Chiang Mai Road Trip: Explore Culture, Cafes & Nature with a Rental Car
- Feb 4
- 5 min read
Chiang Mai is a destination best explored at a relaxed pace. Beyond temples and night markets, the city is full of art spaces, stylish cafes, peaceful resorts, and beautiful mountain villages. For international travelers who want flexibility and freedom, a Chiang Mai road trip with a rental car is the perfect way to experience the city both in and outside the urban area.
Here are the travel and accommodation spots we truly recommend for a self-drive trip in Chiang Mai.
พิกัดเที่ยว–พัก ที่เราอยากแนะนำในทริปนี้
Kalm Village 🌿
Kalm Village is a contemporary cultural space that blends modern design with Lanna heritage. Inside, you’ll find art galleries, craft shops, a cafe, and exhibition spaces. The wooden architecture and natural materials create a calm, peaceful atmosphere—perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel, art, and a good cup of coffee. It’s an ideal stop for those who want to experience Chiang Mai in a quiet, meaningful way.
Transit Number 8 ☕
Located in the trendy Nimman area, Transit Number 8 is an urban-style cafe with a cool, minimalist design. It’s a great place to take a break after driving around the city. The drinks and bakery items are high quality, and the atmosphere is perfect for working, reading, or social media photos. Having a rental car makes it easy to explore multiple cafes and spots around Nimman in one day.
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum 🎨
MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum is a must-visit landmark for art lovers in Chiang Mai. Featuring works by both Thai and international artists, the museum stands out with its modern architecture and photogenic design. As it is located slightly outside the city center, renting a car with HAUP makes the visit easy and stress-free—no need to rely on public transport.
THEE Vijit Lanna 🏡
This Lanna-inspired boutique hotel offers a warm, peaceful atmosphere that truly feels like a retreat. It’s perfect for travelers who want to escape the busy city while still being within a comfortable driving distance. With a rental car, you can enjoy staying in a quiet area and still easily drive into town for cafes and restaurants.
Hotel Sensai Nimman Chiang Mai 🛏️
Hotel Sensai Nimman is a modern hotel located in the heart of Nimman. Its stylish design and prime location make it ideal for younger travelers who want to enjoy cafes, restaurants, and nightlife. If you’re exploring Chiang Mai by car, staying in Nimman gives you excellent flexibility for planning daily routes.
Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa 🌊
Set along the Ping River, Buri Sriping Riverside Resort & Spa offers a peaceful, slow-life experience surrounded by nature. Waking up to river views and natural sounds is a unique side of Chiang Mai that many travelers miss. With your own car, commuting between this quiet area and the city is easy and convenient.
Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem Hotel, Nimman 🎧
A lifestyle hotel with a great value-for-money price, Cross Vibe Chiang Mai Decem Hotel is another excellent choice in Nimman. It suits travelers who love modern design and mobility. With a rental car, Nimman becomes a perfect base—central, lively, and easy to drive to anywhere in Chiang Mai.
Wat Pa Daraphirom 🛕
Wat Pa Daraphirom is a peaceful forest temple surrounded by large trees, ideal for meditation and quiet reflection. Located slightly outside the city, it’s much easier to reach by car. Renting a car allows you to combine temple visits with nearby nature cafes or scenic routes in one relaxing day.
Mae Kampong Village 🌲
Mae Kampong Village is one of the top nature destinations near Chiang Mai. This small mountain village sits in a valley with cool weather year-round, streams, wooden houses, cafes, and charming homestays. Driving up the mountain yourself allows you to stop for photos and viewpoints along the way. Without a car, reaching Mae Kampong can be difficult—but with a rental car, the journey becomes part of the experience.
Why We Love This Chiang Mai Self-Drive Trip 💚
Traveling Chiang Mai with a rental car from the HAUP app gives complete freedom. Whether you stay in the city or explore outside it, you don’t need to rush or wait for transportation. If you want to experience Chiang Mai on a deeper level, driving yourself is highly recommended—and you’ll quickly understand why so many travelers fall in love with this city.
👉 Ready to start your trip? Choose the right car and explore Thailand with HAUP.
🤝 Why Rent with HAUP?
HAUP – Your Trusted Car Rental Partner in Thailand
✅ Easy booking via app or website, 24/7
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How to Rent a Car with HAUP
Download the HAUP app (iOS & Android)
Sign up and upload documents
Foreign travelers: Passport + International Driving Permit (IDP)
Thai travelers: ID card + Thai driving license
Choose pickup location
Select rental dates and time
Choose your car
Pay securely in the app
Pick up the car and start your journey
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👉 Book now at www.haupcar.com or via the HAUP App
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