Tuk Tuk |
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If you arrive in Chiang Mai from Bangkok
I am sure you will already be familiar with
the ubiquitous tuk tuk. Negotiate the fare
before jumping aboard. They are good for
short journeys around town but also many
tuk tuks will be happy to take you to some
of Chiang Mai’s surrounding attractions
especially during the day when they are
less busy. |
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Songtaew |
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Songtaew (meaning 2 rows in Thai, which
refer to the 2 seating benches in the back)
are little more that modified pickups but
presently they are the backbone of the public
transport system in Chiang Mai. They work
on a shared basis, you just tell the driver
where you want to go and if he is heading
in that direction just jump in the back.
Current fares are 15 baht for a short journey
and 20 baht for longer journeys. They can
also be chartered on an individual basis. |
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Public Bus |
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Chiang Mai now has its own city wide air-con
public bus service. The main problem facing
the visitor to Chiang Mai is the lack of
information. Bus stops are not clearly marked;
routings and timetables are not displayed.
The fare is 15 baht for any journey and
some of the routings could be useful for
the visitor to Chiang Mai. The night safari,
airport and the Arcade bus station are both
well connected. |
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Metered Taxi |
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Chiang Mai now has Bangkok style metered
taxis, there are not so many around and
unlike most of the Bangkok taxis you will
be lucky to find one which uses its meter.
Fares need to be negotiated before departure. |
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Taxi and driver |
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Outside some of the more popular guesthouses
and hotels you may find private vehicles
with driver for hire. Rates can be very
reasonable. Negotiate the fare before departure
and don’t forget to ask whether fuel is
included. |
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Samlor |
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A dying breed in Chiang Mai. Every year
there are less and less on the roads. The
Samlor is a three wheeled bicycle with a
seat on the back which can accommodate two
people. The riders of these Samlors all
seem to be elderly men and quite understandably
the young generation has little interest
in taking up the profession. |
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Motorbike |
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Motorbikes are cheap to rent and plentiful
in Chiang Mai. Make sure you check the condition
of the bike before you take it out of the
hire shop and draw attention to any scratches
or damage. For a small extra fee many hire
shops can add insurance to the bike. Ask
for details before hire. |
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Private hire
car |
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Same rules apply as hiring a motorbike.
Check the car thoroughly and study the insurance
which comes with it. A good searching ground
for motorbike and car hire is along the
Moonmuang Rd |
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Bicycle |
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Cycling could be a very pleasant way of
getting around town but unfortunately the
traffic in Chiang Mai spoils this. However
in the old city (where there is less traffic)
cycling can still be a pleasant experience
and is a good way of getting around to some
of Chiang Mai’s more interesting temples. |
