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Find competitive car rental prices in Chiang Mai with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars and minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Pick up at Chiang Mai International Airport or city locations in the Old City and Nimman, then drive to Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon, Pai or Chiang Rai. Book early for the November to February high season to secure low rates and better availability.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai International Airport |
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| City Centre Offices |
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| Old City Locations |
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| Nimman Area |
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Rental counters at the airport are in the arrivals area, and cars are parked within walking distance. City centre offices often have limited parking, so drop-off can be more challenging than at the airport.
On average, car rentals in Chiang Mai cost around THB ฿1,656 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from THB ฿566 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-up. Airport is super handy but usually pricier due to fees. A short taxi to a city office can cut costs. Just check office hours so you can return during opening times.
Shop around. Compare local and international suppliers, plus different car categories. Prices can vary a lot in Chiang Mai between airport, Old City, and Nimman locations.
Time your booking to the season. For Nov–Feb high season, book a few weeks ahead. In rainy season May–Oct, rates often drop. Keep an eye on prices and rebook if they dip. Watch for Songkran (Apr 13–15) surcharges.
Match your times to the 24-hour clock. Pick-up and return at the same hour to avoid an extra day. Midweek pick-ups can be cheaper than weekend starts.
Pick the right size. Choose the smallest car that fits your crew and bags. Manual is usually cheaper. For mountain routes like Doi Inthanon or Pai, a midsize sedan is a good value compromise over an SUV.
Trim extras and parking costs. Use your phone for navigation instead of paid GPS and look for promos with free add-ons. Return full-to-full and refuel in the city before drop-off. In town, malls often validate parking for a few hours, like around Nimman.
| Location | Options Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old City | Limited street spots, some temples have areas | Avoid placing your car along moat roads during restricted hours |
| Nimman Area | Shopping mall garages, limited street spots | Maya Shopping Centre offers validated parking |
| Major Temples | Dedicated car parks | Usually free or small fee |
| Night Bazaar Area | Limited street spots, some paid lots | Difficult during evening hours, consider hotel car parks |
| Outside Attractions | Generally available car parks | National parks and major sites have dedicated areas |
Parking Costs:
| Rule | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Old City Restrictions | One-way system throughout much of the old city, well-signed but confusing for first-timers |
| Mountain Roads | Reduced speed limits on mountain routes (often 30-60 km/h), strictly enforced near tourist areas |
| City Speed Limits | 50 km/h standard in city, 30 km/h in some residential or school zones |
| Checkpoints | Occasional police checkpoints, especially evenings and on roads to tourist destinations |
| Songthaew/Tuk-tuk Etiquette | Allow local transport vehicles right of way; they often stop unexpectedly for passengers |
Get a rental car so you can see:
Doi Suthep Temple – monastery, city viewpoints
Doi Inthanon – summit, pagodas, waterfalls
Chiang Rai – White Temple, Blue Temple
Mae Sa Valley – elephant camps, orchid farms, waterfalls
San Kamphaeng Hot Springs – hot springs, handicraft villages
Mae Hong Son Loop – Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang
Do I need a 4WD vehicle to drive around Chiang Mai and nearby attractions? No, a standard 2WD car is fine for most popular routes including the roads to Doi Suthep, Chiang Rai or Pai. However, we recommend an SUV or a car that sits higher off the ground for more comfort on mountain roads and during the rainy season.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Chiang Mai? You need your passport, a valid driver's licence from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for most rentals. If you have a valid ASEAN licence, you can usually drive without an IDP. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. For certain types of cars, some companies set the minimum age at 23-25.
Is it difficult to drive the road to Pai? The road to Pai (Route 1095) has about 762 curves, so it can be tricky for new drivers or people who get carsick. We recommend you drive it during the day and take lots of breaks. You should also avoid this road in heavy rain because it can be hard to see.
Where can I park in Chiang Mai Old City? Finding a park inside the old city walls can be tricky. Major temples have car parks, and some restaurants and hotels let customers use their parking. There are also a few public car parks near the gates. Make sure you don't park along the moat roads during restricted times, or you might get a fine.
What should I do if I break down in a remote area? You should call your rental company's emergency number straight away. Most good rental companies offer help 24 hours a day. Keep the rental agreement in the car because it has their contact number on it. If you don't have mobile reception, you can flag down a passing car for help or walk to the nearest village.
Are there any areas around Chiang Mai where driving is not recommended? We don't recommend driving in very remote border areas near Myanmar. These areas may have military checkpoints and you might not be allowed to enter. During the rainy season (May-October), some rural dirt roads can become impossible to drive on. You should check with local people before you try driving on roads you don't know, especially during heavy rain.
How does the one-way system work in Chiang Mai Old City? The old city has a tricky one-way system, especially inside the moat. We strongly recommend using a navigation app on your phone to help you. On some roads the traffic flows clockwise and on others it flows counter-clockwise. Make sure you pay attention to the signs, because you can get a fine for going the wrong way.
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