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 (check out the Picture). They are painted in bright colors (reds, blues, yellows and greens) making them easily identifiable, 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 their convenience factor. Fares are to be negotiated, so make sure to agree on a price before starting a journey. If a price cannot be agreed upon, find another ride, as there are plenty available. 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 per person to go most 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 third form of public transport is the oldest form, the samlor (three wheeled) or more commonly known as the rickshaw. They are still used in the city by locals and can be found in any market. They remain the preferred way for many Chiang Mai residents to carry themselves and their daily shopping back from the market. Geting understood where you want to go by one of the drivers, may be a hurdle, but it is a hurdle worth the effort. It is a nice slow way to get around the city.
Chiang Mai also has a public bus system with routes all over the city. The system started in early 2007 and provides clean and new buses. The routes continue to change based on demand. For an up-to-date route, click HERE. The website is in Thai but the maps have English names.
