Tuk-Tuks & Songthaews
Thailand's local public transport is an experience in itself — loud, colorful, and never boring.
Tuk-Tuks
The iconic three-wheeled vehicles are part of the Thailand experience. Open cabin, loud engine, full speed through traffic. In Bangkok, however, they are almost always more expensive than taxis or Grab and are mainly used by tourists.
- Bangkok: 80–200 ฿ (2–5 €) depending on the route. ALWAYS negotiate beforehand! No taximeter.
- Chiang Mai: 60–100 ฿ within the old town.
- Ayutthaya: For temple tour 200 ฿/hour (as an alternative to a bicycle).
Songthaews (สองแถว)
Converted pickups with two benches on the loading area and a roof. The cheapest means of transport in most Thai cities. They run fixed routes (like a bus) or can be chartered as a shared taxi.
- Chiang Mai: Red songthaews run everywhere in the city for 30–40 ฿ (0.78–1.04 €). Just wave at the roadside, state your destination, hop on the back. Ring the bell to get off.
- Phuket: Blue songthaews between the beaches, 30–50 ฿.
- Bangkok: Less common, but still active on some side streets.
Grab — Thailand's Uber
Grab is by far the most important transport app in Thailand. Works like Uber: fixed price before the ride, GPS tracking, card payment. Available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and most larger cities.
- GrabCar: Air-conditioned car, cheapest fixed price. Bangkok 5 km: ~70–120 ฿ (1.80–3.10 €).
- GrabBike: Motorcycle taxi — fastest in Bangkok's traffic jam! 2 km: ~25–40 ฿ (0.65–1.04 €).
- GrabFood: Food delivery. Convenient in the hotel room after a long day.
Moto-Taxis
Recognizable by the orange vests. Stand at every major intersection and soi entrance. Perfect for short distances and traffic jams. 10–40 ฿ for 1–3 km. Clarify the price beforehand!
Price Comparison Bangkok (5 km Route)
| Transport | Price | Duration | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS/MRT (Skytrain/Metro) | 25–45 ฿ (0.65–1.17 €) | 10–20 Min. | Fastest option, but limited network |
| Grab Car | 70–120 ฿ (1.80–3.10 €) | 15–40 Min. | Fixed price, AC, comfortable |
| Taxi (Meter) | 60–100 ฿ (1.55–2.60 €) | 15–40 Min. | Cheap, but make sure the meter is on! |
| Tuk-Tuk | 100–200 ฿ (2.60–5.20 €) | 15–30 Min. | Negotiate! Tourist rate often overpriced |
| Moto-Taxi | 30–60 ฿ (0.78–1.55 €) | 10–15 Min. | Fastest, but reckless |
| Khlong Boat (Canal) | 10–20 ฿ (0.26–0.52 €) | varies | Traffic-free, only along the canals |
💡 Tipp
In Bangkok, Grab is almost always the best choice — cheaper than tuk-tuks, air-conditioned, fixed prices without negotiation. For the tuk-tuk experience, one ride is enough. After that: Grab.
Achtung
Tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok often offer "cheap city tours" for 20 ฿ — this is ALWAYS a scam. They take you to tailor shops and jewelers where they earn commissions. Just decline.