Transportation in Thailand

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern capital, presents a transportation experience quite distinct from Bangkok. The city’s smaller size, historical significance, and unique geography create a different set of transportation challenges and opportunities for visitors. This guide provides comprehensive information about navigating this charming city efficiently.

Arriving in Chiang Mai

From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Chiang Mai’s airport is remarkably close to the city center, just about 3-4 kilometers southwest of the Old City. This proximity makes airport transfers relatively simple compared to many international destinations.

Airport Taxis

Official airport taxis operate on a fixed-fare system rather than meters:

• Cost: Approximately 150-200 baht to most city destinations
• Location: Taxi counter just outside the arrival hall
• Operating Hours: Available whenever flights are arriving
• Journey Time: 10-20 minutes to most city destinations, depending on traffic

Airport Shuttle Buses

These minivans operate from the airport to various parts of the city:

• Cost: 40-60 baht per person
• Location: Outside the arrival terminal
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM
• Journey Time: 20-30 minutes with multiple stops
• Note: These are shared services that drop passengers at various hotels and locations

Grab Ride-Hailing Service

Grab operates efficiently in Chiang Mai and can be used for airport pickups:

• Cost: Usually 120-180 baht to city destinations
• Pickup Location: Follow app instructions for designated pickup points
• Advantage: Fixed price known before booking

Local Songthaews

These red shared trucks sometimes wait near the airport exit:

• Cost: Negotiate before boarding, typically 50-80 baht per person to the city
• Note: Less reliable than other options for airport transfers

From Chiang Mai Railway Station

Located east of the Old City (about 3 km from the eastern gate), the railway station connects Chiang Mai to Bangkok and other destinations in Thailand.

Songthaews and Tuk-tuks

Available directly outside the station:

• Cost: 60-100 baht for a tuk-tuk, 30-40 baht per person for shared songthaews
• Journey Time: 10-15 minutes to the Old City

Walk + Songthaew Combination

A budget option:

• Walk about 500 meters west to Charoen Muang Road where you can flag down passing songthaews for 20-30 baht per person

Grab

Reliable service from the station to anywhere in the city:

• Cost: 80-120 baht to most city destinations
• Advantage: No negotiation needed

From Arcade Bus Station

Chiang Mai has two main bus terminals. Arcade Bus Station (Terminal 2) handles most long-distance services from Bangkok and other major destinations.

Songthaews

Regular services connect the bus station to the city:

• Cost: 30-40 baht per person
• Frequency: Regular departures as vehicles fill up
• Journey Time: 15-20 minutes to the Old City

Tuk-tuks

Available at the station entrance:

• Cost: 100-150 baht to the Old City
• Journey Time: 10-15 minutes depending on traffic

Local City Bus

Limited services connect to the city center:

• Cost: 15-20 baht
• Frequency: Irregular schedule
• Route: Passes near the North Gate of the Old City

Public Transportation Within Chiang Mai

Unlike Bangkok with its extensive rail network, Chiang Mai relies primarily on road-based transportation. The city’s more compact layout makes this workable, though understanding the options is essential for efficient travel.

Songthaews (Red Trucks)

Songthaews are the backbone of Chiang Mai’s public transportation system. These converted pickup trucks with covered seating areas in the back operate as shared taxis following flexible routes throughout the city. Their name means “two rows” in Thai, referring to the bench seating arrangement.

How Songthaews Work

1. Flag down: Wave at any passing songthaew with space available
2. Tell destination: Inform the driver where you want to go (having it written in Thai is helpful)
3. Confirm price: Drivers will indicate if they’re going in your direction and how much it will cost
4. Signal stop: Press the buzzer or knock on the cabin window when approaching your destination

Types of Songthaew Services

1. Regular route songthaews: Follow semi-fixed routes identified by different colors:
   
   • Red songthaews: Most common, generally circulate within the city (15-40 baht per person)
   • Yellow songthaews: Route to Mae Rim district north of the city
   • White songthaews: Service to Doi Saket district
   • Blue songthaews: Travel to Saraphi district south of the city
2. Charter songthaews: Can be hired like a private taxi for specific destinations:
   
   • Cost: Negotiate before boarding, typically 150-300 baht for destinations within the city
   • Best for: Groups or travelers with specific itineraries

Common Songthaew Routes

• Old City Circuit: Red songthaews circle the moat road in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions
• Nimmanhemin Area: Regular service between the trendy Nimman area and the Old City
• Night Bazaar: Frequent connections between the Night Bazaar and other popular areas
• University Route: Service to Chiang Mai University and surrounding areas

Songthaew Tips

• Always confirm the price before boarding
• For regular city routes, expect to pay 20-40 baht per person
• Popular tourist destinations outside the city (like Doi Suthep) have higher rates, typically 40-60 baht per person
• For less common destinations, you might need to charter the entire vehicle
• Songthaews generally operate from around 6:00 AM until about 10:00 PM, with reduced service in late evening

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks in Chiang Mai are three-wheeled vehicles that operate as private taxis. Unlike Bangkok’s brightly colored versions, Chiang Mai tuk-tuks are usually blue or black.

Key Information

• Cost: Always negotiate before boarding; typically 60-150 baht for short trips within the city
• Availability: Found throughout tourist areas, especially near markets, the Old City gates, and popular hotels
• Operating Hours: Generally available from early morning until midnight, with some operating later in busy tourist areas
• Capacity: Comfortably fits 2-3 passengers, though they can technically accommodate more
• Advantages: Door-to-door service, faster than songthaews for direct journeys

Grab and Ride-Hailing Services

Grab has become increasingly popular in Chiang Mai, offering a more structured alternative to traditional transportation.

Service Types Available

• GrabCar: Standard car service
• GrabBike: Motorcycle taxi service
• GrabFood: Food delivery (useful for understanding the app if you’ll use it for transport later)

Key Information

• Coverage: Excellent throughout the city and to major suburban attractions
• Cost: Generally similar to or slightly higher than traditional options (100-200 baht for most city journeys)
• Payment: Both cash and credit card options available
• Languages: App interface available in English and Thai
• Advantages: Fixed pricing, GPS tracking, driver details provided, no negotiation needed
• Disadvantages: May have longer wait times during peak periods or in less central areas

Motorcycle and Scooter Rental

Motorcycles and scooters provide excellent flexibility for exploring Chiang Mai and its surroundings.

Rental Information

• Cost: 150-300 baht per day depending on model (weekly/monthly rates available)
• Requirements: Most shops require passport as deposit; international driving permit technically required
• Insurance: Basic insurance usually included, but with high deductibles
• Popular Models: Honda Click, Honda Scoopy, Yamaha Fino

Where to Rent

• Numerous rental shops throughout the Old City, particularly near Tha Phae Gate
• Many guesthouses and hotels offer rental services
• Larger operations like Mr. Mechanic offer newer vehicles and more formal contracts

Safety and Legal Considerations

• Helmets are legally required for both driver and passenger
• Traffic moves on the left side of the road
• Local driving can be unpredictable; defensive driving is essential
• Police checkpoints occasionally target tourists for helmet and license violations
• Consider additional insurance coverage beyond the basic provision

Local City Buses

Chiang Mai has a limited network of conventional bus services, primarily serving local residents rather than tourists. These buses are less convenient than other options but are very economical.

Key Routes

1. R1: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 1 – Chiang Mai Airport – Old City – Nimmanhemin
2. R2: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 – Central Airport Plaza – Old City
3. R4: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 – Old City – Night Bazaar

Bus Information

• Cost: 15-20 baht per journey
• Operating Hours: Generally 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Frequency: Every 15-40 minutes depending on route and time of day
• Disadvantages: Limited routes, infrequent service, minimal English information

Traditional Samlors (Cycle Rickshaws)

These three-wheeled pedal-powered rickshaws are now rare but still found in some areas, particularly near the Warorot Market.

• Cost: Negotiate before riding, typically 50-100 baht for short journeys
• Experience: Slow but atmospheric way to travel short distances
• Note: Primarily used by elderly locals and tourists seeking a traditional experience

Transportation to Popular Attractions Outside the City

Doi Suthep Temple

This iconic temple sits on a mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, about 15 kilometers from the city center.

Options to reach Doi Suthep:

1. Shared Songthaew:
   
   • Departure Point: Huay Kaew Road near Chiang Mai Zoo
   • Cost: 40-50 baht one-way per person
   • Schedule: Departs when full (approximately every 30-60 minutes)
   • Journey Time: 30-45 minutes
   • Return: Songthaews wait at the temple parking area for return journeys
     
     
2. Chartered Songthaew/Tuk-tuk:
   
   • Cost: 500-800 baht round trip including waiting time
   • Advantage: Flexibility to stop at viewpoints and visit at your own pace
     
     
3. Grab:
   
   • Cost: 350-450 baht one-way
   • Note: Return journey may be difficult to arrange as fewer drivers available on the mountain
     
4. Motorcycle Rental:
   
   • Advantage: Complete flexibility
   • Caution: Road has many curves and can be dangerous; experienced riders only

Doi Inthanon National Park

Thailand’s highest mountain is about 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai.

Transportation Options:

1. Organized Tour: Most practical option for most visitors
   
   • Cost: 1,000-1,500 baht per person including entrance fees
   • Includes: Transportation, guide, stops at major attractions
     
     
2. Private Car/Taxi:
   
   • Cost: 2,000-3,000 baht for the day
   • Advantage: Personalized itinerary and timing
     
     
3. Self-Drive:
   
   • Rental car or motorcycle possible for experienced drivers
   • Journey takes approximately 1.5-2 hours each way
   • Road conditions generally good but mountainous
     

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls

This unique natural attraction is about 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai.

Getting There:

1. Chartered Songthaew:
   
   • Cost: 1,000-1,500 baht for round trip including waiting time
   • Advantage: Driver knows the location which can be hard to find
     
     
2. Grab:
   
   • Cost: 500-700 baht one-way
   • Challenge: Return journey must be prearranged as service not available at the site
     
3. Motorcycle Rental:
   
   • Journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way
   • GPS or offline maps essential as signage limited

Handicraft Villages (Bo Sang, San Kamphaeng)

These villages specializing in traditional crafts are located 10-15 kilometers east of the city.

Transportation Options:

1. White Songthaews:
   
   • Depart from Warorot Market
   • Cost: 15-20 baht per person
   • Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
     
     
2. Tuk-tuk/Grab:
   
   • Cost: 200-300 baht one-way
   • Advantage: Direct service to specific workshops

Transportation Apps and Websites

Having the right digital tools can significantly enhance your transportation experience in Chiang Mai.

Essential Transportation Apps

1. Grab The most important transportation app for Chiang Mai, offering car and motorcycle services throughout the city.
   
   • Features: GPS tracking, price estimates, driver information, multiple payment options
   • Languages: English, Thai, and many other languages
   • Tip: Add your hotel or common destinations to saved places for quicker booking
     
     
2. Google Maps While not specific to Chiang Mai, Google Maps offers valuable navigation features:
   
   • Transit Information: Limited but includes some songthaew routes
   • Walking Directions: Excellent for navigating the Old City
   • Offline Maps: Download the Chiang Mai map for use without data connection
   • POI Information: Operating hours and reviews for destinations
     
     
3. Bolt An alternative ride-hailing service that sometimes offers competitive rates:
   
   • Coverage: More limited than Grab but growing in Chiang Mai
   • Advantage: Sometimes cheaper during Grab’s surge pricing periods
     
     
4. Maps.me Detailed offline maps with better walking path information than Google Maps:
   
   • Feature: Shows small sois (alleys) and walking paths not on other maps
   • Advantage: Functions completely offline once maps are downloaded

Local Transit and Information Apps

1. CM Transit Basic information about Chiang Mai’s limited bus network:
   
   • Features: Route maps, stops, and approximate schedules
   • Limitation: Information not always current
     
     
2. RTC Chiang Mai City Bus Official app for Chiang Mai’s red city buses:
   
   • Features: Real-time tracking, route information
   • Languages: Thai and basic English
     
     
3. ThailandPost Track Not strictly transportation-related but useful for location assistance:
   
   • Feature: Converts Thai addresses to accurate GPS coordinates
   • Useful for: Showing precise locations to drivers
     

Day Trip Transportation Strategies

Chiang Mai serves as an excellent base for exploring northern Thailand. Here are transportation strategies for popular day trips:

Mae Sa Valley and Mae Rim

This area north of the city includes attractions like elephant camps, orchid farms, and adventure activities.

Best Transportation Options:

1. Organized Tour: Simplest option covering multiple attractions
2. Chartered Songthaew: 800-1,200 baht for a full day
3. Motorcycle Rental: Straightforward route suitable for confident riders
4. Yellow Songthaews: Limited service from Warorot Market to Mae Rim town (not ideal for attraction hopping)

Chiang Dao and Pai

These popular destinations are further from Chiang Mai but sometimes attempted as day trips.

Chiang Dao (107 km north):

1. Minivan: Regular services from Chang Puak Bus Station
   
   • Cost: 90-120 baht each way
   • Journey Time: 1-1.5 hours each way
   • Schedule: Departures approximately every hour from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
     
     
2. Private Transport: Recommended for visiting specific attractions like the cave
   
   • Chartered Songthaew: 2,000-2,500 baht for the day
   • Grab: Limited availability for return journey

Pai (135 km northwest):

While better as an overnight trip, a day visit is possible:

1. Minivan: Regular services from Arcade Bus Station
   
   • Cost: 150-200 baht each way
   • Journey Time: 3-3.5 hours each way (winding mountain road)
   • Limitation: Leaves little time in Pai itself
     
     
2. Private Car/Driver: 3,000-4,000 baht for the day
   
   • Advantage: Can stop at viewpoints and attractions along the route