’t provide access to. Just be safe and aware of traffic rules while on the road. Chiang Mai isn’t the best place to ride a scooter for the first time because of the traffic.

Bicycles

For the eco-conscious and fitness buffs out there, renting a bicycle is an ideal way to explore Chiang Mai, which is mostly flat. 

My pick for the best bike tour of Chiang Mai is this 

Walking

Taking a leisurely stroll through Chiang Mai is an excellent way to explore the city. Not only is it free, but it also gives you time to soak in the sights and sounds of the area. And with so much delicious local food, you’re going to want to do some walking! If you’re looking for a hike close to town, check out the Monk’s Trail hike – one of my favorites!

Renting a Car in Chiang Mai FAQs

Wrap Up: Renting a Car in Chiang Mai

Renting a car in Chiang Mai can be a great way to get out of town and explore the north of Thailand in comfort and in your own time.

With so many underrated places in the north of Thailand, hiring a car in Chiang Mai makes it so much more enjoyable and easier to explore.

There are some important things to keep in mind when driving in Chiang Mai, both for safety and legal reasons.

First off, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country and an International Driver’s Permit in order to rent a car in Thailand. 

Secondly, be aware of the windy roads and dogs who love to sunbathe smack-dab in the middle of the road.

Now you’re ready to rent a car in Chiang Mai! To get the cheapest rental car prices for Chiang Mai, I recommend using DiscoverCars. You can use the money saved at the Chiang Mai night market.

🚗 Book a Chiang Mai rental car today!