In Thailand 2 main brands dominate the market, Honda and Yamaha. There is a specialist market for Vespa, also Kawasaki seems to be the go to for the off roaders.
In this article I will focus on the Honda and Yamaha brands as they have proven reliability and are easy to get parts for. I will also look at the GPX Drone as I find it to be a high quality scooter and very good value for money.
What do you want the scooter for?
Do you want something for just commuting around Chiang Mai, or do you want to do some touring around Pai and Chiang Rai?
If the scooter is your primary form of transport then at minimum a 125 cc would be recommended, however if you can afford it then something in the 150cc+ range would be worth the extra money. There are some great day and overnight trips around the Chiang Mai area and the extra power of a larger engine will definitely be appreciated.
I mostly ride a Yamaha Aerox 155i and I find it can tackle the hill on the road to Pai and the highways to Chiang Rai easily. I normally cruise between 80 -90 kmph on the highways depending on the quality of the roads. I have done similar journeys on a GPX Drone and Honda PCX, the riding feel was pretty similar. It really comes down to personal Choice which I will go into later in this article.
However if you just want to commute around Chiang Mai a 125 or even 110cc would be fine.
Now let’s take a look at the range of Scooters:
Firstly which brand is best:
Both Yamaha and Honda make excellent bikes and scooters, very reliable and have great performance. One thing to consider is that Honda seems to be more expensive in the second hand market. So if you’re buying new then Honda will hold its value better, if youre buying second hand then Yamaha could be better Value for money. If you’re renting then its simply a personal choice, just go for what feels most comfortable to ride.
110-155cc range:
The Honda Wave 110i is one of the best-selling scooters in Thailand. It’s reliable, fuel-efficient, and widely available. Riders can choose between manual and semi-automatic versions, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Though if you’re new to riding a fully automatic scooter may be better.
The Honda Scoopy 110 i is another favorite, known for its stylish, retro design. It’s especially popular among younger riders and those who prefer an easy-to-handle automatic scooter. With its lightweight frame and good fuel efficiency, it’s a good choise for city commuting.
The Yamaha Finn 115, is similar to the Honda Wave. It offers a smooth ride and excellent fuel economy, making it a good choice for daily travel.
The Yamaha Mio 115 is another lightweight and compact option. It features an automatic transmission and remains in use, especially in rental fleets catering to tourists.
The Honda Wave and Yamaha Finn are the standouts in this category. I prefer the extra control manual gears give you. However be aware they are both air cooled and therefore not suitable for longer journeys, especially in summer.
The 125cc Range:
The Honda Click 125 is one of the most common scooters in Thailand. It’s known for its smooth automatic transmission, good fuel economy, and reliable performance. Many rental shops offer it because it’s easy to ride and requires little maintenance.
The Yamaha GT 125 remains a solid option for daily commuting. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and has a stylish design. While not as common as the Honda Click, it’s still found in most rental shops.
The Honda Wave 125i is another top choice, especially for locals. It’s a step up from the Wave 110i, offering a little more power while maintaining the same reliability and fuel efficiency. Many people use it for work and daily errands.
There are many other scooters in this category, for renting I recommend either the Honda Click or Yamaha GT. In the 125 category it is probably better to go for something liquid cooled as this will allow you to do longer trips if you would like to.
The 150-160cc range:
The Honda PCX 160 is one of the most popular scooters in Thailand. It’s comfortable, fuel-efficient, and has a sleek design that makes it a favorite for both locals and tourists. The under-seat storage is spacious, which is great for carrying bags or a helmet.
The Yamaha Aerox 155 is another top choice, known for its sporty look and powerful engine. It’s a bit more aggressive than the PCX, with a stiffer suspension and sharper handling. Many younger riders prefer it for its speed and modern features.
The Honda ADV 160 is gaining popularity, especially among those who want a more rugged scooter. It has a higher seat, wider tires, and better suspension, making it great for rougher roads. While not as common as the PCX, it’s becoming a preferred option for longer rides.
The Yamaha NMAX 155 offers a balance between comfort and performance. It has a compact design, good fuel efficiency, and a smooth ride. Some say it’s a good alternative to the PCX, especially for those who like Yamaha’s engine feel.
The GPX Drone 150 is a rising competitor, offering a stylish design and a smooth ride. It’s packed with modern features like a digital display, keyless start, and LED lighting. The engine is reliable, and the price makes it an appealing alternative to Honda and Yamaha models.
In this category all of the bikes will be perfect for both daily use and touring around. For me the winners are Aerox and Drone for looks and value for money (renting and buying second hand). The Nmax and ADV for features and comfort on longer journeys. I’m not a fan of the PCX personally but a lot of people love it and it is very popular, particularly with locals
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My personal scooter is an Aerox, I find it’s a good balance between manoeuvrability and comfort. I have done a lot of touring on it and it’s great, while still feeling nimble on my daily commute. I also really like the way it corners and it looks stylish as well. However if you’re a taller person a bigger bike like a Drone, PCX or Nmax would probably suit you better.
In summary any of the bikes on this list would be a great choice. Just make sure that you choose something that fits your needs and height. If youre buying perhaps rent a few different bike for a day to try them out