Getting Around Provincial Towns
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Taxis : Only the towns
of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Hat Yai have
metered taxis. For taxis in other towns,
the fare must be negotiated BEFORE getting
in. Fares in towns other than Bangkok should
never exceed 200 Baht, unless going to remote
villages beyond the town's perimeters. |
Songthaews : These are vans with 2 rows
of seats in the back, thus the literal translation
of "2 rows". In towns outside of Bangkok,
these are equivalent to city buses, running
along popular routes at fixed fare prices, normally
in the range of 20-40 Baht. If you're traveling
in a large group, it might be worthwhile to
hire the songthaews as taxis.
Rickshaws/ Samlors : These three-wheeled
bicycles are used to transport 1-2 people a
short distance. Prices should be negotiated
BEFORE getting in. Roughly 30-60 Baht is reasonably
for those few kilometers.
Tuk-tuks : The motorized version of
the samlors were introduced here by the Japanese
during WWII. These are always popular with tourists,
though they are uncomfortable in heavy traffic
(carbon monoxide indulgence) and the rainy season,
and are extremely noisy. Prices should be negotiated
BEFORE getting in. Roughly 30-60 Baht is reasonably
for those few kilometers.
Hired Car : If you want to go your own
way, there are many car hire firms in Thailand,
including international rental companies such
as Hertz and Avis. The road system is good and
well sign - posted. An international driving
license is required.
Hired Mopeds : Mopeds and motorbikes
are extremely popular and highly available in
most provincial towns, especially the seaside
resort towns. Average price for one day's rent
may be as low as 200-300 Baht, depending on
the type of moped/motorbike.
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