TUK TUK

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.

SONGTAEW

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.

PUBLIC BUS

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.

METERED TAXI

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.

CAR & DRIVER

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.

SAMLOR

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.

MOTORBIKE

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.

PRIVATE HIRE CAR

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

BICYCLE

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.