Top 5 best scooter rentals in Nan

Nan doesn't feel like the rest of Thailand, and that's exactly the point. Tucked into a river valley ringed by mountains near the Laos border, this old teak-trading town moves at its own pace — and the best way to feel that pace is on two wheels. Start with a short ride to Wat Phumin to see its 500-year-old murals, then climb out toward Wat Phra That Khao Noi for sunset over the valley. Once you've got the town figured out, the real reward is what lies beyond it: misty ridgelines, hairpin mountain roads and villages that most visitors to Thailand never see.

Nan's old town is small, flat and easy to navigate, so getting oriented takes no time at all. But its true character is in the mountains that surround it, and that's where a scooter earns its keep. Roads up to viewpoints like Doi Samer Dao and Doi Phu Kha are winding and lightly trafficked — the kind of route a car simply can't enjoy the same way. You can pull over whenever the mist rolls in, stop at a roadside rice terrace, or linger at a temple gate without holding anyone up. If you're planning to rent a scooter in Nan, this is a province built for exactly that kind of freedom.

Top 10 things to see in Nan by scooter

1. Wat Phumin — Nan's signature temple in the old town, famous for its 500-year-old murals and an easy starting point for any city loop.
2. Wat Phra That Chae Haeng — a hilltop temple on the edge of town with a golden chedi and sweeping views over the Nan valley.
3. Wat Phra That Khao Noi — perched west of town with a giant standing Buddha and one of the best sunset views in the region.
4. Doi Samer Dao — a ridge-top viewpoint about 60km south, famous for sea-of-mist sunrises and clear-night stargazing.
5. Sao Din Na Noi — eroded stone-pillar badlands near Na Noi, an easy detour on the way to Doi Samer Dao.
6. Doi Phu Kha National Park — a mountain park with waterfalls, viewpoints and the rare Chompoo Phu Kha flower, a scenic ride northeast of town.
7. Bo Klua — a remote salt-well village near the Laos border, reached via one of Nan's most rewarding winding mountain roads.
8. Khun Sathan National Park — a high-altitude park near Bo Klua with cool-season mist views, popular on the northern loop.
9. Nan River riverside route — a flat, easy ride along the water past local villages and rice fields.
10. Nan old town walking street area — the compact historic quarter of wooden shophouses, a natural base to start and end each day of riding.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Nan?

You'll need a motorcycle-category licence — either a Thai licence or your home licence paired with an International Driving Permit that carries the motorcycle entitlement. Shops don't always check, but police checkpoints do, and your insurance is void without it. Most rental shops set a minimum age of 18, and you should expect to leave a deposit; a cash deposit or photocopy of your passport is safer than handing over the original.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Nan?

A basic automatic scooter runs about 180–220 THB per day in low season, rising to roughly 280–350 THB per day in high season. Newer or larger automatics, and bigger bikes, go for 400–600+ THB per day.

• Prices climb from November to February, Nan's cool, dry peak season and the best window for the Doi Samer Dao sea of mist.
• Prices drop from June to September, during the quieter rainy season.

When to book a rental scooter in Nan?

November through February is Nan's high season — cool, dry, and the best time to catch mist views and clear night skies from the mountain viewpoints, so book ahead if you're travelling then. From May to October, the rainy southwest monsoon keeps demand and prices lower, though downpours can be sudden.

Local traffic rules in Nan

Thailand drives on the left, so keep to the left and overtake on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger and are enforced with on-the-spot fines. Speed limits are around 60 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on rural highways. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, with roadside checks common, especially around holidays — carry your licence, IDP and rental papers at all times.

Types of scooters available

On our website you can rent the following types of scooters: classic scooter, Vespa, moped, motoroller, motoscooter, with a sidecar, with automatic or manual gears, three-wheeled scooters, large, maxi-scooter, touring, scooters with a windscreen and a roof, underbones, electric scooters.

Models of scooters available

On our website you can hire scooters from the following manufacturers: Adly, Aeon, Aprilia, Piaggio, Bajaj, Benelli, Beta, BMW, Derbi, Gilera, Honda, Kawasaki, Kymco, LML, Malaguti, Peugeot, PGO, Suzuki, SYM, TVS, Vespa, Yamaha.

Which insurance is provided with my rental scooter?

Usually basic third-party insurance is included in the rental price. If you wish to have more protection you can purchase additional CDW insurance, which limits your risk to the amount of your deposit. If you wish to rent a scooter without a deposit and with zero risk, you will need to add full insurance to your reservation.

Extra services available

When you make an online scooter 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, delivery to your hotel, delivery to your address, delivery to the arrival point of your choice.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Find the best deals for scooter hire;
• Compare prices of scooter rental companies;
• Read reviews of previous customers;
• Reserve a scooter online with the Best Price Guarantee!

Most of our local moped rental companies have many years of experience and will provide you with a well-kept scooter, helmet, lock, top case, GPS, insurance and friendly service. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a scooter, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!