Phuket's roads range from flat beach-town lanes in Bang Tao and Kata to steep hills around Patong, Kata Noi, and Nakkerd Mountain. The scooter you choose changes your whole trip — comfort on long rides, confidence on hills, and how much gear you can carry. Here's a straight comparison of Chang Thai's three most-requested 150–160cc automatics: the Honda PCX 160, Yamaha NMAX 155, and Honda ADV 160.
Quick Answer
| Honda PCX 160 | Yamaha NMAX 155 | Honda ADV 160 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Comfort, couples, daily touring | Sporty riding, solo riders | Hills, adventure routes, extra storage |
| Engine | 160cc | 155cc (VVA) | 160cc |
| Under-seat storage | Standard | 25L | 30L |
| Ground clearance | Standard | Standard | High |
| Daily rate (low / high season) | ฿450 / ฿500 | ฿450 / ฿500 | ฿500 / ฿550 |
| Monthly rate (low / high season) | ฿6,700 / ฿7,500 | ฿6,700 / ฿7,500 | ฿7,000 / ฿8,000 |
| Key feature | Honda Idling Stop, Smart Key | VVA Technology, sport handling | Alloy wheels, tall suspension |
Rates shown are Chang Thai's current published rates and may be updated seasonally — check the pricing page for the latest figures before booking.
Honda PCX 160 — The All-Rounder
The PCX 160 is Chang Thai's most recommended bike for first-time renters and couples. It has a wide, low seat, Honda's Idling Stop system for fuel savings in Phuket traffic, and a Smart Key that unlocks the seat and ignition without a physical key search. Under-seat storage comfortably fits two full-face helmets plus a beach bag.
Best for: Comfort-first riders, couples doing beach-to-beach touring, first-time scooter renters in Thailand.
For full specifications, height requirements, and braking data, see our Complete Honda PCX 160 Phuket Guide.
Yamaha NMAX 155 — The Sporty Choice
The NMAX trades a little comfort for sharper handling. Yamaha's VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) gives stronger mid-range acceleration, which riders notice most when overtaking on the bypass road or merging onto the Chalong roundabout. The riding position leans slightly more forward than the PCX, which solo riders who've ridden bigger bikes at home tend to prefer.
Best for: Riders who want a sportier feel, solo travelers comfortable with a firmer seat, anyone cross-shopping against the PCX on looks and performance rather than pure comfort.
Honda ADV 160 — Built for Phuket's Hills
The ADV 160 is the one bike on this list actually designed around terrain like Phuket's. Higher ground clearance and a firmer, longer-travel suspension make the steep switchbacks up to Patong View Point, Kata Noi, and Nakkerd Mountain (home of the Big Buddha) noticeably calmer than on a standard scooter. The 30L under-seat box is the largest of the three — enough for a full-face helmet plus a daypack.
Best for: Riders planning hill routes (Big Buddha, Promthep Cape, Nakkerd), anyone who wants extra ground clearance for rougher shortcuts, riders who prioritize confidence over top-end comfort.
See how a similar hill-focused automatic performs on Patong's steepest sections in our Honda Click 160 Phuket Hill Test, and if you need more power for two-up hill riding, compare against the bigger Honda ADV 350 vs Forza 350.
Hills & Handling: The Real Difference
If your itinerary includes Patong's steep back roads, the Big Buddha access road, or the climb to Kata Noi viewpoint, the ADV 160's higher clearance and suspension travel absorb potholes and steep-angle braking better than the PCX or NMAX. Both the PCX and NMAX handle Phuket's flatter west-coast roads (Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala) without issue — the difference only shows up once the road tilts upward.
Comfort for Two-Up Riding
For two adults riding together over a full day, the PCX 160's wider seat and more upright position wins on long stretches (for example, Chalong to Rawai to Nai Harn). The NMAX's firmer seat is fine for shorter hops, but riders report more fatigue on rides over two hours. The ADV 160 sits in between — firm, but with a naturally upright stance that suits two-up riding better than the NMAX.
Storage & Practicality
- ADV 160 — 30L: full-face helmet + daypack + shopping
- NMAX 155 — 25L: full-face helmet + small bag
- PCX 160 — standard: two half-face helmets, or one full-face helmet plus light gear
If you're renting for grocery runs or bringing luggage from the airport branch, the ADV 160's storage is the practical winner.
Price Comparison (Low Season / High Season)
| Bike | Daily | Weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda PCX 160 | ฿450 / ฿500 | ฿2,450 / ฿2,800 | ฿6,700 / ฿7,500 |
| Yamaha NMAX 155 | ฿450 / ฿500 | ฿2,450 / ฿2,800 | ฿6,700 / ฿7,500 |
| Honda ADV 160 | ฿500 / ฿550 | ฿2,800 / ฿3,150 | ฿7,000 / ฿8,000 |
PCX 160 and NMAX 155 sit at the same price point, so the choice between them comes down entirely to riding feel — comfort versus sporty. The ADV 160 costs slightly more, which reflects its higher clearance and larger storage.
Which Bike Fits Your Trip?
- Couple, beach-hopping, first time on a scooter in Thailand: Honda PCX 160
- Solo traveler who wants a sportier ride and doesn't mind a firmer seat: Yamaha NMAX 155
- Anyone riding to Big Buddha, Nakkerd, Kata Noi, or planning a longer touring day: Honda ADV 160
- Renting for a month or longer: PCX 160 or NMAX 155 — same monthly rate, so pick by comfort preference. See our long-term rental guide for maintenance details.
Where to Rent Each Bike
All three models are available at Chang Thai's branches across Phuket — Phuket Airport, Mai Khao, Bang Tao, Chalong, and Phuket Town. Free delivery is available to hotels in most areas — check with the branch nearest your accommodation on our branches page.
Before you ride, make sure you have the right documents — see our International Driving Licence guide and Motorbike Rental Insurance guide.
FAQ
Is the Honda ADV 160 harder to ride than the PCX 160 for a beginner?
No — both use the same automatic transmission and a similar seat height. The ADV 160 just has a firmer suspension, which beginners adjust to within the first few minutes of riding.
Which is cheaper, PCX 160 or NMAX 155?
They're priced the same at Chang Thai — ฿450/day in low season. The difference is riding feel, not cost.
Can the ADV 160 handle two people on hills like the road to Big Buddha?
Yes. Its higher ground clearance and firmer suspension are specifically better suited to two-up riding on inclines than the standard PCX or NMAX.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent any of these bikes?
Yes, for all models over 50cc. See our International Driving Licence guide for details.