Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide

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Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is a fun way to explore Northern Thailand, but it’s unnecessary if you’re staying inside the city. 

There are other easy (and safer) ways to get around Chiang Mai, especially if you’re a beginner scooter rider. You should know that Thailand is one of the most dangerous countries in the world regarding road accidents – the majority involve motorbikes.

That being said, if you’ve ridden a scooter before and are planning to explore out of town, then getting around by scooter is a lot of fun! 

I loved Chiang Mai so much when I visited as a solo backpacker in 2021 that I came back to live here in 2023. Although I didn’t use a scooter during my first visit, I rented one (a Honda Click 125i) to get around as a resident. And it was precisely what I needed!

But before you hop on and take off, it’s essential to know what to expect, how to stay safe, and how to get the most out of your scooter rental adventure.

For starters, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit and about 250 baht per day to rent a scooter, and some rental shops are better than others. But there’s so much more to know!

From exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations to cruising around Chiang Mai like a pro, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make the most of your Chiang Mai scooter rental. Grab your helmet, and let’s go!

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai Summary

Short on time? Let me sum up the most important points covered below.

• Renting a scooter isn’t necessary for getting around Chiang Mai, only if you’re an experienced rider and want to explore outside of town
• Motorbike rentals in Chiang Mai cost about 250 baht per day, depending on what bike you choose and how long you’re renting for
• You’re required to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive in Thailand
• My top pick for a Chiang Mai scooter rental shop is Mango Bikes Rental
• You should wear a full-face helmet and drive slowly
• Make sure you have medical insurance coverage (I use SafetyWing)

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

How Much Does Motorbike Rental in Chiang Mai Cost?

A scooter rental in Chiang Mai costs about 200-250 baht per day (about $6-$7 USD) for basic scooters like the Honda Click 125CC that I rented. 

Chiang Mai scooter rental prices depend on the power and age of the motorcycle, as well as how long you plan to rent it.

If you’re renting for a week or longer, or if you’re renting during the low season, you can likely do a little negotiating. Haggling is a common practice in Thailand, and it never hurts to politely ask if they can offer a better price. 

I rented my motorbike in Chiang Mai for 41 days during the rainy season and negotiated down to 3,600 baht, which comes out to just under 88 baht per day (about $2.53 USD). 

You’ll also be asked to leave a cash deposit of 1,000-5,000 baht ($28-140 USD) that will be returned when you return the bike in good condition.

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How to Rent a Scooter in Chiang Mai

Renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai is fairly easy. If you have a passport and cash, most rental shops in Thailand will rent you a scooter.

The biggest challenge is during high season when the most popular rental shops run out of scooters – in that case, you may need to visit a few places before finding a scooter.

Required Documents to Rent a Motorbike in Chiang Mai

If you’ve decided to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai, you’ll need the following to the rental shop.

• Valid passport (they’ll make a copy)
• International Driver’s Permit with motorcycle designation – you may not be asked to show this document at the rental shop; it’s required by law to have an IDP to rent a scooter in Thailand, and you may be fined without one. I’ve been fined 3 times for being caught without the motorcycle designation on my IDP (that’s why I’m signed up for a motorcycle course when I’m back home in the US!).
• Cash deposit, usually 1,000 to 5,000 baht
• Experience riding a scooter – some rental shops will only rent to drivers who have ridden a scooter before
• Travel insurance that covers motorbike accidents is not required but highly recommended!

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

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.

👉 Check out this full-day Chiang Dao Kayaking, Caving, and Jungle Tour from Chiang Mai. You’ll get to kayak along the Mae Ping River, surrounded by a tranquil forest and a bamboo jungle, greeted by water buffalo and birds. After a local lunch, you’ll explore the Chiang Dao Cave System with headlamps and flashlights.

Before You Leave the Rental Shop

Make sure that the bike is in working order before leaving the shop – check the brakes, tire tread, tire pressure, oil levels, etc., and take pictures of any existing scratches or damage. 

I like to take a video while walking around the bike, zooming in on any existing scratches. I also take a picture of the gas gauge so that I remember how much gas needs to be in the tank when I return it to the scooter rental shop.

And I always turn down the newest bike with no scratches, because I don’t want to pay for any I get! 

This will ensure that you aren’t liable for any pre-existing issues when you return the bike at the end of your rental period.

Ask the shop what insurance they offer – it’s usually inexpensive and worth it if something happens to the bike.

Save the shop’s contact information in your phone in case you need to call them down the road (pun intended).

Ensure you know how to use the scooter! How to turn it on and off, how to use the turn signals and the horn, and how to fill it up with gas. 

When I first rented a scooter, I didn’t know anything and had to learn the hard way that the bike won’t start while the kickstand is down, and if you forget to turn the scooter all the way off, the battery will die! 

Pros and Cons of Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai

When you come to Chiang Mai, you want to be able to explore on your own time without spending a lot of money, and renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is a fun way to do that. But it’s not the only way – or the safest way – to get around Chiang Mai (more on that later). 

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of hiring a scooter in Chiang Mai.

Pros of Renting a Motorbike in Chiang Mai

• Freedom: With a scooter, you can easily explore the city and its outskirts at your own pace.

• Fun: It’s fun to ride a scooter in Thailand! Riding a scooter in Chiang Mai is an adventure in and of itself

• It’s the Local Way: If you want to get around like a local, hiring a scooter in Chiang Mai is one way to do it!

• It’s Cheap: Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is very affordable – you can rent one for as little as 200 Baht ($5 USD) per day. And gas costs are much less than renting a car.

• Bypass Traffic: Scooters are great for getting away from the traffic jams that plague the city.

• Parking: You usually have no problem finding a place to park since you can squeeze in almost anywhere. Watch out for red and white curbs – those are no parking zones.

Cons of Renting a Motorbike in Chiang Mai

• Safety: Riding a scooter is dangerous, especially if you are not an experienced rider. Thailand has the 9th highest road traffic death rate in the world and the highest in the ASEAN region.

• Weather: You have no protection from the elements. You’ll be hot in the sun and wet in the rain. I recommend keeping a poncho on your scooter at all times.

• Lack of Storage: If you need to carry a lot of luggage, it might not fit on your bike.

• Insurance Coverage: Some travel insurance companies won’t cover you if you’re hurt while riding a scooter – that’s why I use SafetyWing! 

⛑️ I use SafetyWing which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident as long as I am properly licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand that’s an International Driver’s Permit) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

Is Driving a Scooter in Chiang Mai Safe?

Ever heard of a Thai Tattoo? I don’t mean the cool kind. 

Travelers to Thailand get burned by the motorbike exhaust pipe so often that it has been nicknamed a Thai tattoo – I’ve seen so many backpackers walking around Thailand with their calves bandaged. And that’s just the beginning of potential injuries that can happen on a scooter in Chiang Mai! 

So is it safe to ride a scooter in Chiang Mai? 

The short answer: No, driving a scooter in Chiang Mai isn’t safe, and there are several other safer ways to get around the city (more on that further down).

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 long answer: Navigating the streets of Chiang Mai on a scooter can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re inexperienced. I do not recommend Chiang Mai or any major city as a good place to learn how to ride a scooter because you also have to deal with traffic and crazy drivers.

But there are ways to make riding a scooter safer, and it can be a lot of fun!

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12 Chiang Mai Scooter Safety Tips for Your Scooter Rental Chiang Mai

Here are a few scooter safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Always wear a full-face helmet and make sure it fits properly. Not only is it required by law, but it could also save your life in the event of an accident. You may have to look around or pay extra for a full-face helmet, but if you want to keep your teeth in the event of an accident, it’s worth it.

You should also wear protective clothing whenever you ride a motorbike, but most people in Thailand don’t. 

2. Get on and off the bike from the left side (the same side as the kickstand). So many travelers burn their legs on the red-hot exhaust pipe that it’s nicknamed a “Thai tattoo.” The pipe is on the right, so get on and off on the left.

3. Practice riding somewhere without traffic. I learned how to drive a motorbike in Pai, a city a few hours away from Chiang Mai. The streets in Pai are much less crowded, and the locals are used to tourists learning how to ride a scooter there. 

4. Take it slow. Chiang Mai’s streets can be busy and chaotic, so start out by driving slowly and getting used to your surroundings, especially if it’s raining. If you stay to the left of the road and drive slowly, other drivers will go around you.

5. Use your mirrors and check your blind spot. Other riders will be zooming around, so you don’t want to move without checking.

6. Stick to the side streets. Although it can be tempting to hit the main roads, sticking to the less busy roads can help you get more comfortable with your scooter.

7. Avoid gravel roads. Gravel roads can be slippery and hard to maneuver, so it’s best to stick to paved roads until you have more experience riding a scooter.

8. Know the rules of the road. In Thailand, you drive on the left side of the road. Additionally, brushing up on basic road signs and signals can help you drive more safely. More on this further down.

9. Choose a reputable scooter rental service that maintains its vehicles well. 

10. Ensure your travel insurance includes medical coverage for motorbike accidents. Some travel insurance companies won’t cover you if you’re hurt while riding a scooter – that’s why I use SafetyWing! If you do get injured, get a police report for your insurance claim.

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

11. Download Offline Maps and Translate. Google Maps and Maps.me both let you download offline maps so that you can continue navigating even if you lose cell reception. You can download Thai to be used offline on Google Translate, which will come in handy if you need help on the road. 

12. Save emergency numbers and the number for your motorbike rental shop in your phone. 

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.

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

Driving Laws and Motorbike Laws in Thailand

If you’ll be driving in Chiang Mai, these are some laws you should know.

To ride legally, make sure you have either an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) that is valid for motorcycles or a Thai driver’s license, and don’t forget the helmets – both you and your passenger must wear them!

Remember that in Thailand, we drive on the left side of the road, and speed limits can vary depending on the location. When cruising through cities, stick to 60kph, while highways allow for speeds of up to 100-120kph. 

No matter how cheap the Chang beer is, never drink and drive. It’s not only illegal but also risky for you and other road users. 

An unwritten rule that I’ve learned from driving around Thailand: the right-of-way typically goes to the larger vehicle (so don’t assume you have it). Also, Thai people are not taught to check their blind spot (they may not even know what a blind spot is), so never assume you’re being seen by the vehicle next to you.

And be prepared to encounter police checkpoints with officers checking licenses, helmets, and sobriety. Remain calm, be respectful, and follow the rules – Thai police officers are usually friendly and forgiving, but aggressive behavior won’t be tolerated.

I got stopped at one of the regular checkpoints and got fined 500 baht ($15 USD) for not having an International Driver’s Permit which is valid for driving a motorcycle.

Lastly, don’t forget about the pesky red and white striped curbs. They indicate a no parking zone. 

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Choosing A Motorbike for Chiang Mai

Whether you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure or a city tour, there’s a motorbike that’s perfect for your needs.

If you plan on spending most of your time checking out the sights in the city center, you don’t need a scooter with a lot of power. A Honda Scoopy 110CC or a Honda Click 125CC will work great.

I’ve taken my Honda Click 125CC on adventures to Sticky Waterfall and all around Pai without any issues.

If you plan on taking longer trips outside of Chiang Mai, into the mountains or jungles nearby, you might want a motorbike with more power, like a Yamana NMax 155CC. A bigger bike is also more comfortable if more than one person will be riding.

Tell your rental shop what you’ll be using your bike for and they will be able to advise which one is the best.

And if you decide it makes more sense to rent a car in Chiang Mai, you can find the best car rental deals here. 

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

Motorbike vs Scooter: What’s the Difference?

Many people use the terms motorbike and scooter interchangeably – including me in this article! – but they are technically a little different. 

Motorbike:

A motorbike, also known as a motorcycle, is a powerful two-wheeled vehicle with an engine size typically ranging from 125cc to over 1000cc. Motorbikes are designed for various purposes, such as touring, cruising, and sport riding. They typically have manual transmissions, and larger fuel tanks, and often require a specific motorcycle license to operate legally on public roads.

Scooter:

A scooter is a smaller, lighter two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through frame and a platform for the rider’s feet. Scooters usually have smaller engines (50cc to 300cc) and an automatic transmission (CVT), making them easy to ride and maneuver. They are ideal for urban commutes and short trips due to their lower top speeds and limited range compared to motorbikes. In many countries, you can ride a scooter with a regular driver’s license if it has a small engine size (typically 50cc).

👉 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.

Best Places for Scooter Rental in Chiang Mai

There are plenty of motorbike rental shops around Chiang Mai – some even offer delivery services. 

Some rental shops are better than others. 

The last thing you want on your trip in Thailand is for your rental bike to break down, so choose a shop that takes good care of their bikes. 

If you’re renting a scooter in Chiang Mai during high season, there’s a good chance you’ll need to visit a few different rental shops before you find one that has scooters available.

Here are some of the most popular and reliable scooter rental shops in Chiang Mai:

Mango Bikes Rentals

Mango Bikes Rentals is the #1 recommendation by expats who live in Chiang Mai. Their bikes are well-maintained and they offer competitive prices, one of the cheapest scooter rentals in Chiang Mai. This is where I rented my scooter while I was living in Chiang Mai and I was very happy with it! I was helped in English and they let me choose between newer bikes. 

Because Mango Bikes is the best in town, they’ll likely run out of scooters the fastest during the high season.

Cat Motors

Cat Motors is another popular Chiang Mai scooter rental shop. Even the cheapest bikes are well-maintained, and the prices are fair. You can’t go wrong with Cat! 

Bamboo Bikes Chiang Mai

Another go-to rental shop for scooters in Chiang Mai is Bamboo Bikes. They have friendly customer service and will happily advise you which bike is best for your adventure.

Vanessa’s Motorbike Hire

You can’t go wrong with Vanessa’s Motorbike Hire in Chiang Mai. Vanessa speaks English and takes great care of her bikes. Renting a scooter from here is a breeze!

Zippy Motorbike Rentals

Zippy Motorbike Rentals is Australian owned and managed, and has a near-perfect 5-star rating on Google. They’re known for keeping their scooters in great condition and for having competitive prices. 

No matter which Chiang Mai scooter rental shop you choose, remember to read the terms and conditions and ask for their insurance policy.

Looking for a One-Way Rental With Drop-off in Pai?

Although I wouldn’t recommend AYA Service as one of the best scooter rental shops in Chiang Mai, it is one of the only ones that also operates in Pai, and will let you drive the scooter one way and leave it in Pai! 

This works perfectly if you’re not planning to ride back to Chiang Mai, or if you’re only doing part of the Mae Hong Son Loop.

A 160cc scooter will cost around 500 baht per day, plus 300 baht if you’re looking to drop off the bike in Pai. They’ll also drive your backpacks to Pai for 100 baht per backpack, so you don’t have to worry about strapping your luggage on your bike! 

Check the bike carefully before you leave the shop, especially the brakes since you’ll need them on the windy road to Pai. 

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

Getting Gas for Your Motorbike in Chiang Mai

Fuel & Getting Gas in Chiang Mai

When checking out your scooter 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 scooter, 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!

Where to Go with Your Motorbike in Chiang Mai

• Bua Thong Waterfalls: This unique waterfall is often called the “Sticky Waterfall” due to its unusual feature of allowing visitors to walk up its slippery rocks. Don’t forget to bring water shoes!

• Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep: Sitting atop Doi Suthep Mountain, this iconic temple provides breathtaking views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding area. Be sure to dress conservatively if you’re planning on visiting.

• Huay Tung Tao Lake: This peaceful lake is a great place to cool off during hot days and spend a few hours just soaking in the atmosphere. A few food stalls are located nearby in case you need a snack.

• Pai, Doi Inthanon, Mae Hong Son Loop: If you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond Chiang Mai’s boundaries then this road trip through some of Thailand’s most scenic areas might be just what you’re looking for. Make sure your scooter can handle long rides before embarking on the journey!

• Mae Sa Waterfall: This majestic cascade is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. With plenty of trails and paths to explore, you can see the beauty of nature up close and personal.

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Where to Stay in Chiang Mai

Budget

My pick for the best hostel in Chiang Mai is Hostel Lullaby. I stayed here multiple times when I was backpacking Thailand. It’s a quiet hostel that attracts more mature backpackers and is in a great location with super comfortable beds that have curtains, and rooms that have A/C. I made so many friends at the complimentary breakfast who I traveled with all over Northern Thailand.

Mid-Range

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.

Luxury

My pick for the best 5-star luxury hotel in Chiang Mai is Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 10 rating and a swimming pool. This is the tranquil retreat from the city you need! 

Getting Around Chiang Mai Without a Scooter

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

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

Take a Tour

Taking a tour is an easy way to explore Chiang Mai and its surrounding area. Tour companies will pick you up from your hotel, take you to the attractions, provide commentary along the way, and drop you off when you’re done. As a solo traveler, I love small group tours as a way to meet people. 

👩‍🍳 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!

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.

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 Bike Historic Old City Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 5-star rating! 

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. 

⛑️ 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.

Chiang Mai Motorcycle Rental FAQs

Final Thoughts: Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai

I’ve rented cars and scooters in 12 countries so far – sometimes it’s the easiest way to get around!

Although it’s easy to explore the city of Chiang Mai without a scooter, renting a scooter in Chiang Mai is a fun way to explore the city’s surrounding area, with some truly breathtaking views along the way. 

But before getting on that scooter, make sure you have your International Driver’s Permit and choose a reputable rental company that keeps their motorbikes in tip-top shape. 

And make sure your travel insurance includes medical coverage for accidents involving riding a scooter (many don’t)!

With these simple tips, renting a scooter in Chiang Mai can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for any traveler.

Drive safely!

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