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Chiang Mai is the starting point for the mountains of northern Thailand. With a car you reach Doi Inthanon, the hill towns and the winding road to Pai at your own pace, and stop wherever the view is best.
Car hire prices in Chiang Mai
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai Airport | €234 | €299 | €385 |
| Chiang Mai city | €357 | €446 | – |
Zero excess from €234 a week.
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026. About this price
What's included in the price
Zero excess on selected cars
Every other car at Chiang Mai has its excess refunded in full by Sunny Cars. You can see which is which in the rental conditions of each car.
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
Not included: Tolls on expressways and motorways; fuel; child seats and other extras you add at the desk; traffic fines and parking.
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence held for at least 1 year (3 years for some cars), plus an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name, for the deposit.
- Deposit
- About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
- Driver age
- From 21 on selected cars, from 25 on the others. Some cars have an upper age limit of 75. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with selected cars. Each car shows it before you book.
Picking up your car in Chiang Mai
You can collect your car at Chiang Mai Airport, only about 15 minutes from the old city, or in Chiang Mai itself. The airport is the simplest choice if you fly in; the city suits you if you spend a few days in town before heading into the mountains.
Free cancellation
Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Driving in northern Thailand
- Traffic drives on the left. If you are used to driving on the right, an automatic makes the first days easier.
- Bring an International Driving Permit as well as your own licence. Thai law asks for both, and police checkpoints do check.
- Mountain roads are steep and winding. The road to Pai is known for its 762 curves. Use a low gear downhill and plan more time than the map suggests.
- Avoid driving after dark on mountain roads, where lighting is poor and animals and scooters appear without warning.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Chiang Mai cost?
A week of car hire in Chiang Mai starts at €234 for a small car, €299 for a mid-size car and €385 for a large car or SUV. That is the total for seven days, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026.
Is there an excess when I hire a car in Chiang Mai?
Zero excess on selected cars. Every other car at Chiang Mai has its excess refunded in full by Sunny Cars. You can see which is which in the rental conditions of each car. Updated 10 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Chiang Mai for free?
Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Chiang Mai?
Yes. About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
Can I drive from Chiang Mai to Pai?
Yes. The road is good but has many tight bends; allow about 3 hours and avoid driving it in the dark.
Is Chiang Mai Airport far from the city?
No. The airport is about 15 minutes by car from the old city.
Day trips by car
- Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain above the city, about 30 minutes.
- Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest mountain, with waterfalls and two royal pagodas, about 2 hours south-west.
- Pai, a small town in a mountain valley, about 3 hours north-west. Better as an overnight trip.
- Chiang Rai and the White Temple, about 3 hours north.
When to go
November to February is cool and dry, the best time for the mountains. From late February to April smoke from field burning often hangs over the north. June to October is the rainy season, green but wet.