Getting around Chiang Mai - Car Rentals, Buses and Taxis, Chiang Mai Transportation

Chiang Mai now has a new large air conditioned bus service. You can see these nice air conditioned white buses all over the major city routes. There are also pedicabs called samlor; the 3-wheeled tuk-tuk; and the most popular, the songthaew.

By Songthaew (public passenger pick-up vehicle) :

The most common way to get around Chiang Mai is by songthaew, also known more locally as rod-daeng or "seelor". These are covered pick-up trucks with two benches in the back, and indeed songthaew means "two benches" in Thai. Seen everywhere, to board one just put your arm out and look at the driver, who will stop. Then tell the driver which street you want to go to, and if he is going that way, he will nod his head "yes"; if not, he will say "no" and go on. Don't worry - there will be another one right behind him. When the driver turns down the street you want, start looking for where you want to get off and press the switch located on the roof of the cab. The driver will pull over, let you out, and then you pay him. The fare should be 20 baht for regular trips around town. If you specify a hotel or establishment, the driver will think you want to hire him for a private trip, and the price will be much higher. Negotiate any price beforehand if you want to go to a specific address. The best way to avoid this "charter" situation is to discuss your destination and not the price; asking for a price is interpreted as asking for a charter. Then, when you arrive, hand the driver the correct change. If the driver demands more, then it is up to you to work out a fair payment, but armed with this information, you should have a reasonable idea of the proper fare, and that will aid you in your bargaining.

The colour of the songthaew indicates its general route or usage. Most common by far are red songthaews (hence the alternative rod daeng, "red car" name), which roam the main streets in the city itself. Warorot Market (by the Ping River) is the most common terminus for songthaews that travel along fixed routes. From Warorot Market, white songthaews travel to the eastern suburban city of Sankampaeng, yellow songthaews travel to Mae Rim in the north, blue songthaews travel to Sarapee and Lamphun in the south, and green songthaews travel to Mae Jo in the north-east. The flat rate cost along these fixed routes is 20 baht.

From Pratu Chiang Mai market, songthaews also travel to Hang Dong (20 baht) and San Patong, south-west of Chiang Mai.

You may see songthaews out on the highways in the countryside, travelling to and from small towns and villages. It is probably not proper for them to do this (as such travel is supposed to be done by bus companies), but in Thailand people will find a way to make some extra money.

By tuk-tuk or Samlor :

Tuk-tuks serve as Chiang Mai's taxis, going point to point for 30-40 baht for a short hop and 50-100B for longer distances depending on your haggling skills. Normally (that's what local farangs and Thais pay), 30 baht will get you a few blocks away, 40 - from the old city to riverside and Night Bazaar, 40-50 - to the railway station, 50-60 - to the bus station or airport, 80-100 - to the city suburbs behind Super Highway. Tuk-tuks parked near the bus and train stations will ask you for something like 80-100 baht - just haggle or walk away to the nearest road and stop passing-by tuk-tuk or songthaew there. A few three-wheeled bicycles (samlor) still cruise the streets and will go your way for the same price as tuk-tuks, which is a great way to see the inner city temples. Try taking a samlor from Wat Prasing Temple to Wat Chedi Luang Temple in the early evening around sunset, or around the inner city at sunrise to see the monks walking around with their bowls collecting alms from the citizens.

By taxi :

Chiang Mai has Bangkok-style metered taxis, but unlike in Bangkok it's very hard to persuade the driver to use the meter. Rates are very reasonable at 30 baht for the first 2 km and 4 baht/km after that, . Dial +66 53-279291 state your detination and the call centre will give you a quote. Individual drivers can be contacted using their mobile phone numbers which are displayed on the vehicle, again few will use their meters.You cannot generally hail taxis in the street.

By bus :

Chiang Mai's on-again, off-again local bus service began operation again in November 2005. There are currently 5 routes and fares are a flat 15 baht. Route 4, connecting to the airport, is probably the most useful. See Chiang Mai Bus

By motorcycle :

Chiang Mai has an abundance of motorcycle rental services, with choices aplenty. Typical Asian motorbikes can be rented, such as Honda and Yamaha 110cc and 125cc models (both step-through and automatic), but off-road bikes and larger street bikes can also be found quite easily. Renting a small bike starts around 150 baht/day (200 if with insurance); larger machines can climb to 800 baht/day for a V-twin chopper or large sport-bike, also with insurance. Expect discounts when renting for several days or more. Passports are usually taken as a deposit, but some shops will accept a photocopy with a cash deposit of a few thousand baht. As with any other tourist town in Thailand (except possibly in Bangkok), a valid international permit (IDP) isn't required by the rental shop.

By bicycle :

Within the old city walls biking is still an easy option to get around. You can get everywhere in town within 10 minutes and it saves the hassle of negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers all the time. Bikes rentals are offered at every other street corner, and for a simple bike start from 30 baht/day. You can pick up quality bikes for a comfortable ride at "Crank Tavern" near Chiang Mai Gate. They run well-organised tours in the mountains around Chiang Mai as well.

On foot :

The old city is only a mile square, and as such is easy to walk around. The airport is also quite close to the old part of town--about 2.5 km--so if you have the energy and an hour to spare, you can even walk to and from the airport.

Hiring a car or minibus with professional driver :

This is is a great option for travelling to places outside Chiang Mai city, and is often the same or very similar price as hiring a car and driving yourself. You'll also be able to relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort. The cost is generally from 1500 baht per day (excluding petrol), depending on the type of vehicle and where you are going. With the petrol, the driver will pick you up with a full tank of petrol, and you pay the petrol as you go, and at the end.