Cruising on a motorbike is the best and most popular way of exploring Chiang Mai. Don’t worry, you don’t have to bring your own bike or buy a new one. Motorbike rental in Chiang Mai is readily available. And depending on the route you take, exploring the city and its neighboring provinces while on two wheels allows you to enjoy the fresh air, see magnificent views and have a close encounter with nature.

However, the difficult roads, numerous rules, and the multitude of locals, some of whom drive pretty recklessly, can ruin the experience. So, before you hop on your scooter, check out some of our driving safety tips when in Chiang Mai.

Remember that the bigger vehicle has more right of way.

Narrow roads and intersections are abundant in Chiang Mai and the rest of Northern Thailand. When you find yourself in any of the two, always give the right of way to the bigger vehicle as this is a common driving rule in the country. Needless to say, you and your rented scooter will have nothing to gain by getting ahead of a 10-wheeler.

Be extra careful at traffic lights.

Many drivers challenge the traffic lights in Chiang Mai. It is not very unusual to see people on their motorcycles running the red light, so you have to be extra careful especially when you are at an intersection. Before you stop for a red light, check your mirrors to see if the vehicle behind you is slowing down. And prior to taking off, check both lanes to see if the road is clear for you to cross.

Avoid frequently switching lanes and overtaking.

Many Chiang Mai drivers don’t always signal before they change lanes or turn in corners, especially locals on their own scooters. You will never know when they will decide to turn right or left.  So, be patient and drive according to the pace of the vehicles in front of you.

In addition, the narrow roads of the city are not great for overtaking. There is a great risk that you might meet incoming traffic and very little chance for the driver on your lane to give you space.

Don’t drive on the left side of tuk-tuks or songthaews.

Tuk-tuks, modified bikes, and songthaews, modified pick-up trucks, are shared vehicles that often stop or pull-over without giving any signals. Drivers do this whenever they pick-up or drop a passenger. Be sure to keep this in mind while on your leased scooter. You wouldn’t want to return to that motorbike rental in Chiang Mai with your ride in shambles.

Keep your feet on the pegs.

The city’s roads are filled with hazards and thus, sudden stops are not surprising. There are several instances that will force you to put your foot down and brake harshly on that motorcycle you’re driving – a stray dog, a vehicle that suddenly crossed, or a vehicle that suddenly changed its lane. Hence, you have to be prepared to halt quickly and keeping your feet on the pegs of your scooter while braking is best. Remember that you are not on a soft dirt road and pushing your feet on the ground will not help. Instead, it might throw you off balance and cause more harm.

Defensive driving is the key to surviving a motorcycle ride in Chiang Mai and its neighboring places. It can be quite challenging, but that does not mean it can’t be fun. Riding the right motorcycle with complete safety gears can be a big help. Drop by the Mango Bike Rentals, a motorbike rental in Chiang Mai, for a wide array of choices and more expert tips on driving around the city before you embark on your bike ride that is one-of-a-kind.