The best transportation in the city, these “red trucks” (aka “song thaaw” ) will take you anywhere you wanna go – for under a buck (20 baht).
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Like a mini bus
These low-rider pick-up trucks are among the most convenient forms of transportation in Chiang Mai and other Thai cities. The rear portion is covered, with sliding windows on both sides and a door at the rear. You climb in by grabbing the handrail alongside the rear door and clambering up the single step.
Inside are 2 padded benches running along the sides, facing each other. (In Thai, “song thaaw” means “two row.”) Each bench can sit 4 passengers comfortably, or a few more if necessary.
Like a taxi
You can hail a “song thaaw” just as you’d hail a taxi. Then you have to confirm with the driver that he can take you to your destination, as they do not run on any set routes.
Depending on whether he already has a few passengers, he may or may not agree to take you. If he can take you, he might first have to go a little bit out of your way, in order to drop off the other passengers. But that usually entails only an extra minute or 2.
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More frequent than any bus, cheaper than any taxi
The great thing about these “song thaaw” is that there are many running throughout the city, and all you have to do is stand at the side of the street and wait for the next one to come along. Instead of waiting 10–20 minutes for a bus, you can simply hail a “song thaaw” – and be taken right to your destination.
Unlike a taxi or a bus, the fee is negotiable – but it’s usually 20 Thai baht. (That’s less than US$1. However, at night time or for long distances, the driver might ask for double or triple that basic fee.)
Nevertheless, the fee is much cheaper than any taxi. And during your ride, you’ll have the chance to meet and chat with various local people. For tourists, it’s a fine way to get another authentic and interesting Thai experience.
This is my entry in @juliank’s Vehicle Photography contest.
