Chiang Mai, the busy roads, and get caught in traffic can be a frustrating and tiring. I've seen the tourist literature emphasize the quality of the city quiet, and although many of these places (especially outside of Chiang Mai) are present, you will not find on its highways. This article attempts to describe the types of available transport capacity in Chiang Mai, the best way to move and the pros and cons of different ways, with staffAnecdotes included.
I. Public Transport
Thailand
a. Metered taxi
A misnomer, as the taxi drivers do not move your feet – especially not in the experience of my companion and me! As a non-Thai, you must come to an agreement with the driver before getting in, that foreigners regularly overcharged. Every time we turned on the meter has been asked, we said it was broken. Do not hesitate to walk in search of another cab, if you feel you should have heard. There are manyaround, and maybe even the taxi driver back and give you a decent price. Finally, we have begun to price in two, cutting and negotiate from there. Does not always work, but at least we are not completely green.
The first and only time we have successfully captured a taxi with a meter was at the airport of Chiang Mai, where he arrived from Bangkok. Make sure to go one of two official taxi counters in the arrivals hall, where it passesThe tickets are in fact unmarked cars outside at least for unwary travelers are not licensed. The 30 minute ride into town costs 60 baht to us, than the standard 50-baht airport tax (payable at the airport).
b. Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are a fun and unique must-have for every new in Thailand. However, I would not recommend it at regular intervals, as they are too high and passengers are to be mentioned at the mercy of car exhaust fumes, not the occasional heavy smoke in the late spring and summer, when farmersland and the burning bush to encourage new growth. Blessed motorcycle (three wheels and handlebars), are quite expensive when you Songthaews (see below) were compared. Only suitable for short trips foreigners pay more than the obvious. An elevator, just hail a tuk-tuk down and enter the destination. Remember that most of the tuk-tuk drivers speak little English.
c. Pedicab
Presented by older men and very agile, pedicabs slow but scenic tour through the historic center offers,especially in the ditch. Prices are negotiable. A descendant of rickshaws, are not as numerous as they once were, but not least-are still there. A stop a lift.
d. Truck (songthaew)
Songthaews (literally "two banks"), while traveling in buses on selected routes. They stop, tell the driver your destination, and he will tell you that if he hop in that direction. Fast, efficient and economical, to take another SongthaewsPassengers on the road. She is a good way to get, unlike tuk-tuks, taxis, not overloaded with work: it is a flat 20 baht per person when you are out on the town (look for the red Songthaews) when traveling out of town , the trucks are yellow, and of course cost more.
e. Bus and rail
The public transport in Chiang Mai is unusual in that it is not a bus. In addition, there are no trains, subways or elevated rail, as inBangkok.
NB If you do not speak Thai, a way to get to your destination is to the driver carries a business card to present the address and map of your destination. However, it must be in Thai, because not all drivers speak English or read.
We have stories of riders pretend to change anytime soon to pay back and not feel the difference. This has never been our experience, but it seems important to remember. So make sure you have a lot of 20-bahtReferences to you at any time.
II transport for hire
Chiang Mai has many lenders to choose from, both for cars, motorcycles or scooters. Whatever your vehicle if you decide to go for it make sure that the license and international driver's license with you at all times. Take a picture of your property to make sure you do not pay are not responsible for damage. You must also leave your passport as security. Please noteYou must return the vehicle, if you work with a visa (unless you have a second passport, of course, have – in this case, make sure that the ID is in the hands of the landlord is not, as with the Thai !).
a. scooters and motorcycles
Scooters and motorcycles are one of the best ways to get to Chiang Mai, is above all the traffic overload on the right. However, you probably need to drive with the Thai, which is "flexible", to say the least.Compulsory third violation is included in the price of a motorcycle, but there is no liability insurance for damage to vehicles. To limit an additional 50 baht per day costs associated with losses related to your rental. There are special rates for rental daily / weekly and monthly, but do not hesitate to negotiate a better deal. You can have a 110cc scooter for 150 baht a day (with additional insurance, 100 Bath without). A 125 is a better choice if you are as a couple on a motorcycle,and even some companies rent large wheels. I would recommend an automatic, a manual, since it is easier dealt with on the road.
Once you have made your choice, make sure that the scooter / bike thoroughly before you go (in particular light and brakes) and ask them to put on a test (check out the steering wheel) to take. Always wear a helmet (usually for free, fit and check that there are of good quality). Most of the accidents involved motorcyclists here, and I said the bike uglyIncidents in the Thai language media reports, but not in English-language newspapers. I can not imagine why, if to avoid a collapse in the rental bikes. Helmets are mandatory, despite the fact that few Thais wearing. The penalty for driving without one is 200 baht (the cost of a new helmet!), Even though it seems, are rarely applied.
There is a lot of rental places along Moon Muang Road (east side of the trench).
b. Cars
To rent a car, the best thing to gobest be maintained at an authorized dealer (Avis / Budget, etc.) as the vehicle in the theory. You also get full coverage insurance (but check the fine print, be aware that Visa cards usually cover accident damage) and tend to be a viable alternative in case of failure to the car for any reason. Although less practical in heavy traffic, there is no doubt that the protection of cars, comfort (especially on long trips) and … Equipped with air conditioning!
Renting a car or four wheel drive, youback about 700 to a thousand different baht per day, and mini-bus a little 'more. Rent per month offers a better deal (do not hesitate to bargain hard) and online services offer the best price of all.
You can also rent a car with driver. The daily cost is about 1,750 baht and 2,000 baht for a car for a mini-bus (this is not the spirit). After 5:00, the price is about 100 baht per hour. They are also necessary for the driver's meals and accommodation in the payFor overnight trips. It is worth noting, however, that we walk around Chiang Mai, where we were mentioned by a taxi driver who offered us his car and his services as a pilot for a daily fee of 650 baht.
c. Bicycles
They are available everywhere, but especially in tourist areas of the old town (accommodation, travel agencies, lodgings, etc..) Usually cost between 150-200 baht per day. I personally would not rent one in town forever (evendangerous), but they are comfortable and quite magical in a quieter part of Chiang Mai. Helmets do not seem obligatory, but it's a good idea to wear one.
Finally, Chiang Mai has many forms of transport. What do you prefer to rely on your age and experience, but you should be able to provide a method of locomotion that suits you. Please do not approach foreigners for their experiences. Remember, in my opinion the most important thingsare safety and, where appropriate, negotiate hard for a better price.
Transportation in Chiang Mai, Thailand