How to Use Songthaews in Chiang Mai, Thailand
One of the most useful things to know when visiting Northern Thailand, is learning how to use songthaews in Chiang Mai. They are the red trucks you see everywhere in Chiang Mai.
Songthaews are used as public transport for locals and visitors alike. They are easy to use once you know what to do and save a lot of time (and sweat) getting from one place to another making this an essential tip for first-timers to Thailand.
At Time of Writing: 45 Baht = £1
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Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is a popular city in Northern Thailand with incredible food, scenery and culture. It’s close to the border with Laos and close cities include Pai and Chiang Rai.
You’ll likely be arriving from the capital so read this guide for how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
What is a Songthaew?
Songthaews are also known as red cars, red trucks, red buses and baht buses. You will not go to Chiang Mai without noticing that these are everywhere.
Songthaew literally translates in Thai as ‘two rows’. When you use one, you’ll see that inside, the car has two rows facing each other to sit on. There are no seatbelts, only bars to hold on to and the entire back end is open with no door.
Chiang Mai old city runs as a one way system. If you are following the river that surrounds the old city, you will notice that there are roads either side of the river. The roads are going in opposite directions. This is useful to know when learning how to use songthaews in Chiang Mai because it’s better to be waiting on the same road as the direction you are going in.
These roads are pretty fast and it’s a good idea to find a safe place for the songthaew to pull over.
Things to know about Songthaews
A one-way route using a songthaew usually costs about 30 baht. This is if you are staying on the main routes within and around Chiang Mai city. A general rule I use is the old city (square on the map) and close areas are all usually 30 baht.
While you are walking anywhere near a road, the songthaew drivers will beep to you to ask you if you need a ride. If you don’t, kindly shake your head and hands. If you do want to use one, hold out your hand to signal to them and they will pull over for you. It is easier if you are standing on the same side road as the songthaew but some will cut across the road for you. Ensure that the side of the road you are on is going in the same direction as your destination.
How to use Songthaews in Chiang Mai
Firstly, hail down the songthaew when you need to go somewhere. Next, speak to the driver through his window and say a well-known place you want to go to. These are places such as Chiang Mai Gate, Tha Pae Gate, Santitham, Warorot Market, Night Bazaar market, Maya Mall, etc.
Once the driver agrees, go to the back of the bus and jump on. Do not ask how much it will cost. If you are within the perimeters of the city, it shouldn’t be more than 40 baht per person.
When you’ve arrived at your destination, the driver will pull over to a safe spot.
Get out of the songthaew and then go to the driver’s window. Give him the money and say thank you. And that’s how to use songthaews in Chiang Mai!
The Inside of a Songthaew Video
Other things to note about using Songthaews in Chiang Mai
- I have found that if there is a monk in the front seat, the songthaew driver may drive past you and not take you.
- The trucks are breezy as the windows are open and there isn’t a door on the back.
- There may be people already in your songthaew or the driver will pull over for more customers. Your driver will likely take them first, depending on the route, and then take you. This can prolong your journey but if you aren’t stuck for time, enjoy the free tour of Chiang Mai.
The map below is where I learned how to use songthaews in Chiang Mai. It never cost me more than 30 baht getting from one end of the old city (bottom of the square) into Santitham (above the square). I always use Google Maps for finding where to go and this is a screenshot from Google Maps.
I hope you have found this guide useful to learn about using local transport in Chiang Mai. Songthaews are very popular and make getting around much easier. I always use them!
Thailand Blog Posts:
- Where to Go in Thailand
- Chiang Mai Food Guide
- Thai Food: Khao Soi
- Travel Guide to Santitham, Chiang Mai
- Live Music Venues in Chiang Mai
- Cafes Worth Visiting in Santitham, Chiang Mai
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- 1 Month in Vietnam: Where to Go
- Hoi An 2 Day Travel Guide
- What is Pho? Vietnamese Cuisine
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- How to Explore Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
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