Inside Chiang Mai: Getting Around
There are plenty of options for getting around the city of Chiang Mai, which can be broken down in to two categories: public or private transportation.
The main options for public transportation are tuk tuks and Songtaews.
Tuk Tuks have many advantages as well as certain disadvantages. First off, a tuk tuk is a three wheeled, window-less hybrid between a motorcycle and a taxi. They are painted in bright colors (reds, blues and greens) making them easily identified, and are found all throughout the city. The advantages to taking tuk tuks are their inexpensive prices (a ride shouldn't cost more than 100 Baht anywhere in the city) and convenience factor. Fares are to be negotiated, so make sure to agree on a price before starting a journey. The main problem with riding a tuk tuk is that breathing in car fumes is unavoidable. The problem is much worse in Bangkok , but is also present in Chiang Mai.
Songtaews are covered, long-bed trucks, outfitted with seats to carry passengers. The Red Songthaews are cheaper than tuk tuks, costing 15 Baht to go anywhere in the city. But because they pick up new customers en route to dropping off old customers, direct transportation to a destination may not be an option, unless the driver is given a bit more money (never more than 100% of normal cost).
The options for private transportation are rental cars or motorbikes. Note that driving is done on the left hand side of the road in Thailand . Motor bikes can be rented from many areas all around town (just follow the signs). Visit the
Car Rental List for a more information about cars.
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