Transportation in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is the main getaway to Northern Thailand. After Bangkok, it is considered to be the most-visited Thai city. Transportation in Chiang Mai is quite well developed and offers a good number of choices to discerning travelers.

Local transportation in Chiang Mai is convenient and affordable for all sorts of travelers. When you reach the Chiang Mai International Airport, there are various ways of reaching the city center. There is only one licensed taxi service from the airport. Sedan cars that carry four to five passengers, with luggage, cost around 100 Bahts here. Tickets are available at the taxi booth outside the baggage-claim area of the airport.

Another option available for local transportation in Chiang Mai is the tuk-tuk service. The red sawngthaew is the oldest mode of transportation here. From airport to the city center, a tuk-tuk/sawngthaew charges about 50 Bahts. Chiang Mai also has the three-wheeled bicycles - known as samlor - for local transportation. These are the best modes of exploring the inner circles of the city.

If you don't mind traffic congestions, cycling is a great way of transportation in Chiang Mai. Since the city is small, almost all the areas can be reached by bicycles. The biggest convenience is that cycling is pollution free, you can ride at your own pace, stop whenever you want, and are not dependant on a driver.

There is only one city bus line for local transportation in Chiang Mai. Informally known as the 'pink bus', it runs from an estate on Th Chiang Mai to Hang Dong, and to the center of the old city. This bus service is operational between 5.30 am and 10 pm, and one ticket is priced at 10 Bahts.

For leisure travelers, Chiang Mai has different options of car rentals. There are various private agencies that offer limousines on hire to tourists. If you are the adventurous types, you can also rent a motorcycle. Please note that most of these car rental agencies do not cover injury or other medical claims that are related to road accidents.