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Chiang Mai Transportation - Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks
Click Here for Flight Schedules Click Here for Train Schedule and Fare Information Click Here for a Map of the National Rail System Click Here for Bus Schedules and Fare Information Getting AroundChiang Mai locals rely on a mix of personal motorbike, private cars and Songthaews for getting around. Songthaew means literally "two benches" and is a small pick-up truck equipped with a canopy and benches in the back. In the central area of the city you will see a near constant stream of red colored trucks, some running on fixed routes for fares beginning at 10 Baht and some chartering like a taxi for 20 Baht and up depending on the distance. In either case tell the driver your destination and if he is going that way he will quote a price. If you come to an understanding, climb in the back and push one of the buzzer buttons inside the canopy when you reach your destination. If you don't arrive at a meeting of the minds just wave for the next one to stop and try again. Near some of the large markets you will find groups of different colored Songthaews. These are informal terminals for a shuttle service between districts (Maung) with each color running a different route, green for example going to Maejo.
In the last few years,the number of private cars and pick-ups has been increasing rapidly and traffic will slow considerably during rush hours. Renting motorbikes and car rentals from one of the many agencies is a simple process for tourists with a drivers' license and photocopy of their passport. Other public transport is provided by tuk tuks (named after the sound they make,) the noisy three wheel adventure ride, a limited number of city buses and the relatively new "TaxiMeter" cars with distinctive paint jobs. Fares for Tuk Tuks are negotiable usually beginning at 30 Baht and may vary widely depending on whether the driver is in a queue or is cruising, the distance to be traveled, the time of day, and whether you look like you know what you are doing. Always agree on the price before getting aboard and remember that a smile is an asset to the process. Tuk Tuks normally operate until about 11pm or midnight, and then become scarce and more expensive to ride.
The minimum service charge for using a metered taxi in the city starts at 40 baht for the first 2 kilometers followed by a 5 baht per kilometer charge after the first 2 kms. These rates apply to trips within the Chiang Mai city limits and inside the second ring road. Always insist that the driver use the meter. The charge for a full day is 1,700 Baht. The white colored city busses recently launched by the city run some pretty convoluted routes making them impractical for many point to point trips but can be enjoyable as a cheap (10 Baht)way of exploring the city. Look for the bus stop signs with the route maps on the sides of some of the major streets.
The Samlor ("three wheels") has just about disappeared from city streets except for use in some neighborhood marketing trips.
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