Dirt Bike Rental in Chiang Mai: The Complete Guide

Chiang Mai has established itself as one of Southeast Asia's premier destinations for dirt bike riding, and for good reason. The surrounding mountains, national parks, and jungle trails offer some of the most varied and rewarding off-road riding on the continent. Whether you're a seasoned enduro rider or a curious beginner wanting to explore beyond the tarmac, renting a dirt bike here is straightforward — once you know what you're doing.

This guide covers everything: which bike to choose based on your experience and the terrain you plan to ride, what documents and deposits are required, where the best rental shops are, and how to make sure you don't get stung on hidden costs.

Choosing the Right Bike

Picking the right bike is the single most important decision you'll make. The wrong choice — too small, too powerful, wrong geometry — will ruin your riding experience and could put you at risk on technical terrain.

Smaller Riders: KLX 230

For smaller or lighter riders, the Kawasaki KLX 230 is the right choice. It's light, low-slung, and forgiving — you can get a foot down easily and pick it up if you go over. Perfect for exploring forest trails, village tracks, and mountain paved roads without feeling overwhelmed by the bike beneath you.

Larger Riders: CRF250L or CRF300

Taller or heavier riders will be more comfortable and in control on a Honda CRF250L or CRF300. Both bikes have the reach and geometry to suit a bigger frame. The CRF250L is a capable, versatile trail bike, while the CRF300 steps up with more power for steeper climbs and more demanding terrain — the most capable rental option available in Chiang Mai.

What You'll Need to Rent

Thai rental shops are fairly consistent in their requirements. Here's what to bring:

• •Valid motorcycle license from your home country (A1 class or equivalent)
• •International Driving Permit (IDP) — strongly recommended, required by most shops
• •Passport (original, not a photocopy)
• •Cash deposit — typically ฿5,000–15,000 depending on bike value
• •Some shops also accept a passport hold instead of cash deposit

Where to Rent in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has several well-regarded rental operations, ranging from small family shops to full-service adventure centres with guided tours, gear rental, and route support. The two most prominent for serious off-road riding:

Riders Corner

Located in the old town area, Riders Corner is Chiang Mai's most established dirt bike rental and tour operation. They run a fleet of CRF300s and CRF250s — note they don't carry KLXs. They offer guided tours and have a coffee shop attached, making it a natural gathering point for the local riding community. Staff are highly knowledgeable about current trail conditions.

Classic Bike Tours Thailand (CBTT)

CBTT operates from their own garage south of Chiang Mai, running a mixed CRF/KLX fleet primarily oriented toward their guided multi-day tours. They also offer standalone rentals for experienced riders who want to self-guide.

Price Guide

Rental prices in Chiang Mai as of 2025–2026. Prices vary by shop, season, and bike condition:

Pre-Ride Checklist

Always inspect the bike thoroughly before signing the rental agreement. A shop with nothing to hide will welcome this process. Check:

1. 1.All lights (front, rear, brake light, indicators)
2. 2.Brake pads — squeeze both levers firmly and check feel
3. 3.Tyre condition and pressure (off-road should be 12–15 PSI)
4. 4.Chain tension and lubrication
5. 5.Coolant level (for water-cooled bikes)
6. 6.Engine oil level
7. 7.Fuel level — agree on return fuel level with the shop
8. 8.Any existing scratches, dents, or damage — photograph everything
9. 9.Fork seals — look for oil staining around fork tubes
10. 10.Handlebars and levers — check for bends from previous drops

Insurance, Safety Gear & Fuel

Insurance

Most rental shops include compulsory third-party insurance. This covers damage you cause to other people — it does not cover damage to the rental bike itself. You are typically liable for any damage to the bike, which is why the deposit exists. Check whether the shop offers additional damage waivers and what they cover.

Safety Gear

Quality shops will provide or rent a proper full-face helmet, gloves, and sometimes knee/elbow pads. For serious off-road riding, you want: a well-fitting full-face helmet (ideally dual-sport or enduro style), knee braces or at minimum knee guards, proper off-road riding boots (not sandals or trainers — this is non-negotiable on technical terrain), and a jersey or dedicated riding shirt.

Fuel

Use 91 octane gasoline (not E20 or E85 ethanol blends if possible — modern bikes tolerate E20 fine but old carburetted bikes can struggle). PTT and Shell stations are common around Chiang Mai. For remote rides, always carry a 1–2L backup fuel bottle. Many jungle trails are 80+ km from the nearest petrol station.

When to Ride

The November–February cool dry season is the ideal window. Trails are firm, visibility is good, temperatures are comfortable (20–28°C), and the mountains are at their most scenic. March–May brings the burning season — trails become dusty and fast but smoke can make visibility poor and the air unhealthy. June–October is monsoon season: trails turn muddy and some become impassable, but experienced riders find the challenge and green jungle scenery rewarding.