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Chiang Rai is Thailand's far north, with striking modern temples, tea plantations and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. The sights are spread out, so a car saves a lot of time.
Car hire prices in Chiang Rai
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Rai Airport | €234 | €345 | €427 |
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
At Chiang Rai, cars come with zero excess.
- 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 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) 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. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with every car.
Picking up your car in Chiang Rai
You collect your car at Chiang Rai Airport, about 15 minutes north of the town centre. From Chiang Mai it is about 3 hours by road.
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 Chiang Rai
- 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.
- Hill roads are steep. The roads up to Doi Mae Salong and Phu Chi Fa are narrow and winding; avoid them after dark.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Chiang Rai cost?
A week of car hire in Chiang Rai starts at €234 for a small car, €345 for a mid-size car and €427 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 Rai?
Zero excess. At Chiang Rai, cars come with zero excess. Updated 10 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Chiang Rai 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 Rai?
Yes. About €136 to €545 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai by car?
About 3 hours on route 118, through the hills.
Day trips by car
- Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, about 20 minutes south of town, and the Blue Temple in town.
- The Golden Triangle at Chiang Saen, on the Mekong, about 1 hour north-east.
- Doi Mae Salong, a hill village surrounded by tea plantations, about 1.5 hours north-west.
- Phu Chi Fa, a viewpoint above a sea of morning mist, about 2.5 hours east. Go early.
When to go
November to February is cool and clear. From late February to April smoke often hazes the sky; June to October is the rainy season.