Big Bike Rental in Chiang Mai: The Ultimate Guide
Northern Thailand is home to some of the finest motorcycle touring roads in all of Asia. If you want to do those roads justice, you need a proper big bike. Here is everything you need to know.
1. What Counts as a "Big Bike" in Chiang Mai?
In Thailand — and Chiang Mai in particular — the term "big bike" generally refers to any motorcycle above 400cc. These are the machines used for long-distance touring, adventure riding, and tackling the challenging mountain roads of the North.
In practice, the big bike rental market in Chiang Mai is dominated by adventure and dual-sport motorcycles in the 500–750cc range — bikes that are equally comfortable on smooth highways and light off-road sections. Pure sports bikes (CBR, Ninja) and very large cruisers are less common at rental shops.
2. Best Big Bikes to Rent in Chiang Mai
Honda Transalp XL750
The Transalp XL750 is arguably the best all-round big bike you can rent in Chiang Mai. It has a comfortable, upright riding position, a powerful parallel-twin engine, excellent fuel economy, and confidence-inspiring handling on both tarmac and gravel roads. The wind protection from the screen makes long highway days comfortable, while the ground clearance handles unpaved sections without stress.
Honda NX500
Lighter and slightly more nimble than the Transalp, the NX500 is a superb choice for riders who want an adventure bike with a bit more agility through mountain switchbacks. It handles the Mae Hong Son loop's tight corners brilliantly and has enough power for comfortable highway cruising between destinations.
Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield has become increasingly popular in Northern Thailand. Models like the Himalayan and the Hunter 350 offer a characterful riding experience with a relaxed pace that suits the landscape of the North. The thumping single-cylinder engine of the Himalayan is particularly suited to slow, exploratory riding on mountain trails.
3. Big Bike Rental Costs in Chiang Mai
Big bike rental in Chiang Mai costs more than scooters but remains very affordable by international standards. Expect to pay:
| Bike | Daily | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Honda NX500 | 900–1,200 THB | 5,500–7,000 THB |
| Honda Transalp XL750 | 1,500–2,500 THB | 9,000–15,000 THB |
| Royal Enfield Himalayan | 800–1,200 THB | 5,000–7,000 THB |
| Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 | 1,000–1,500 THB | 6,000–9,000 THB |
Longer rentals attract better rates — if you are planning a multi-day loop, always ask about weekly pricing. A security deposit of 5,000–20,000 THB is typically required, depending on the bike's value.
4. License Requirements for Big Bikes
To legally ride a big bike in Thailand you need a valid motorcycle license — either a Thai motorcycle license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the motorcycle category, accompanied by your original home country motorcycle license.
It is worth noting that some rental shops will not rent high-cc big bikes to riders who cannot demonstrate some experience on larger motorcycles. This is a safety measure, not a legal requirement — but it is something to be aware of.
For a full breakdown of license requirements, accepted documents, and how to get a Thai motorcycle license as a foreigner, see our complete driving license guide.
5. Best Big Bike Routes from Chiang Mai
The Mae Hong Son Loop (3–5 days)
The Mae Hong Son loop is the crown jewel of motorcycle touring in Northern Thailand — and one of the finest road trips in Southeast Asia. The 600km loop takes you through mountain passes, bamboo forests, hilltribe villages, and dramatic river valleys. The road is famous for its 1,864 curves. Allow at least three days, ideally five, to enjoy it properly. Pai and Mae Hong Son are the main overnight stops.
The Golden Triangle (2–3 days)
Ride north from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, passing through tea plantations, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), and on to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Mostly smooth, fast roads — an ideal route for a Transalp or NX500.
Doi Inthanon National Park (Day trip)
Thailand's highest peak makes for a fantastic day ride from Chiang Mai. The road winds through pine forests to the summit at 2,565 metres. Cool, misty, and spectacular — completely different to the tropical lowlands. Bring a warm layer.
6. Tips for Big Bike Riding in Northern Thailand
- →Always use 95 octane petrol in larger displacement engines — check with the rental shop what your specific bike requires.
- →On mountain passes, use engine braking (drop a gear) on long descents rather than riding the brakes — brake fade is real on steep, winding descents.
- →Police checkpoints are common on major routes out of Chiang Mai. Always carry your license and the bike's green book (registration document).
- →Fuel stations become sparse on some mountain routes. Fill up when you see a station — do not assume there will be another one soon.
- →The Mae Hong Son loop has some sections of road that are quite rough. An adventure/dual-sport bike handles this far better than a road-focused machine.
- →Book accommodation in Pai in advance during peak season (November–February) — it fills up fast.
Ready to rent a big bike in Chiang Mai?
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