Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai did have a nice new large air conditioned bus service. These were all over the major city routes but have been discontinued until 2011. There are pedicabs called samlor; the 3-wheeled tuk-tuk; and the most popular, the songthaew.

By Moped (Scooter) Or Motorcycle

A moped is a convenient and cheap way to get around town or reach the outlying sights. There are an abundance of near indistinguishable rental outfits in town, though most guesthouses can arrange rental. Automatic geared, 100cc and 125cc bikes capable of carrying two people are the easiest to jump on and ride away with if you don't have riding experience, but off-road bikes and larger street bikes are also an option. A valid international drivers permit IDP isn't required to ride.

Mopeds run about 150 baht/day for a 100cc motorbike and 150+ baht/day for a Honda Wave 125; supplied with helmets and a chain.Larger machines cost 700 baht/day for a V-twin chopper or larger sport-bike. Expect discounts when renting for a week, month or longer.

Rentals will require a deposit, and while many ask for a passport you should under no circumstances leave your passport with anyone as collateral. Most shops will accept a photocopy with a cash deposit of around 3,000 - 5,000 baht, this is a much better alternative. While the petrol/gas tank may be full on pickup, it is not uncommon for shops to deliver a bike with just enough fuel to go make it to a service station and of course they will siphon the remainder off when you return it so the next person is forced to do the same. In any case, return the bike with as much or more fuel than received to avoid any penalties. Also check out the relative mechanical merit of the bike being offered. Focus especially on the brakes - the degree of 'pull' needed for the handlebar lever, and the travel needed for the foot brake. Check that indicators and headlights work properly, and the tires are reasonably OK.

Some rental agreements claim to insure you but generally only cover the bike for theft or damage. Don't expect much in the way of compensation if something bad such as an accident occurs - and despite who is at fault - assume you will be the one considered at fault. Police occasionally fine riders including passengers 200 baht for not wearing a helmet, plus you usually have to go to the police station the next day to collect your licence.

By taxi

Chiang Mai has metered taxis, though it can be difficult to persuade the driver to switch the meter on. If you do prevail, the flag fall is 30 baht for the first 2 km then 4 baht/km after that, otherwise you will have recur to bargaining a fixed fare. You cannot generally hail taxis in the street. To book a taxi, call +66 53 279-291, state your destination and the call centre will give you a quote; or contact individual drivers on the mobile phone numbers displayed on their vehicle.

Hiring A Car Or Minivan With Driver

This is is a great option for travelling to places outside Chiang Mai city, and the price is often similar to hiring a car and driving yourself. You'll also be able to relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort. The cost for a private car with driver is generally from 1500 baht per day plus fuel depending on the type of vehicle and where you are going. The driver will typically pick you up with a full tank of fuel and you pay at the end. Large Toyota Hi-Ace, Nissan Urvan and newer Toyota Commuter minivans go for around 2000 baht per day plus fuel. Most hotels and some guesthouses can arrange it for you, in addition to vehicle rental outlets and the many travel agencies in town.

By Songthaew Or Seelor

In lieu of a local bus service, locals get around the city on songthaew สองแถว. These covered pick-up trucks have two long bench seats in the back (songthaew means "two rows" in Thai, ply fixed routes or to any destination, picking up passengers enroute who are going the same way.

The colour of the songthaew indicates its general route or usage. Most common by far are red songthaews called rod daeng, red truck, which don't follow a specific route and roam the main streets around markets, temples or the bus/train stations. These are the most convenient to take if you are going somewhere specific. Prices must be negotiated. but expect 20 baht anywhere within the city walls and 40-60 outside. Because of the city's somewhat irrational road design, especially inside of the old walls, the driver may be forced to take a circuitous route to get to a nearby destination but will make no difference to the fare.

Fixed route songthaews congregate around Warorot Market. 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 all charge a 20 baht flat rate.

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

To catch a songtheaw; approach a waiting driver or flag one down on the street, state your destination and if the driver is going that direction he will nod in agreement and give you a price. Negotiate a lower fare if you wish. The price agreed to should be per person; it's a good idea to confirm this with the driver before you leave. On reaching your destination, ring the buzzer on the roof to tell the driver to stop, or most likely the driver will pull over, wait for you to get out and pay.

By Tuk-Tuk Or Samlor

Tuk-tuks are a quick, though noisy way to get around. Fares are usually 30-40 baht for a short hop as of July 2012 it seems that the minimum has gone up to 40 baht for pre-arranged locations and 50-100 baht for longer distances, depending on the proficiency your haggling skills. As a guide, expect to pay 40 baht from the old city to the riverside and Night Bazaar, 40-50 baht to the railway station and 80-100 baht to the bus station or airport. Tuk-tuks parked near the bus and train stations will ask you for something like 120-150 baht. Just haggle or walk away to the nearest road and stop passing-by tuk-tuk or songthaew there.

Based on expat information, the highest fee for a tuk-tuk at any time of night or day should be 150 baht for any location in the town June 2011

The fee seems to be based on multiples of 20 baht which is the smallest note. It is a good idea to stock up on notes and coins as whenever you offer a note higher than the agreed fee the driver has no change!

A few samlor three-wheeled bicycles still cruise the streets and will happily take you to a temple for the same price as a tuk-tuk, though at a considerably quieter and slower pace.