Tuk Tuk, Taxis and Motorbike TaxisTuk TukTuk tuks are noisy contraptions that many people love to hate. They really are a national symbol of Thailand - they symbolize well the chaotic, fast paced nature of the capital city, Bangkok, where they're seen the most.
You quickly become used to them being everywhere, particularly in Bangkok. Outside of the city, songthaews are more the norm. Tuk-tuks are fun to travel in as you're close to the ground with the breeze coming from everywhere as your driver often weaves in and out of traffic at speeds that seem heightened by your proximity to the ground.- which is why now I actually prefer not to use them and often prefer to walk or catch a bus or taxi! I know I'm not alone in this....however, I remember the feeling of my first few trips in a tuk-tuk - you really feel you've 'arrived' in Thailand having been on one!
Tuk-tuk drivers do have a habit of over-charging foreigners so it can become a bit tiresome bargaining, particularly when you're not totally sure what the 'true' fare should be as you're not sure of distance. My advice - bargain with a smile and see what happens - and do arrange the price beforehand - if you get in and get to your destination and the driver asks you for a certain fare that seems unreasonable, there's really nothing you can do but pay. A quick hint on cost - never pay more than the journey would cost by taxi - so an 8 kilometer journey by taxi will cost about 100 baht (3 US dollars). Oh, and lean to the proper side when turning corners (only joking!). There are actually 2 kinds of tuk-tuks - the more recognizable kind in the above picture (coming shortly) and also a large 3 wheel motorbike hybrid that Thais call a tuk-tuk too. This kind is commonly seen further afield from Bangkok, particularly in the north-east region. It can fit a few more people on board.
TaxisSurprisingly, outside of Bangkok, you very rarely spot a standard car taxi. This, of course, must be something to do with demand - those Thais who would have the disposable income to afford taxis will already have cars or motorbikes....or perhaps Thailand's relaxed drink-driving laws! Having said that, taxi travel often works out just as, or slightly more expensive than, travel by tuk-tuk.The fare really is geared towards the passenger and I sometimes wonder how Bankgok taxi companies can make a profit. It's a 35 baht (1 US dollar) starting fare that's good for about the first 2 kms, then about 10 baht per kilometer after that. What's nice is that you can be on the meter and don't have to concern yourself with bargaining which can be a struggle with tuk-tuks, and they're always well air-conditioned which is nice not to just for the rest-bite from the heat but stops you breathing in the fumes from the heavy Bangkok traffic. Remember that if you get a taxi from/to the airport (the new Suvarnabhumi airport, pronounced 'su-wan-na-poom'), you'll be expected to pay the 50 baht charge for using the highway. However, don't be fooled into paying an 'airport taxi fare' - the drivers should still use the meter. There may be a 50 baht surcharge for the journey on top of the highway charge but no more. The same goes throughout the city - they're actually breaking the law if they don't use the meter - sometimes though, drivers will just flatly refuse to take you places using the meter (especially in rush-hour when the traffic is often gridlocked) so there may be times you have to come to a 'compromise'! Some taxi drivers hang outside large hotels and only go somewhere if the arrangement is without the meter.
Motorbike TaxisThese are quite popular throughout Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, due to the fact that they can be much quicker than tuk-tuks and taxis, being able to weave in and out of traffic easily. You can recognize the drivers as they'll almost always be wearing bright yellow or orange plastic bibs that signifies they're properly licensed.
They always seem to carry 2 helmets with them so you can protect your head - personally, I don't really like to use them as I feel that generally, the drivers ride too quickly and take unecessary risks. Prices are similar to tuk-tuks and taxis. Return from Tuk Tuks, Taxis and Motorbike Taxis to Thailand Tourist Information
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