Chiang Mai is a city that really opens up once you have your own wheels. The Old City is easy enough on foot, but the places most people come north for, the temple on Doi Suthep, the Samoeng Loop, the coffee villages and waterfalls in the hills, sit beyond the moat, where songthaews run fixed routes and ride-hailing cars can be hard to find. Renting a scooter is the obvious answer. The hard part is finding a bike that can actually handle the mountains.
That is where Bikago fits in. The Chiang Mai branch focuses on newer, more powerful scooters and motorbikes, books entirely online and delivers to your hotel, so you can skip the passport-for-a-bike routine of many local shops.
Bikago has rented bikes in Thailand since 2014 and added Chiang Mai to its network alongside Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. The Chiang Mai shop is in Phra Sing, inside the Old City, and is open daily from 9am to 6pm, although most customers book online and have the bike delivered.
Delivery covers hotels and hostels across the Old City, Nimman, Santitham and surrounding neighbourhoods. On the company's Chiang Mai page at the time of writing, rentals of two days or longer included free delivery and collection, with a small charge for shorter bookings.
This is the main difference from a typical rental shop. Many Chiang Mai rentals are 110cc or 125cc scooters, which are fine in town but can struggle on the steep climb up Doi Suthep. Bikago's Chiang Mai fleet leans towards bigger, newer machines:
Honda Giorno ABS: a stylish, retro scooter for getting around the Old City and Nimman, from around USD 10 a day
Yamaha NMAX TechMax ABS: comfortable and capable on longer rides, from around USD 14.50 a day
Honda ADV 160 ABS: a taller adventure scooter that handles hairpins and rougher roads well, from around USD 17 a day
Triumph Scrambler 400 X: a proper manual motorcycle for experienced riders, from around USD 25 a day
The company also lists larger scooters such as the Honda ADV 350 and Yamaha XMAX 300 for riders who want more power. Prices are shown in your chosen currency when you enter your dates, and longer rentals usually bring the daily rate down.
The classic first ride. Route 1004 climbs about 15 kilometres from the edge of the city to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, with tight hairpins and views back over Chiang Mai on the way. It is the best test of whether you are comfortable on mountain roads before trying anything longer.
A roughly 100-kilometre loop through hills, farms and roadside coffee stops, usually done as a full-day ride. A 150cc or 160cc scooter makes it far more relaxing.
About 50 kilometres east of the city, the village of Mae Kampong is known for its waterfalls, cool air and homestays. Experienced riders also head north on Route 1095 to Pai, a famous road of around 135 kilometres and 762 curves. Check your rental terms before planning a long trip, as Bikago's roadside assistance and insurance apply within its service area.
Bikago does not hold your passport. At checkout, you can add the company's motorbike insurance, which covers damage to and theft of the bike with a capped excess and removes the security deposit. Without it, a deposit is held on your credit card. The cover protects the bike only, not your own medical costs or third parties, so make sure your travel insurance covers motorbike riding.
Every booking includes helmets, a phone holder and English-speaking roadside assistance, with a replacement bike brought to you if something goes wrong.
You will need an International Driving Permit with a motorcycle endorsement, or a Thai motorcycle licence. Chiang Mai police run regular checkpoints around the Old City gates, on the moat roads and on the road up Doi Suthep, and riding without the right licence can mean a fine and void your insurance.
Start with Doi Suthep before attempting the Samoeng Loop or the road to Pai.
Choose at least a 150cc scooter if you plan to ride in the mountains.
Watch the weather. From May to October, mountain roads can be slippery and foggy at altitude. Carry a rain layer and leave extra braking distance.
Ride early. Mornings are cooler, quieter and clearer, especially in the hot season.
Plan for the burning season. Air quality in northern Thailand can be poor from around February to April, so check the forecast before long rides.
If you only need a basic scooter to get around the Old City, a local shop will usually be cheaper. Bikago makes most sense if you plan to ride into the mountains and want a newer, more powerful bike, no passport deposit, delivery to your hotel and someone to call if something goes wrong. For Doi Suthep, the Samoeng Loop and beyond, that peace of mind is worth paying a little more for.
Heading south to the islands too? Read our guide to Bikago Phuket. Exploring further north? See our guides to the White Temple, the Blue Temple and Baan Dam in Chiang Rai.
Bike photos courtesy of Bikago (bikago.com). Chiang Mai photos: Philip Nalangan via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0); Takeaway via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Prices and terms are based on Bikago's website in October 2026 and may change. Check the latest details when you book.
Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand (Old City)
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