Dirt Bike Rental in Chiang Mai: Off-Road Adventure Guide
Behind the temples and night markets, Chiang Mai hides some of the best off-road riding terrain in Southeast Asia. Here is everything you need to plan a dirt bike adventure in Northern Thailand.
1. Why Chiang Mai for Dirt Biking?
Chiang Mai sits at the edge of a mountain range that stretches north into Myanmar and east into Laos. This geography creates a vast network of forest trails, dirt roads, river crossings, and mountain tracks that are accessible within minutes of the city.
Unlike some other popular off-road destinations in Southeast Asia, the trails around Chiang Mai are varied enough to suit riders of many skill levels — from wide, well-graded gravel roads through Doi Inthanon National Park, to challenging single-track and steep jungle descents in the hills around Chiang Dao and Mae Chaem.
The city itself is a comfortable base, with excellent food, good accommodation at all price points, and a solid network of riders and trail knowledge available through shops like Riders Corner.
2. Best Dirt Bikes to Rent in Chiang Mai
Honda CRF300L — The Benchmark
The Honda CRF300L is the most popular dirt bike rental in Chiang Mai, and for good reason. It is light (140kg), reliable, fuel-injected, and has long suspension travel that handles rough terrain with confidence. The 300cc single-cylinder engine delivers smooth, predictable power — enough for everything from technical trails to tarmac transfers between riding spots.
It is road-legal, which means you can ride it on public roads to reach trailheads without needing a truck or transport. This makes it the ideal choice for self-guided adventure riding around Northern Thailand.
Other Options
Depending on availability, some shops in Chiang Mai also offer larger enduro machines. Contact us directly to discuss what is available and which bike is best suited for the trails you have in mind.
3. What Skill Level Do You Need?
This depends entirely on where you plan to ride. The trails around Chiang Mai span a wide range of difficulty:
Beginner
Wide gravel forest roads, national park tracks, and easy dirt sections near the city. Suitable for riders who are comfortable on a motorcycle but have limited off-road experience. The key skill needed is slow-speed balance and throttle control.
Intermediate
Single-track trails, moderate climbs, light river crossings, and off-camber sections in the hills. You should be comfortable with trail braking, standing on the pegs, and reading terrain. Most of the popular day-ride trails around Chiang Mai fall in this category.
Advanced
Technical jungle single-track, steep descents with loose rocks, deep river crossings, and multi-day remote routes. Experience with enduro or trials riding is important here — and having a riding partner is essential for safety.
If you are unsure of your skill level, come and talk to our team at Riders Corner. We know the trails well and can recommend routes that match your experience — we would rather you have a safe, enjoyable ride than an overly ambitious one.
4. Dirt Bike Rental Costs in Chiang Mai
Dirt bike rental in Chiang Mai is priced between scooters and big bikes. Typical daily rates for the Honda CRF300L range from 700–1,500 THB per day, with weekly rates offering significant savings:
| Duration | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Daily (1 day) | 700–1,500 THB |
| Weekly (7 days) | 4,000–9,000 THB |
| Monthly (30 days) | 12,000–25,000 THB |
A damage deposit of 3,000–10,000 THB is typically required, refundable on return of the bike in the same condition. Off-road riding carries a higher risk of minor damage (dropped bike, scratches), so inspect the bike carefully and photograph everything before departure.
5. Best Trails and Riding Areas Near Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep – Pui National Park
Right on Chiang Mai's doorstep, the national park offers a mix of paved mountain roads and forest trails that are accessible for intermediate riders. The views over Chiang Mai from the ridge are spectacular.
Chiang Dao
About 70km north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is a favourite among local riders. The area around the famous limestone karst mountain offers everything from easy valley trails to challenging technical climbs. Excellent cave temples and local food make it a great overnight destination.
Mae Chaem / Ob Luang
Southwest of Chiang Mai, the Mae Chaem area is accessed via spectacular mountain passes and offers remote, less-travelled trails through dense forest. This is intermediate to advanced territory — the scenery is extraordinary and the trails can be challenging, especially in wet conditions.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Thailand's highest peak and surrounding national park has forest service roads that make for excellent dirt bike day trips. Cooler temperatures at altitude make this a refreshing escape from the Chiang Mai heat.
Browse our self-guided route guides for GPX downloads and detailed trail information for all the above areas.
6. Safety, Gear and What to Bring
Off-road riding carries more inherent risk than road riding. Proper preparation makes a significant difference.
Essential gear
- ✓Full-face or motocross helmet (provided by Riders Corner, or bring your own)
- ✓Riding jacket with elbow and back protection
- ✓Riding gloves — important for trail riding where falls are more likely
- ✓Long trousers — ideally motorcycle pants with knee protection
- ✓Riding boots — ankle protection is critical on off-road terrain
Practical essentials
- →Ride with a partner or as part of a group where possible — remote trails are no place to be alone if something goes wrong
- →Download offline maps (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) — mobile signal disappears quickly in the mountains
- →Carry a basic tool kit: tyre levers, a tube, cable ties, and a small pump
- →Bring water — more than you think you will need on hot days
- →Tell someone your route and expected return time
7. Best Season for Dirt Biking Around Chiang Mai
The best months for dirt biking near Chiang Mai are November through February — the cool, dry season when trails are in their best condition and temperatures are pleasant.
March to May is hot and dry but dusty, with some trails becoming very loose. June through October is rainy season — trails can become extremely slippery and some routes may be impassable due to river levels. Experienced riders find the wet season riding challenging and memorable; beginners should stick to the dry season.
Chiang Mai also experiences smoke season (February–April) due to agricultural burning in the region, which can reduce visibility and air quality. Check air quality (AQI) before long rides during this period.
Ready to rent a dirt bike in Chiang Mai?
Browse our Honda CRF300L and enduro fleet. Talk to our team about the best trails for your experience level.