How to Get Around in Chiang Mai ?

Public Transportation in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Red Cars

Red cars, known locally as rot si daeng or red cars in English, are Chiang Mai's most iconic mode of transportation. Probably the cheapest too. Chiang Mai Red Cars are the most commonly used means of transportation to get around the city. They are seen everywhere, at all times of the day and night, although their numbers decrease between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. To take one, simply wave at them from the side of the road, tell the driver your destination and, if the driver accepts, you get in the back.

The journey is not always direct, because the driver may make detours to pick up or drop off other passengers, but regardless, the price is fixed and displayed on these red songthaews: 30 THB per person (although , personally, I have sometimes managed to pay 20 THB, which seems to be the local rate ;)). So you never really know how long it's going to take and it's also more complicated to take if you want to go to a little-known place. This is why it is advisable to try to locate a monument, temple, well-known hotel or other store that is close to your destination to indicate to the driver just in case.

Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep by red car

You can go to the Hilltop Temple of Doi Suthep by red car but you have to plan two journeys. The first red songthaew will drop you off at the Chiang Mai Zoo at Doi Suthep station (30 THB) where you will take a second red car for the ascent (latest price noted 40 THB).

In the city, the fare is supposed to be 30 THB regardless of the route, but from places like the Arcade Bus Terminal, Chiang Mai Airport or the train station, it is not unusual to we ask you more. In this case, walk a few dozen meters to a main road and hail another red car to get the standard fare.

Private a red car in Chiang Mai

It is also possible to privatize a red car for a few hours or a whole day to take the route of your choice, with the driver waiting for you during the visits. The price then depends on the itinerary and your negotiation skills, but count around 1,600 to 2,000 THB for the day depending on the distances traveled.

Chiang Mai buses

Buses in Chiang Mai have always had a complicated history with services appearing and then disappearing, including a complete disappearance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning of 2024, the RTC Chiang Mai City Buses, a revival of Smart Buses, have resumed service. Last I heard, there were 3 lines all leaving and arriving at the airport. They are integrated into the ViaBus application. But having tested in July 2024, their frequency is too low to really count on it to travel in Chiang Mai, even from or to the airport. To be honest, given the low number of passengers of those I took to test, I am even afraid that they will end up being deleted. Competition from cars or Grab seems to leave little room for a sustainable bus service in Chiang Mai with a practical rotation frequency for users.

Official website: rtc-citybus.com

Chiang Mai Hop & Go buses

This bus system in Chiang Mai is more specifically aimed at tourists. Its principle is to offer a day pass (last known price: 300 THB) which allows you to take all the lines and combine them as you wish without limits or restrictions. There are 4 lines:

• The HG1 Pink Line - Mae Rim Route which allows you to go to Wat Pa Dara Phirom, the Siam Insect Zoo and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden.
• The HG2 Blue Line - Mae On Route which allows you to go to Art in Paradise, the MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum, the Thai Silk Village but especially the Bo-Sang Handicrafts Center and san kamphaeng hot springs. This is the most interesting line, in my opinion.
• The HG3 Green Line - Wiang Kum Kam Route which allows you to go to Wiang Kum Kam Ancient City, at Wat Phra That Doi Kham, at Chiang Mai Zoo, at Royal Park Rajapruek, and at Huay Keaw Waterfall.< /li>
• The HG4 Red Line - City Route which notably allows you to go to Wat Jed Yot, Chiang Mai Zoo, Chiang Mai train station and the Arcade Bus Terminal (bus to Chiang Mai Rai in particular).

Note that until September 30, 2024 inclusive, the Pink and Blue lines do not run.

Tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai

Tuk-tuks are omnipresent in Chiang Mai, especially near tourist sites during the day and in the evening at the Night Bazaar. you can also always find them at bus terminals and at the train station. The price of a ride in the city usually starts around 100 THB. It's an emblematic means of transport in Thailand so it's always fun to do once, especially at night.

GRAB, BOLT and InDrive applications

Since UBER sold its activities in South Asia to GRAB, this application has dominated the VTC market in Thailand, but other players have come to compete, starting with the big cities. Thus, today there are GRAB, BOLT and InDrive in Chiang Mai which allow you to order a car with a driver for a specific route via your smartphone. GRAB, BOLT and InDrive rides are more comfortable and often less expensive than tuk-tuks. It is also often possible to order a vehicle with these applications for a destination and then negotiate with the driver for an entire circuit. It’s an alternative to privatizing a car and it’s more comfortable because it’s air-conditioned.

Taxis in Chiang Mai

Metered taxis (taximeter) are rare to circulate in the city of Chiang Mai but there are some. They are mainly found at Arcade bus terminals 2 and 3 and at the airport. The fare depends on the journey and is determined by the meter. They face competition from VTC applications, notably GRAB which has a pick-up point in the Chiang Mai airport car park.

Rickshaws in Chiang Mai

Cyclic rickshaws are rare in Chiang Mai but they still exist around the city center. They are often used by tourist groups but can be requested by anyone. Supporting these workers is an appreciated gesture, as their work is difficult and less well paid than that of tuk-tuk drivers.

Riding a bicycle in Chiang Mai

There are shared electric bicycle or scooter systems in Chiang Mai but their low success makes them impractical to use. on the other hand, you can easily find bikes to rent, it costs 50 THB per day for a basic bike. Some guesthouses also make them available to their customers free of charge. Cycling is a pleasant way to get around Chiang Mai, except on major roads where traffic can be intimidating.

Rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai

To rent and drive a scooter in Thailande, there are conditions to be met to comply with local laws. Police checks are frequent and, without the proper documentation to comply, you risk losing your insurance in the event of an accident. However, the scooter remains a practical and economical way to get around Chiang Mai and outside Chiang Mai. Be careful on mountain roads and do not drive on them if you are not used to driving a two-wheeler. Besides, if you plan to go to the mountains, maybe see if you can have a little more power. It is also possible in Chiang Mai to rent large motorbikes, particularly popular for doing the Mae Hong Son loop. Also check that your insurance coverage does not exclude driving two-wheelers.

Rent a car in Chiang Mai

If it is not easy to park in Chiang Mai, car rental is more recommended for getting around because it is much safer than using a scooter to explore the region. And the city is very easy to visit on foot or with a quick tuk-tuk ride here and there.

Prefer international rental companies to rent your car in Chiang Mai. The best known all have a stand in the airport hall. Otherwise, the site Retalcars.com is the best for finding a car to rent and even allows you to rent your car in one city and return it in another on certain combinations of destinations.