Transportation in Chiang Mai

Public Transport in Chiang Mai

Most of the temple complexes in Chiang Mai are situated within walking distance of each other. If you have to travel a longer distance, however, make like the locals and hitch a ride on Thailand’s famed, quaint tuk-tuks.  Don’t forget to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting on this quintessentially Thai mode of transport (usually, 50 baht for a 10 minute journey within the city). Or flag down one of the thousands of red songthaews plying the streets (stick to the red ones – other colors ferry passengers to villages on the outskirts).  You can easily find them cruising around the centre of the city or congregated near landmark spots like the flower market and Chiang Mai university. The local bus service is woefully limited and many tourists now prefer the comfort of the newer, metered yellow taxicabs. 

Hiring Your Own Set of Wheels in Chiang Mai

If you possess nerves of steel and are willing to brave the scorching heat and deranged drivers, then bicycling around Chiang Mai is a great way to imbibe the flavor of this beautiful city. The most practical way of getting around would have be on motorbike. These can cost about 150 baht a day and you can get them a lot cheaper if you rent them for many days at a stretch. They are extremely convenient and cheap, and it is not uncommon in Chiang Mai to spot a family of four, complete with pet and sundry belongings, zipping past, perched precariously on a single bike!  Bigger bikes rent at a higher price, more than 500 baht a day.  Trail bikes are perfect for biking around the steep hills and bumpy roads of Northern Thailand. You can hire cars easily too, but navigating them through the congested streets can be exasperating, to say the least.  Avoid them unless it’s raining or you want to explore the outlying villages.