Are you heading to Northern Thailand and looking to travel the 1095 road from Chiang Mai to Pai? It’s a breathtaking route, but you might only want to do it one way…if so, you’re going to need to find the best Chiang Mai motorbike rental company with Pai drop-off!
This is the way we travelled to Pai after hearing the route as simply incredible, but trying to find a motorbike rental company who would let us drop our bikes in Pai was harder than expected. In the end, we did find a company that had another office in Pai.
We were a little unsure how good they would be since they had the monopoly but luckily, we had the best experience with them. No hassle and no problems, just an easy motorbike rental from Chiang Mai to Pai!
The Best One-Way Chiang Mai To Pai Motorbike Rental Company (Or Vice Versa)
In this post, we’re going to cover which is the best Chiang Mai motorbike rental company which allows you to leave your bike in Pai if you only want to do the route one way. I’ll also cover topics including:
- Information on insurance, prices and deposits so you can prepare and budget for your adventure!
- What you need to rent a scooter in Thailand to make sure you arrive prepared and ready to go…
- Certain legalities behind scooter rentals so you know what to do to guarantee you have an epic trip
- And, essential safety advice and tips to ensure you have a safe journey.
Are you planning a trip soon? Here are useful links to begin planning!
Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com
Flights – I recommend Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – I recommend SafetyWing
Tours/experiences – I recommend Get Your Guide
Car rental – I recommend DiscoverCars
These are all the sites I personally use to book my trips, and if you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!
Where To Rent Your Motorbike In Chiang Mai
Where is the best Chiang Mai motorbike rental company which allows you to leave your bike in Pai? We found AYA Service is one of the few that provide the service.
📍 Note: If you’re planning the Mae Hong Son loop or returning to Chiang Mai from Pai then you don’t need this service, but if you’re like us and only wanted to go one way this is the best company which allows you to do so!
AYA Service lets you rent your bike in Chiang Mai, or in Pai (if you’re going from Pai to Chiang Mai) and drop it there so you don’t have to come back on the bike.
For us, we just wanted the experience of the 1095 route with its 762 hairpin bends and epic mountain views. The ride, as enjoyable as it was, was strenuous, especially on our little 125cc Honda Clicks.
Sore bums and 6 hours of windswept hair later – we made two stops including lunch and visiting a waterfall – this route can be done in 3 hours, and we arrived in Pai.
As incredible as the journey was, it was not something we wished to do again. Having ridden around the whole coast of Bali on an EPIC 4-week scooter road trip we knew how uncomfortable long journeys can be.
This time, we were happy to leave the bikes behind! If you thinking to do the same, then AYA Service is the best Chiang Mai motorbike rental company to use!
⭐ Pro tip >> AYA is also one of the cheaper motorbike rental companies in Chiang Mai and since we had a great experience with them I’d recommend them as your rental company whether you’re heading to Pai or not. But, go to Pai!
AYA Service – Chiang Mai To Pai Scooter Rentals
So let’s dig a little deeper into AYA Service. They have been around since 1996 and provide scooter rentals, car rentals, and charted buses (presumably to get you back to Chiang Mai), plus tours around Pai. So, in reality, you could book your complete Chiang Mai to Pai experience through them!
However, the easiest and cheapest way to get between Chiang Mai and Pai is on a local minibus. So if you are planning to do this route and you’re on a budget you can use AYA to get there and return on the bus. This is what we did.
📍 The location for AYA Service is outside of the old town, we actually walked there which took us around 30 minutes from the centre of Chiang Mai. It was hot and sweaty, I’d suggest jumping in a tuk-tuk instead.
When we visited it was at the end of the pandemic and so tourism was still relatively quiet and we had no issues renting a bike. If you’re travelling during peak season or have limited time I would look into booking in advance to ensure you have a bike ready.
There are three things you need to consider when renting a bike in Thailand (or anywhere overseas, really). These are the costs, legalities and safety.
👉 Travel Insurance: SAFETYWING
Jack and I use SAFETYWING to book our travel medical insurance when we are overseas. It’s important to us as it ensures a safe trip.
✔️ Flexible, continuous coverage can be bought before you depart or at any point during your journey abroad.
✔️ Can be very affordable.
(High-risk sports activities not generally included – Check out World Nomads instead)
Customer Reviews
AYA doesn’t have the most glowing customer reviews and is rated 3.4 out of 5. That said, we had a great experience with them.
I am reading that most of the negative reviews are to do with booking bikes and then being told they don’t have any left on pick-up day. Which is very frustrating. It also seems that the AYA chartered bus is causing people grief.
However, the quality of the bikes and service provided isn’t getting any qualms and in fact, many people are agreeing the bikes are good. Even our little old Honda Click was a great bike!
⭐ Pro tip >> Usually bikes are returned in the evening and so I would recommend making a booking for the evening before you leave. You get 24 hours, so go pick up your bike the night before.
We also went direct to the AYA office in Chiang Mai to book our bikes, pay the deposit and speak to them a few days before we left. It’s better than booking online as they can see you, build communication and are more likely to keep the bikes for you!
Motorbike Rental Prices
The price of renting a motorbike varies depending on model, age and engine size. It will also vary on the availability of additional services and facilities. However, below are some standard costs you can expect to pay during your travels to Chiang Mai.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Scooter In Chiang Mai?
✔️ Chiang Mai motorbike rentals are reasonably priced. You’ll be looking at a standard daily cost between 140 – 500 THB depending on engine size.
✔️ To rent a motorbike for a week you’re looking at around 1200-1400 THB and for a month anything between 2500-3500 THB.
✔️You will be able to find it cheaper, but I’d advise against this as it generally means older bikes which are in poor condition.
That said, I would advise against renting a new bike. You want a used bike that has some wear and tear because if you get a new one, you’ll have to pay for any damage you do. Generally, with the older ones they already have marks and scratches so you can get away with a few drops.
Most rental companies will offer both used condition and new condition. AYA does, however, you still need to make sure the bike isn’t too old as these aren’t good for long journeys!
AYA Service Motorbike Rental Options
There are a couple of motorbike options at AYA including Hondas and Yamahas. With the Honda Click, they also have options for new and used bikes.
👉 I really would advise staying away from the scoobies and finos for this particular road trip as they are a little too small and will get uncomfortable.
So you’re motorbike rental options will be:
- The Honda Click 125cc (Auto)
- The Honda Wave 125cc (Manual)
- The Yamaha NAMX 155cc (Auto)
- The Honda PCX 150cc (Auto)
AYA Prices & Deposits
Not all motorbike rental companies in Chiang Mai require deposits but since you’re dropping the bike in Pai you will need to pay a deposit plus some additional fees. They also have extra add-ons such as luggage drop.
- The 125cc Honda Click (used) is 140 THB p/day
- The 125cc Honda Click (new) is 200 THB p/day
- The 125cc Honda Wave is 150 THB p/day
- The other two larger bikes it’s 500 THB p/day
Deposit & Additional Charges include:
- 300 THB one-off service charge
- 2000 THB deposit
- 100 THB helmet deposit (although we were charged 200 THB)
- 100 – 150 THB per luggage – OPTIONAL
- Bike insurance – See Below
⭐ Pro tip >> How much does it cost to fill up a scooter with a full tank of fuel in Thailand? 140 THB.
What Do You Need To Rent A Motorbike In Thailand
So you’re going for it! You’re ready to take on the Chiang Mai to Pai route and its 762 bends – go you! But before you go, you’ll need to understand the legalities behind motorbike rental in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I know, boring, but it’s really important you read this bit!
What Is The License Requirement In Thailand For Riding A Bike?
Like with many countries overseas, to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai you will need to have a valid international driving permit for anything up to 125cc. For anything bigger, you will need a CBT licence. Alternatively, you can use your Thai license, if you have one, but you probably don’t.
The likelihood is it’s going to be the international license you get. This is easy enough, if you’re a Brit like us then you can pop down to your local Post Office fill in a form and pay £5.00 and that’s it. It should come through within a week or so.
👉 The UK Gov Website states: To drive a car or ride a motorcycle in Thailand, under Thai law you must have the correct licence and appropriate insurance for the category of vehicle you’re using. You will need to apply for a Thai driving licence or if you already hold a UK licence, an International Driving Permit. Read more here on the Gov.UK website!
The Legalities Of Driving A Scooter In Thailand
That said, you are in Thailand and so you’ll probably get away with having neither, however, expect fines. It’s most likely you’ll get pulled over by the police when leaving Chiang Mai on the 107 road. If you don’t have the right paperwork or not wearing your helmet you will get fined.
⭐ Pro tip >> It’s agreed this fine is around 200 THB which you can pay on the spot and will be allowed to leave.
Since the 1095 road is very close to the Myanmar border there are also checkpoints along it where the military check for illegal immigrants and drug smugglers. As a foreigner, you will likely get waved passed and so it’s nothing to worry about.
Insurance
Medical Insurance is the number one thing you need to ensure you have. Never ride a scooter without Medical Insurance.
Does The Motorbike Rental Include Insurance? There are two types of insurance you need to think about, medical insurance and bike insurance. Some companies will include bike insurance which covers you if you have an accident. However, they will not include medical insurance.
It’s crucial you arrange medical insurance before you travel and make sure it covers you for riding a scooter. There are usually stipulations you must follow to remain covered.
For example, our insurance with SafetyWing stated we needed to have a valid licence, in this case, the International Driving Permit, be using a helmet and that the scooter was not our main method of transportation.
👉 Check your insurance policy as they all differ and make sure you are covered for riding scooters.
In regard to bike insurance. It’s important you get covered by your rental company but not 100% necessary. If you don’t get covered, you risk incurring charges if the bike is damaged or stolen.
How Much Does Motorbike Accident Insurance Cost In Chiang Mai?
The cost of accident insurance or bike insurance, as I’ve been referring to it depends on which rental company you are using but the average cost is around 200 THB per day for a premium cover. For longer motorbike rentals you can negotiate a better rate.
At AYA Service you have three options for damage protection:
- Option 1: Get insured for damages of up to 5,000 baht per vehicle only 80 baht per day
- Option 2: Get insured for damages of up to 25,000 baht per vehicle only 180 baht per day
- Option 3: Get insured but the renter is responsible for any damage or loss of the motorbike.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that their bike insurance doesn’t exceed 45,000-50,000 THB or the loss of the vehicle. A new scooter starts at around 45,000 THB. Nor does it include the loss of any keys which will be charged at 150 THB per key.
👉 Something To Think About: I want to point out that we didn’t opt for any damage insurance. We figured if we crashed we wouldn’t be covered for replacing the bike anyways so we would need to pay for it even if we had insurance. Since we got the used bikes which were already scratched it meant any small bangs aren’t noticeable. We are also not newbie riders, which helped.
Is It Safe To Ride A Rental Motorbike In Chiang Mai?
If you have never ridden a bike before then I would say that Chiang Mai isn’t the safest place to start. The traffic can get bad, especially at rush hour (7-9 am & 4-8 pm) and the Thai road sense is questionable at the best of times!
✔️ A better place to learn would be Pai. It’s much more relaxed with less traffic and long roads to practice manoeuvring. If this is the case, consider catching a bus to Pai, renting your scooter there and then travelling to Chiang Mai from Pai.
If you are experienced or have some practice riding a scooter then there is nothing stopping you from starting your adventure in Chiang Mai!
It’s always important to keep an eye out for other vehicles when riding a scooter as you are more vulnerable. Riding a motorbike in Chiang Mai can be unsafe if you are not careful or act stupidly on your bike.
The tuk-tuks and other vehicles, but especially the tuk-tuks, like to pull out with no warning and no indication. They will swerve across the road and come to abrupt stops to pick up passengers so be sure to keep away from them.
Do You Need A Scooter In Chiang Mai?
One of the easiest and most convenient ways of exploring Chiang Mai is on a scooter, but that’s only for journeys outside of the old town. I don’t think you need a scooter if you’re spending the day inside the walls.
We walked a lot in Chiang Mai and it’s a great city to explore on foot with most of the action happening inside the old town. It’s fun exploring the old streets and finding quirky places to stop for coffee. You don’t need a scooter for this!
For day trips outside of the city renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai is a fun and exciting way to explore! If you’re heading to the Nation Park renting a scooter is a good option.
Is It Hard To Ride A Scooter In Thailand?
Since I started riding motorbikes as a teenager I don’t think it is hard but Jack had a fun time learning while we were in Bali. He came off the very first time and went straight into a rice field! Luckily no one was hurt, only a little bruised.
With the automatic – twists and go – it’s easy to lose control and instead of pulling the brake, it’s common to turn the throttle which will shoot you forward.
So yes, it can be hard to ride a scooter at first but once you get the hang of it it’s really very simple. There are some important things to remember if it’s your first time riding a bike in Thailand, check out my top tips below!
Chiang Mai Motorbike Rental Top 10 Tips
👉 1. Hover Over Your Brakes.
It’s a good idea to ride (on the twist and goes) with your three fingers covering the brake. This will save you crucial seconds if you need to brake quickly.
👉 2. Always Wear Closed Shoes
And never ride in flip-flops or sandals. We used our walking boots every time we went long distances – short distances are okay but don’t go fast.
👉 3. Use A Helmet
Make sure you are using a helmet. A full-face helmet is advised but not always possible, but if you come off your jaw won’t be protected. Make sure your helmet has a visor too! For some reason, they rent these without and it doesn’t help when you’re flying down the motorway getting bugs in your eyes – if you can’t wear sunnies.
👉 4. Don’t try to show off
Don’t do stupid stuff! So many people ruin their holidays by having accidents which could have been avoided.
👉5. Do NOT Drink And Drive
For obvious reasons! But also, on the topic of drinking, it’s a great idea to carry a refillable water bottle during your travels…
✅ I use the Grayl Water Purification Bottle: It’s a top-rated and best-selling water filtration and purification bottle for backpacking, hiking, camping, emergency prep and global travel. Basically great for using in southeast Asia and helping the planet, one plastic bottle at a time!
👉 6. Check Your Parking
The Red & White Painted Curbs mean no parking and make sure to park on the correct side of the road. Unlike the UK where you can park in any direction, you should be facing the way of the traffic in Thailand.
👉 7. Avoid Gravel Roads
Try not to drive down gravel or dirt roads. Manoeuvring a motorbike on this terrain is very difficult and not for beginners.
👉 8. Always Protect Your Skin.
This means sun protection and if you can wear long trousers and a shirt in case you come off your bike you are slightly protected from grazing. You won’t be protected if you come off at high speeds, but for little wobbles, it will help.
👉 9. Watch Out For The Rain
If it rains when you’re leaving be very careful. If you can change the day do it as not only will the rain dampen the day but it is dangerous to ride in. Plus you’ll get soaked!
👉 10. Stick To The Left
And don’t race the locals! Make sure you take notice of the one-way signs which are plenty inside the walled city of Chiang Mai.
You’ll also be happy to know that because Thailand is generally considered a cheap country to visit, you’ll be able to find really great affordable accommodation!
Resources For Thailand
Is it your first time visiting Thailand? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Thailand Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- We loved Chiang Mai and our ride to Pai. While you’re there, visit some incredible places, like the Maerim Elephant Sanctuary, go on a bike tour, head out on a trekking tour and discover why Chiang Mai is awesome!
- Love history? I would recommend stopping by the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
- Hell Fire Pass, where we learned about the Death Railway and worth a visit.
- If you want to know how to get to Erawan Waterfalls, this one is for you!
- Here’s a guide to Phuket town.
- Read this if you love national parks and want to stay in a floating bungalow.
- Finish your trip with a hop over to Koh Mook – our favourite island in Thailand!
Chiang Mai Motorbike Rental FAQs
✔️ Is hard to ride a scooter in Thailand?
The twist-and-go scooters most people rent in Thailand are pretty easy to ride. However, in the beginning, it can be hard to ride a scooter in Thailand and does take a while to learn how to control the throttle and breaks. That said, with a little bit of practice it’s a simple process which can be picked up quickly.
✔️ Is it easy to rent scooters in Thailand?
It’s very easy to rent a scooter in Thailand. Although legally you must have an international driving permit or a Thai license, most rental companies will let you take a bike without one. However, this is not advised because if you have an accident your insurance will not be valid. It is very important you have travel insurance when travelling abroad, and make sure you are covered for riding a scooter in Thailand.
✔️ Is it safe to rent a scooter in Thailand?
Depending on where you are in Thailand, renting a scooter can be a safe and fun experience. If it’s your first time on a scooter I would suggest renting a scooter somewhere outside of the larger cities. This way you’ll get the opportunity to learn without the worry of traffic or oncoming vehicles. That said, it can also be dangerous if you are not sensible, intoxicated and not aware of other vehicles. Keep a safe distance and never ride a scooter while intoxicated. Most serious accidents happen on scooters!
Conclusion: Chiang Mai Motorbike Rental (One-Way Service)
You’re finally ready for your epic adventure to Pai! I hope our Chiang Mai motorbike rental guide has been helpful and provided you with all the information you need for your journey. I will say that if it’s your first time, don’t be worried and just make time to practice beforehand so you can get used to the bike.
If you follow my safety tips above you’ll have a great experience. It was a trip we enjoyed but were happy we had the option to only go one way.
If you’re thinking about a longer journey I would strongly suggest you use the larger bikes as they will make the experience for you. Otherwise, have the best time!
👉 Read Next: Discovering the Charm of Chiang Mai: Is it Worth Visiting?
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