How to find a cheap car hire deal in Chiang Rai
Pick up a cheap rental car in Chiang Rai for an average of R 644 a day and drive off happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, so you can easily compare prices and book.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Chiang Rai is R 465.
Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from R 2,842 and take the time to discover more.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Chiang Rai car hire. Try booking around four weeks before you go.
Chic Car Rent, Hertz and Budget are among the top-rated providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Chic Car Rent or another supplier offers for your Chiang Rai car hire can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,116 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around R 817.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly R 1,255 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Economy rental category is the number one choice for travellers visiting Chiang Rai.
Flying to Chiang Rai? Think about an airport pick-up
Make arrival day easier by booking a car hire at Chiang Rai International Airport. If you're flying to Chiang Rai through this airport, simply collect your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Chiang Rai
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Chiang Rai car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Chiang Rai that makes light work of heavy loads. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Chiang Rai car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Chiang Rai by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Check each provider's age requirements before booking your rental in Thailand. Rules can differ, and extra charges or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, just uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to explore your options.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary by location, and the right setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Chiang Rai car hire booking.
You'll need to bring a few things when picking up your rental car: a current driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
For first-time drivers in Thailand, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Thailand is 0.05%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the Thai baht (THB) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.
Thai is the language spoken in most parts of the country.
Best hotels in Chiang Rai for drivers
Spend less time looking for a place to park and more time relaxing at Baan Suan Jantra Home Stay. Around 3 kilometres from central Chiang Rai, it comes with parking, bicycle rentals and a lounge.
Alternatively, take advantage of the valet parking at Homestay Chiangrai. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this option, which also features express check-in and express check-out.
Explore the full range of hotels in Chiang Rai and pick the stay that fits your itinerary. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
After you've found a car hire deal in Chiang Rai and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Wat Rong Khun, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Huai Pla Kung are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Chiang Rai
Navigate your way to Mae Sai. Around 56 kilometres north of central Chiang Rai, you'll find must-see sights like The Northern Most of Thailand and Wat Wiang Hom.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at The Victory Hotel and Silamanee Resort & Spa Hotel, two reliable accommodation options with parking in Mae Sai.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Chiang Rai and then take off to Dok Kham Tai. Around 80 kilometres south of Chiang Rai, Wat San Chang Hin and Wat San Klang are standout attractions that are worth going out of your way for.
Relax after a day of exploring Dok Kham Tai at Win Hotel Phayao or Phuglong Hotel. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Uttaradit, around 257 kilometres south of Chiang Rai. First, swing past Wat Khao Kaeo, then follow it up with Wat Noen Pho.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Ton Thong Resort Hotel and Areena Resort and Hotel Uttaradit have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Uttaradit.
