For a major 21st century city, Chiang Mai’s public transport options are, for want of a better word, woeful. There is no subway, monorail, or localised rail system, or a permanent useful bus service for that matter. Meter taxis are also non-existent away from the airport, as are motorcycle taxis. However, getting around in Chiang Mai is seldom a problem.
Travel in Chiang Mai is all about smoky three-wheelers and bastardised pick-up trucks - tuk-tuks and songthaews. They are both ever present on Chiang Mai’s streets and have somewhat of a monopoly on the transport situation here. While frequent and efficient, they are also on eye-sore.
The tuk-tuk (for the sound it makes) is the traditional Chiang Mai taxi; a point-to-point service that zooms in an out of traffic and belches fumes. Easily the fastest travel option, tuk-tuks are known to overcharge and are largely open to the elements, meaning air conditioning and waterproofing is not an option.
Despite their obvious disadvantages, getting about by tuk-tuk is not all that bad and they’re not as expensive here as their Bangkok counterparts. They park up outside the bus and train stations, outside shopping malls and main temples, as well as along the main routes around the town. You can flag one anytime, but always pre-negotiate the fare and don’t be afraid to talk them down.
So-called songthaews are as apparent as tuk-tuks, although they are much larger and are shared transport. If tuk-tuks are the taxis, songthaews are the buses; taking in set routes but also deviating for charters. They run all roads in the city and you simply put your arm out to hail one.
For those on set routes, say heading west along Thapae Road, you jump on the back and then ring the bell when you want to get off – no need to speak with the driver; you simply pay him on alighting. Empty ones (no passengers on the back) can generally be chartered, operating as a tuk-tuk to take you anywhere in the city. Charter costs are about the same, but the beauty being you can fit your entire family, or group, on the back.
Most songthaews are red and go in all directions within, and outside, the city, while coloured ones specifically go between outlying towns and Chiang Mai. White ones serve Sankampaeng in the east; yellow ones go to Mae Rim in the north; blue ones go to Lamphun in the south (via Saraphi); and green ones Mae Jo, northeast.
In the city, most songthaews from out of town terminate (and depart from) the Warorot Market area near the western bank of the Ping River, to the east of the moat. The exception is Hang Dong-bound songthaews, which go from Pratu Chiang Mai market at the southern part of the moat.
Chiang Mai also has a standard bus service, although it is largely unapparent to most tourists, and even to the expat populace. The buses are large, clean, white, air conditioned and take in major city routes. The most useful route is the one that links the airport to the city, Route 4.
The other public Chiang Mai transport option is its metered taxis. Unfortunately, they are few and far between – a product of the mafia-like might of the tuk-tuks and songthaews. The only real time meter taxis are visible is outside the airport and pulling up at hotels.
It is practically impossible to flag one down as those on the move will invariably already have a fare, or are en-route to meet one. At the airport, you obtain a ticket from the official desk in the arrivals hall and then hand it to a taxi driver out the back. The price is set so the meter will therefore be ignored. For a taxi anywhere else, it is necessary to call the centre: 053 279 291.
If you are not impressed by the public transport options in Chiang Mai, consider renting a scooter. This is the most practical option for seeing the city, although somewhat risky. If you are a deft rider, you can easily negotiate the traffic and tight streets of the old town, as well as head out into the country hassle-free.
Honda Dreams and Waves are the de facto motorbike rental option, though many places also have the modern, direct-drive scooters, such as the natty Honda Click. You can also rent a 150cc Phantom (the official largest size motor in Thailand), or go for a 250cc scrambler or even a big bike. Licenses are not required to rent bikes, but it is best to have an international drive permit, or your local license, to hand in case you are stopped by the police. Always wear a helmet and pay insurance, too.
Other options for getting around within the town include by bicycle and on foot. Bicycle rentals are super-cheap and they don’t need any fuel. You can also rent mountain bikes in Chiang Mai and take to the city’s lofty terrain, or just stick to tearing up the streets of the old town.
While you won’t need to hire a car unless you are a family or plan on visiting the city environs, car hire is quite cheap and available. There are big car rental firms, like Budget, in town as well as local ones. It is best to steer clear of those tiny places on the street and stick with the larger firms. One popular local firm, however, is Northwheels, who have a good range of vehicles, if a little used.
Thank You from
http://www.manager.co.th/asp-bin/Image.aspx?ID=2392318
