[HOW-TO GUIDE]: The Chiang Mai Red Taxi – Thailand
When you step foot into Chiang Mai or this part of the Northern region, you’ll notice pockets of red trucks congregating outside the airport, bus stations, waiting along the street, or recklessly weaving in and around traffic.
This is the main mode of hybrid-public transportation in Chiang Mai like a bus and taxi in one service. More commonly known to tourists/visitors as the “red taxi” and to the locals as the songthaew (สองแถว) or rod daeng (รถแดง), which can be loosely translated to “two rows” or “red car” respectively.
Why is it is called “two rows”?
Check out the seating layout inside the vehicle! I think one of these red taxis can easily fit up to 12–14 people(?) There are a couple of things you might want to take note of — if you are considering hitching a ride by a “red taxi”.
Based on my experience living here as a foreigner, I’ve learnt a few things over the years, made several mistakes and learnt it the hard way. So, I’ve kindly summarized it for you here. You’re welcome ;)
CHIANG MAI RED TAXI FOR DUMMIES 101:
1) There are no fixed routes and you are sharing the route with several other passengers.
2) Not based on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis, but rather by convenience. They are notorious for stopping in the middle of the road just to pick up or to drop off passengers.
3) Not advisable to take a red taxi — if you are rushing to the airport or for a meeting or to work. Take a tuk-tuk, rent a scooter/bike, charter an airport taxi or walk! There’s always the classic taxi or Grab (the South East Asian version of Uber) if you wanna play it safe.
(Or you could risk it, but you’ll have to set out reaaaaaal early to get to your destination on time! It depends on the number of passengers & traffic!)
4) Firstly, you’ll have to flag down a red taxi on the street. Then speak to the driver, tell him/her the name of your destination and agree on a reasonable price.
5) Get into the red taxi and wait for your turn to alight (the driver will inform you when he arrives at your destination).
6) Don’t forget to pay the driver at the window once you get out.
7) Typically, a short to mid-distance journey could start from 20 ฿ ($0.55 USD) to 40 ฿ ($1.10 USD). Longer distances may cost a little more.
However, this price agreement is highly subjective and it is dependent on several factors:
Eg:
Who says it:
— Tourist? (Usually overpriced!!)
— Thai? (Regular/Reasonable price)
Language spoken to the driver :
— English? (80 ฿ !?)
— Normal Thai? (40฿)
— Northern Thai Dialect? (20 ฿ haha i know right? huge difference!)
Number of passengers heading to the same destination as you :
— Only you? (Reaally expensive!)
— 2 or more people (The rate gets lower/per person)
[Some drivers might take advantage of tourists by charging a much higher fare than normal, if that happens just decline, flag down another and try again. Try to agree on no more than 20–30 ฿ per trip.]
One of best ways to travel through Chiang Mai like a local is to hop on and off the red taxi. Of course, there are other alternatives like renting a motorcycle, renting a car, the expensive and touristy tuk-tuks, or a yellow cab (which is usually only available by charter at the airport taxi ranks).
Note: In Chiang Mai, songthaews can be categorised into 6 different colours — Red, White, Blue, Yellow, Orange and Green. The different colours indicates the location and direction that the truck will be heading to. The other colours are routes that are away from Chiang Mai city or to different provinces.
White songthaews:
Routes:
- Chiang Mai to Doi Saket
Departing from Warorot Market
Time: 08.30am — 18.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Orchid Farm, Doi Saket Hot Springs
Transport Fare: 15 Baht
- Chiang Mai to San Kampaeng
Departing from Warorot Market
Time: 07.00am to 21.00pm
Tourist Attractions: San Kampaeng Hot Springs, Mae Takri National Park
Transport Fare: 15 Baht
- Chiang Mai to Mae Taeng district
Departing from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal
Time: 5.00am to 20.30pm
Tourist Attractions: Si Lanna National Park, Huai Nam Dang National Park,
Transport Fare: 25 Baht
Green Songthaews:
Chiang Mai to Mae Jo
Departing from Warorot Market
Time: 9.00am to 16.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Maejo University
Transport Fare: Between 15–30 Baht
Orange Songthaews:
Chiang Mai to Fang district
Departing from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal
Time: 6.15am — 18.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Doi Ang Khang, Fang Hot Spring
Transport Fare: 40–90 Baht
Blue Songthaews:
Chiang Mai to Lamphun Province
Departing from Warorot Market
Time: 5.00am – 20.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Wiang Kum Kam (Ancient Lanna Kingdom)
Transport Fare: 15 Baht
Yellow Songthaews:
Routes:
- Chiang Mai to Doi Saket
Departing from Warorot Market
Time: 8.30am — 18.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Orchid Farm, Doi Saket Hot Springs
Transport Fare: 15 Baht
- Chiang Mai to Mae Rim
Departing from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal
Time: 6.00am — 18.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden, Hmong Hill Tribe Lodge, Butterfly Farm, Tiger Kingdom, Mae Sa Waterfall, Mae Sa Orchid Farm
Transport Fare: 20–30 Baht
- Chiang Mai to Wiang Kalong to Wiang Pa Pao
Departing from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal
Time: 6.00am — 18.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Chiang Rai Hot Springs, Khun Chae National Park
- Chiang Mai to San Pa Tong
Departing from opposite Chiang Mai Gate Market
Time: 9.00am to 19.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Chiang Mai Doll Museum, Wiang Tha Kan, Wat Si Nawarat
Transport Fare: 20–30 Baht
- Chiang Mai to Chom Thong
Departing from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal
Time: 8.00am — 16.00pm
Areas : San Pa Tong district, Hang Dong district, Wat Phra That Si Chom Tong, transits to Mae Klang Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park and Wachirathan Waterfall.
Transport Fare: 20–30 Baht
- Chiang Mai to Mae Wang
Departing from Opposite Chiang Mai Gate Market
Time: 9.00am — 19.00pm
Tourist Attractions: Mae Wang Waterfall, Mae Wang River Rafting, Huai Manao Reservoir
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But, you know as the old saying goes, “when in Thailand, do as the Thais do” (Or something like that!) ;)
