Northern Thailand Local Transportation

Local Buses: Buses (approx. every 15min. 6am-10pm, 10-15฿) run along 5 routes in greater Chiang Mai. More information on the routes available at TAT.
Songthaew, Tuk-tuk, and Samlor: Songthaew (15-30฿) go anywhere in the city, but cost more to the airport or bus station. Already-occupied songthaew are cheaper than empty ones, which usually cost as much as tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks and samlor cost 40฿ within the old city, 40-80฿ for trips across the city, and 400-700฿ per day. Rates are more expensive at night. Taxi service (☎053 201 307) can also be arranged during the day.
Bike Rentals: Bicycle and motorbike rental shops line both sides of the moat along Moon Muang Rd., centering on the Tha Pae Gate area. All require a deposit and a photocopy of passport. Bicycles 30-60฿ per day. Motorbike rental is typically 150฿ per day for 100cc and 200฿ for 125cc, with an additional 50฿ for insurance. Discounts for long-term rental. Because prices are similar throughout Chiang Mai, base your decision on the quality of a shop’s bikes and the service it provides in the event of a breakdown. The 3 shops of Mr. Mechanic, 4 Moon Muang Rd. Soi 5 (☎053 214 708), get high marks in both categories and have comprehensive insurance. 110cc motorbike 80-120฿, insurance 50฿; a full range of additional options 300-700฿ per day.
Car Rentals: Avis, at the Royal Princess Hotel, 112 Chang Klan Rd. (☎053 281 033), and at the airport (☎053 201 574), rents Toyota Vios (1550฿ per day) and Toyota 4Runner 4WDs (2720฿ per day). Open daily 8am-5pm, airport location open daily 7am-9pm. Near the old city, North Wheels, 70/4-8 Chaiyamphum Rd. (☎053 874 478), rents a similarly wide variety of cars for 850-1900฿ per day. Open daily 7am-9pm. There are plenty of other car rental shops in the Tha Pae Gate area.

By clicking submit you agree to the terms of the Let’s Go Privacy Policy

For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.