Tuk-tuk, songthew or taxi?

Old Jan 17th, 2017, 08:42 AM
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Tuk-tuk, songthew or taxi?

I've just arrived in Chaing Mai (midnight arrival) and tomorrow will begin to explore. I am at the Golden Bell for 2 nights and then 3Sis for 5N. I walk a lot but will certainly need transport on occasion.

Can someone please give me a quick course on local transport? Which to bargain a fare for, which wait for additional passengers before going, and so on? What should I use to get to spots that are just a bit too far to walk to?

Much of what I have read simply says "take a Tuk-Tuk or songthew which are inexpensive" but are lacking in details about "how."

Noobie question ... Sorry!
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 09:07 AM
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I really dislike tuk-tuks as you are exposed to the exhaust fumes as well as Chiang Mai's horrible air pollution. They still dispose of their trash by burning it. You get a little more protection in a songthew, though I find them very uncomfortable. And you will share thrm with multiple other people going to different places, so it may take a while for you to get to your destination. If it is going to be a long ride, opt for a taxi. Your hotel can tell you what a fair fare would be to your destination. How is you flag them down. And I've found that tuk-tuks and songthews are often more expensive than taxis.
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 10:27 AM
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Sorngthaews generally run on fixed routes and fixed rates and are really cheap and. a great way of getting around and meeting the locals. Your accomodation should be able to help with a route map and / or advice . Tuk tuks will take you where you want to go but you have to negotiate the fare and prepare to be ripped off as a tourist. Short trip are usually 50-60 baht, closer to 100 at night.

Apart from walking, and assuming you do not use the sorngthaews, taxis are the best bet for longer distances - Doi Suthep etc.

I disagree with Kathie that you get more protection from pollution in a sorngthaew - both are open sided so I don't see how it makes much difference. Apart from the burning season from Feb to April/May, the air quality in CM is as good as most places in Asia.
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 10:55 AM
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Thank you ! Are all taxis metered? As I came from the airport in a shuttle I saw some with a lit meter sign on top. Yet Kathie's post seem to indicate that fare are negotiable ("what a fair fare would be...")
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 12:52 PM
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Cabs are metered, but often the driver will not turn them on.Ask him to turn on the meter. It will always be a lot cheaper than a negotiated price. If he says the meter "broken" or refuses to start it, just climb out of the cab.

That said, if you are in a touristy place, traveling in the evening or bad weather, or heading to the airport, the drivers will often only take you if you accept their flat fare. This isn't always bad, but be aware of what the regular price should be, so you don't get totally ripped off!

When going to the airport, drivers will often want 500-700 bht., though the metered amount would be around 350-400. If I'm going at the crack of dawn, I will usually counter with 400 or 500 but, just to get going. I usually feel no need to tip these guys, since this is a negotiated rate.

Tuk tuks in Thailand are not usually a good deal. They'll either want to 'visit" some tourist trap, or will charge more than a cab.
if you really want to go cheap, use the motorbike guys!
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 01:12 PM
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Lcuy - I think the figures you quote probably relate to Bangkok? The fare to and from the airport in Chiang Mai where the OP is are more like 100-150 baht than 500plus.
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Old Jan 17th, 2017, 06:48 PM
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V few 'motorbike guys' in CM, like those guys crowding every corner in VN, just waiting for someone to sit on the back of the bike. Apparently the local public transport scene is dominated by some sort of Mafia who own all or most of the machines (tuk-tuks and songteaws) and the drivers work daily to pay off the rent plus some profit.

And frankly in CM no one escapes the air pollution whether on foot, bike or truck. Tuk-tuks are fun for many folks, offer a different view of the world and cute little put-put sound. And IMO, folks who come to CM from the western world have far more wealth at hand than any driver in CM. Why be a penny-pincher when on holiday, enjoy the difference and offer a few baht. Don't forget what you would pay in big USA city for taxi ride to airport and there you may think nothing of it. Today US$1 = 35 baht so 100 baht is only $3. And some poor chap can buy a better meal tonight for granny. Go to western bar in CM and pay 150 baht for a bottle of beer, most of which goes to INBEV, a global booze corporation. Make your choice but be aware.

Song-theaws, in city, 20 baht, a flat rate. If driver misses the track, push the button, pay the fare, get on your foot and see the city. Slow down, sit in the shade of the nearest wat, contemplate the buddha.
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Old Jan 18th, 2017, 02:09 AM
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Thank you for the replies. Let me note that I never said that my goal is to be "cheap" -- though that is how many travel. I asked how the various types of transport work in CM.

I have since learned that metered taxis do not cruise the streets: they are a relatively new introduction here and are dispatched with by HQ or from the airport ( which explains what I saw the other night).

BTW, the going rate for a taxi from a central hotel to the airport is about 160 THB -- at least, that is the sign I have seen in two lobbies.
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Old Jan 20th, 2017, 02:51 PM
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I for one, love driving around in a tuk tuk whenever given the opportunity. I like feeling the air on my face and feel closer to the action as opposed to being in a taxi. I feel like I see more as it is more open. Just my opinion.
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Old Jan 22nd, 2017, 01:41 AM
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I apologize for reading carelessly. I did think this was about Bangkok. Sorry!
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