Which Scooter Should You Rent in Chiang Mai? 125cc vs 155cc vs 300cc
When customers ask us which scooter to rent, the answer depends on two things: how many of you are riding, and where you’re going.
- One person, riding around Chiang Mai: a 125cc is fine.
- Want more comfort and better suspension: go for a 155cc.
- Two people: a 155cc, especially if you’ll be riding up any hills.
- Leaving Chiang Mai: a 155cc is what we recommend.
- Two people on long trips with luggage: consider a 300cc.
Here’s the reasoning behind that, with the bikes we rent in each size.
125cc: fine for one person in town
Our 125s are the Honda Click 125, Yamaha GT 125 and Yamaha Grand Filano, all at ฿300 a day. For one rider getting around the Old City, Nimman, cafés and markets, they do everything you need. They’re light, easy to park and cheap on fuel.
Where a 125 struggles is with two people on steep roads. Doi Suthep, the Samoeng Loop and the climb to Doi Inthanon are all possible, but the bike works hard, and the ride is less comfortable on rough patches. If that’s your plan, spend a little more.
We also rent the Honda Zoomer X 110 at ฿200 a day. It’s fun for short trips around town, but it’s our smallest bike and not the one for hills.
155cc: our recommendation for most people
The Yamaha NMAX 155 (฿500 a day) and Aerox 155 (฿400–450 a day) are the bikes we recommend most. The extra power is easy to feel on hills, the suspension handles bumps better, and there’s more room for two.
If you’re a couple, or you want to ride up Doi Suthep, do the Samoeng Loop or take a day trip to Mae Kampong, a 155 makes the day much more comfortable. It costs only a little more than a 125.
300cc: for couples on long trips
The Honda Forza 300 (฿600 a day) and Yamaha XMAX 300 (฿800 a day) are our biggest scooters. They’re built for long distances: more power, bigger wheels, better suspension and a roomier seat. If two of you are doing the Mae Hong Son Loop with bags, a 300 is worth considering.
They’re heavier, though, and more than you need for riding around town. See our XMAX and Forza rental page for more.
Quick guide by trip
| Your trip | Riding alone | Two people |
|---|---|---|
| Around Chiang Mai city | 125cc | 155cc |
| Doi Suthep, Samoeng Loop | 155cc | 155cc |
| Day trips out of Chiang Mai | 155cc | 155cc |
| Multi-day loops with luggage | 155cc | 155cc or 300cc |
All our scooters are automatic, and every rental includes helmets. Full daily, weekly and monthly prices are on our Scooters & Rates page, and staying longer works out cheaper with a monthly rental.
Written by Anton from AA Scooter Rentals, based on what we tell customers every day; drafted with AI help and checked. Not sure which bike suits your plans? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you choose. We deliver free across central Chiang Mai.
