Transportation

Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Guide

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Transportation in Chiang Mai

Overview: One thing about Chiang Mai is that it’s so small, you don’t need to take transportation anywhere. Most sites, restaurants, bars, hotels, etc. are within walking distance. But, there are a few ways to get around and here they are:

TUK-TUKS
You can hire a tuk-tuk to take you around the city and to all the major temples for about 80 Baht. You can’t beat that! By the way, tuk-tuks around Chiang Mai are really fun and you may want to have a tuk-tuk just drive you around Chiang Mai to get the lay of the land and see what’s around and orient yourself. That will be about 160 Baht.

CABS & TAXIS
Only hire a cab if you are going up to Doi Suthep or somewhere outside Chiang Mai. A roundtrip ride to Doi Suthep and back should cost around 700 to 800 Baht. There are vans (and tour guides) on the streets that you can negotiate with and you can arrange for vans through your hotel. I did not run into a van with an electronic lift, however. And, my hotel and my van driver, who took me up to Doi Suthep, did not know of any either.

RENT A CAR
You can rent a car for about 800 to 1000 Baht a day.

BICYCLES
Walking, wheeling and bicycling is by far the most popular mode of transportation in Chiang Mai since it’s a small place.