Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Yangon

Yangon rewards anyone willing to get off the sidewalk and cover some ground. Ride out at dusk toward Shwedagon Pagoda and you'll catch the golden stupa glowing against the sky, then loop the boardwalk at Kandawgyi Lake with Karaweik Palace floating on the water and Shwedagon rising behind it — the kind of view a taxi window just flattens out. A **motorcycle rental in Yangon** puts that whole slower, wider version of the city within reach.

The historic downtown grid is dense, one-way and honestly better handled on foot. But everything that makes Yangon worth lingering in — the lakes, the pagodas, the riverside roads — sits in the sprawling middle ring, too spread out to walk and too slow to reach stuck in traffic. That's exactly where two wheels earn their keep. One local quirk worth knowing: motorbikes have been banned from central downtown Yangon since 2003, so plan to park at the edge of the core and walk in from there.

Top 10 things to see in Yangon by motorbike

1. Shwedagon Pagoda — the city's defining landmark; arrive for sunset when the golden stupa lights up against the sky.
2. Kandawgyi Lake (Royal Lake) — an easy loop road with a boardwalk, Karaweik Palace, and Shwedagon glowing in the distance.
3. Inya Lake — a wider loop past embassies and university grounds, good for an evening ride and lakeside food stalls.
4. Bogyoke Aung San Market (Scott Market) — a colonial-era market downtown for handicrafts, gems and a breather among old British architecture.
5. Yangon Circular Railway route — not a road to ride on, but its stations along Pyay Road and downtown make a handy reference line through the outer neighborhoods and everyday local life.
6. Botataung Pagoda — a riverside pagoda near the Yangon River jetty, a short ride from downtown with its own atmosphere.
7. Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple — home to an enormous reclining Buddha, a quick detour from Shwedagon.
8. Yangon River waterfront / Pansodan Jetty — ride down for cross-river ferry views and the colonial streets nearby.
9. Downtown colonial quarter (Pansodan Street, Strand Road) — a grid of British-era buildings best explored slowly, since the narrow one-way streets don't suit a car.
10. Thanlyin, via Thanlyin Bridge — a longer ride across the Yangon River to the hilltop Kyaikkhauk Pagoda, and a taste of riding beyond the city.

What do you need to rent a motorbike in Yangon?

Formally, riding in Myanmar calls for a Myanmar licence or a temporary permit from the Road Transport Administration Department, and an International Driving Permit carries no official standing here. In practice, most shops care more about a deposit than paperwork — expect to leave your passport, a cash deposit, or a photocopy, with the amount varying by shop and vehicle. Renters are typically expected to be 18 or over, though age is rarely checked closely. One important caveat: since motorbikes are banned across most of central Yangon, there's no real rental market inside the city core itself — this applies to riding in the outer townships and beyond.

How much does it cost to rent a motorbike in Yangon?

A standard scooter runs roughly 55,000–65,000 MMK per day in low season, climbing to about 75,000–95,000 MMK per day in high season for the same class of bike. Larger or newer 150cc+ models, or well-kept premium scooters, can reach 100,000–130,000 MMK per day.

• Prices climb from November through February, the cool, dry peak of tourist season.
• They ease off from May through September, during the monsoon low season, when visitor numbers thin out.

When to book a rental motorbike in Yangon?

High season runs November to February, when dry, clear weather draws the most visitors and prices sit at their highest — booking a few days ahead is wise. Low season stretches from June to September; rain is frequent, roads can flood, but rentals are easier to arrange and noticeably cheaper.

Local traffic rules in Yangon

Myanmar drives on the right, though most cars are right-hand-drive Japanese imports, which makes judging oncoming traffic trickier than it sounds. Helmets are legally required for riders, so ask for one in decent condition rather than trusting whatever's handed over. Treat drink-driving limits as effectively zero — enforcement is strict. Riding after dark deserves extra caution too: unlit vehicles, unmarked roadworks and near-total absence of street lighting outside the main roads are common outside downtown.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!