What is the best scooter to rent in Chiang Mai?
We’ve been riding motorcycles in and around Chiang Mai for decades, and over that time we’ve tested just about every type of bike you’ll see on the road. From small city scooters to large touring machines, one bike consistently stands out as the perfect rental choice for visitors: the Honda Click 160.
Let’s break down why.
A Snapshot of Chiang Mai’s Roads
If you sit outside any café along Moon Muang Road in the Old City, you’ll see many different bikes riding by. Classics like the Honda Dream, small automatic scooters, large 'Maxi' scooters and what the locals call 'big bikes'.
Each has its place - but not all are suitable for a holiday in Chiang Mai.
The Honda Dream: Reliable, but Not for Everyone
The Honda Dream is legendary across Asia. It’s simple, durable, cheap to maintain, and famously hard to kill. But there’s one major drawback: it has gears. Dealing with gears while focusing on the road is too much for most people and that’s why we don’t recommend it.
Why Automatic Scooters Are the Best Choice
For 99% of visitors, automatic scooters are the way to go. They are super easy to ride with their 'twist and go' nature. They are lightweight, stable and agile, perfect for the busy streets of Chiang Mai! They are also great for two people. We asked local riders and they all agree that the Click 160 is the king of Chiang Mai!
Step-Through vs Straddle Scooters
Among automatic scooters, there’s another important distinction: step-through vs straddle-style. Step-through scooters are far more practical for most riders, especially in city environments. The Honda Click 160 is a perfect example of a step-through design.
You can see the difference between these two styles below.
By contrast, models like the Honda PCX require you to straddle the bike due to the central frame and fuel tank placement. This can feel awkward, especially if you’re carrying bags, wearing a skirt, or have a bad leg etc.
What About Maxi Scooters?
Then there are the big machines, often called maxi scooters. Bikes like the Forza and the ADV (300–350cc+ models) are powerful, comfortable, and great for long-distance touring.
However, they are heavy, huge and difficult to ride in tight traffic. They are also very, very expensive to rent. They are amazing for long trips, though. A Forza 350 is hard to beat when riding the Mae Hon Song Loop but for everyday use in the city? Nope!
Why We Avoid Small Engine Scooters
Smaller bikes like the Honda Scoopy (110cc) are popular in cities, but they do struggle with hills and mountain roads. The hills around the city can be surprisingly demanding, especially if you are riding with a passenger or carrying luggage. I remember riding the Samoeng Loop many years ago on a Honda Scoopy. I'm not a exactly a large person but the little Scoopy really struggled with some of the hills. If you are planning to ride with a passenger we recommend you avoid the 110cc bikes.
Our Recommendation: Honda Click 160
After decades of riding experience in Chiang Mai, our conclusion is simple, the Honda Click 160 is the best all-round scooter for visitors. It is powerful enough for the hills and mountain roads. It's light and easy to ride in traffic. It's fully automatic - no gears to worry about. It has ABS brakes and a keyless security system. In short, it does everything well without compromise.
