Busses leave from Chiang Mai to Pai at various times throughout the day, departing from the Arcade Bus Station. In Thai, the word “songthaew” literally means “two rows” ( Pronounce: Song-Tail ). In this guide I’ll teach you how to use a Songthaew in Chiang Mai and give you some tips to make the journey as seamless as possible. Hi - Have some friends visiting and planning to hire songthaew for the day tomorrow in Chiang Mai. According to Thai PBS, Mr. Yongyuth Boonlert, 45, the baht-bus driver, told police that he took a number of tourists from Chiang Mai town to Phu Phing Ratchaniwet Palace. How Far is Chiang Mai to Pai. The best way to get there is by hiring a Songthaew (1200-1500 THB). Songthaew/taxi station Opposite the Model Farm Restaurant, outside Chiang Dao School, on the main Chiang Mai—Fang road. This was my first hostel that I had ever stayed in. A simple 5 minute journey could easily take 20 minutes or more by the time you’ve made all the stops. Bus Operator for Chiang Mai to Pai. Take highway 1001 up north, past Mae Jo for about 1.5 hours. Again, it will be a long day but it will be totally worth it. (literally 'car red') It is an adventurous road trip, including incredibly steep hills, breathtaking scenery, and a record amount of twists and turns. You can choose red trucks (red songthaews) or a tuk tuk.When you want to go fast to your place take a tuk tuk. Does anyone have idea of approximate prices? Everybody Loves Pai. The city is named after the Pai River. In Chiang Mai you can use Grab to book Songthaews, simply select ‘Grab Rod Daeng’ when choosing your ride and enter your route details to get picked up. The red songthaew of Chiang Mai is an iconic sight in this charming and increasingly popular northern Thai City. Chiang Mai Tourism Chiang Mai Hotels Chiang Mai Bed and Breakfast Chiang Mai Vacation Rentals Chiang Mai Vacation Packages Flights to Chiang Mai Show less . CHIANG MAI – A songthaew (baht bus) has rolled down a steep slope near a parking lot in Chiang Mai city, killing two tourists and seriously injured two others.. This runs every hour or so from 8.30am-6pm, costing around 60 baht per person to the springs and taking about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, go to the front window and pay the amount he asks for. Attractions, temples, zoos, museums, shopping, accommodation, food and events – everything can be found here! To go from and to the airport, you can hail a taxi or travel like a local on a songthaew or tuk-tuk.There is also a shuttle bus, but we don't recommend this option as it stops outside the city center and runs infrequently. It's a shared passenger vehicle used to get around town, known among locals simply as rot si daeng. Route 1095 which connects Pai with Mae Hong Son (110km) and Chiang Mai (135 km) is a very scenic route through the mountains which takes several hours. Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 & 3 – for long distance express buses going from and to Chiang Mai; Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 1 is known locally as Chang Phueak Bus Station. The songthaew was mostly full of tourists, all of them shitting their pants and looking at each other, wondering who was going to say or do something. NancyL 9,273 Posted October 19, 2014. The moral of the story is this, if you’re in a rush – don’t use a songthaew. I can read Thai anyway, but luckily for people that cannot read it the numbers were same as in English. Although predominantly red, the trucks also come in other colours such as blue, white, or yellow. Return trip is 80 baht and the driver will allow you 1-2 hours at the temple before returning (ask the exact return time to make sure you don’t miss it). . While getting around on foot is perfectly fine, it can be uncomfortable walking around – especially during the warmer months. In Chiang Mai and its surroundings, locals may call them rot si daeng (literally "car red" – a reference to their most common colour in the area, Thai รถสีแดง), rot daeng, or sometimes si rot. Location of Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2: About the Journey to Pai. Sometimes, this can be challenging because not all drivers can understand English but getting to popular spots like the Night Bazaar, Nimmanhaemin Road, and Thapae Gate is fairly easy. We walked nearly everywhere, and only got a songthaew when we had to go somewhere a few kilometers away. Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station is the place where long distance buses to Central Thailand and Bangkok depart, as well as to North-Eastern Thailand (Isaan) and to Eastern Thailand (for Pattaya). The price of a Songthaew in Chiang Mai will be between 20-40 baht per person within the walls of the old city or more outside. Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai Destination Experts. fwiw, and maybe not much, in 2010 I was naive and paid 2,400 baht for a car for half a day. Mae Sa Waterfall; Arguably one of the most photogenic waterfalls around Chiang Mai. These are converted red trucks that travel around the city picking up and dropping off passengers wherever they should like. Chiang Mai has over 700 years of history and if you are interested in learning more about the history, customs and culture of the region a visit to these museums is essential during your Chiang Mai itinerary planning. Songthaews are the most popular public transport in Chiang Mai This is a very local experience, so you’ll likely be packed tightly in the truck. Songthaew in Chiang Mai in the rain, travel. Otherwise, just take a day trip to Pai from Chiang Mai. The most common form of Chiang Mai public transport is called Songthaew, which is a converted pick-up truck with two rows of back benches. Thankfully, these transportation options are efficient and easy to come by. Answer 1 of 21: Hi, I'd like to know how much does it cost to hire a songthaew to Doi Suthep, Bhu ping palace, Tiger Kingdom for 4 pax and how to hire a songthaew? Or do we need taxis to go back and forth. Scooters And Motorbikes For Rent In Chiang Mai Walk. If you are struggling to fill a Songthaew at Chang Phuek Gate, try heading to the Chiang Mai Zoo stop as this is sometimes more popular. Its particularly good as it shows you the fare up front before booking which is always cheaper than the price you’ll get from hailing down a taxi or tuk on the road. It's a steep and winding drive, with 762 curves between Chiang Mai and Pai, which is notably for giving the passengers motion sickness. The bus ride would take around 4 hours as the roads are quite steep and winding. Ke Chiang Mai, Thailand, asyiknya berkeliling kota dengan transportasi khas daerah. The trucks should hold about 10 people (5 on each side) but I’ve seen them crammed with adults and kids on the floor and additional passengers hanging off the back. But these trucks are only used to get to areas outside of Chiang Mai, while the red trucks only service locations within the city limits. A Chiang Mai to Pai road trip by hire car is another option. Inilah Songthaew, dijamin seru! Expect to pay around 100 THB to get there. ... Catch a blue songthaew from Mae Sai or Chiang Saen to The Golden Triangle, or a minibus from the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal. They’re similar to a taxi as they’ll drop you off at specific destinations, but you’ll have to share it with other members of the public. I recommend having small change to hand and try to pay in the exact change. Prem Pracha is the bus operator offers bus service from Chiang Mai to Pai. Therefore, the publisher does not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. A red Songthaew (shared minibus), tuk-tuk or taxi from the airport will take you the city. There is no need to discuss price at this point as you’ll end up with an inflated tourist price. There is no need to discuss price at this point as you’ll end up with an inflated tourist price. It is part of the Mae Hong Son Loop, which is Rte 1095 from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. To use a Chiang Mai Songthaew, simply hail one down and tell the driver where you’re going. but prefer idea of songthaew. Songthaews may also be referred to as ‘Rod Daeng’ by locals which translates as red car. Each colour has a different purpose, here are some of the main Chiang Mai Songthaew routes: This isn’t an exhaustive list and there are also Songthaews used privately by tour agencies and hotels to transport guests so there are no hard and fast rules. Chiang Mai: ... From most of the popular areas in Chiang Mai you need to get a tuk-tuk or songthaew (converted pick up truck) to get there. (AYA Service, from 100-150 Baht / USD $3-4.60 per day) Only hire a moped, scooter or motorbike if you have an international or Thai license. How to Use Chiang Mai Songthaews (Red Taxi’s). As one of the most popular tourist destination of Northern Thailand, most tourists visiting Chiang Mai will also go to Pai, the small town with its cool climate, relaxed atmosphere and picture-perfect views of jungle-green mountains and epic sunsets.. Pai is hidden in a secluded mountain valley of Mae Hong Son province, about 130 km northwest of Chiang Mai. Finally after we swerved to avoid a head on collision, one of the Swedish tourists banged on the window until the driver finally stopped. Take a minibus from Chiang Mai and head to Pai, Thailand’s laidback mountain town. The Songthaews for journeys like this only run when they are full so you may have a considerable wait at non-peak times or in low season. And let’s not forget walking. Unlike the previous example, this Songthaew doesn’t wait to take you back as it’s a scheduled route. Those who have travelled extensively in Thailand or neighbouring countries will be familiar with Grab. There are a couple of destinations further afield that can be accessed using public Songthaews: To get to Doi Suthep by Songthaew, catch one of the Red Songthaews that pick up from outside Chang Phuek Gate (the north gate) or Chiang Mai Zoo. The driver will remember where you asked to get off but in some cases the language barriers can be an issue or they may forget so I recommend using a GPS app such as google maps to keep an eye on where you are. Flagging one down is easy; all you need to do is wait on the side of the road, then signal the driver by raising your hand. Songthaews don’t follow specific routes like buses, they simply take you to your desired destination, and unlike taxis, passengers share the ride with others, so it may not go to your destination directly. When people use the word 'hostel', I always used to think the worst; turning up to a mattress on the floor… Use How to Get to Popular Tourist Attractions by Songthaew, How to get to the hot springs by Songthaew (San Kamphaeng Hot Springs), How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train, 9 BEST Hostels in Chiang Mai for Solo Travellers (Party, Chilled and Chic), Slow Boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Laos – How to Save Money + Other Tips. Yellow Songthaew to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs – There is a yellow Songthaew pick up at Warorot Market that goes to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs, it should be clearly marked, or you can ask for help. The songthaews in Chiang Mai are the cheapest and most popular mode of transport in the city. Last year in Chiang Mai I noticed the red songtaews had the price 30 baht per person written on the outside, but the writing was in Thai script not English. The driver decides on which route to take and which passengers will be dropped off first. While riding a songthaew in Chiang Mai can be an adventure, the drivers are used to the many tourists that visit the city every day and mostly drive slowly and carefully. You can also find van from Chiang Mai to Pai in this bus station. If you want to keep both feet firmly on the ground and are looking for a budget-friendly option, then catching the bus is a popular choice. How Much Does a Songthaew Cost in Chiang Mai? Thankfully, these transportation options are efficient and easy to come by. You’ll mainly come across red Songthaews on your visit to Chiang Mai but occasionally you’ll spot others roaming around. The distance from Chiang Mai to Pai is 135km not a great distance but one made longer by the 762 curves. Songthaew literally means ‘two rows’ which is reference to the two rows of seats in the back of the trucks. Introducing Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Pai. it will be great if you can stay here overnight. Travel times from Chiang Mai to Pai. Chiang Mai Transportation: Rent a Motorbike. If you need to get off urgently for any reason, just knock on the cabin window and signal the driver to stop. Sometimes you may be short-changed by accident and occasionally on purpose. As an affiliate I may earn a commission on any qualifying purchases, including those from Amazon, at no extra cost to you. To use a Chiang Mai Songthaew, simply hail one down and tell the driver where you’re going. Answer 1 of 6: My husband and I would like to go to the Central Airport Plaza, and I'm wondering how much we should expect to pay from Nimman (Hillside 4). You’ll have to catch a return journey in the opposite direction once you’re done. While we have made an effort to ensure that all information was correct at the time of publication, details can change over time. Chiang Mai Airport is close to the city center and only takes about 15 minutes. As Thai language improved in 2011 I paid 500 baht for the entire day, with agreement 5 of us would eat food at Tiger Kingdom and him getting commission was known and the food was fine. (they often ask 200 baht like 5 euro / 5.5 dollar) Do you have time save 90% and take a shared red truck. Link to post Share on other sites. If he says yes, hop in the back or if he says no wait for the next one as he’s probably not going in your direction. Traveling from Chiang Mai to Pai by Scooter has become increasingly popular with backpackers in Thailand over the years. If you’re not leaving Chiang Mai, the price should never be above 100 baht. There are several motorbike rental options available in Chiang Dao but be warned it will be a bit more expensive than in Chiang Mai or Pai. Also, Will it be easy to get transport back from there? Besides the bus, Prem Pracha also offers air-conditioned minivan, which is one of the popular options to get to Pai from Chiang Mai. I booked three nights in D-Well Hostel. Make social videos in an instant: use custom templates to tell the right story for your business. Traveltip: Let me help your with the taxi’s in Chiang Mai. From Interrailing through Europe to backpacking in Southeast Asia, I’m slowly working through my bucket list and I set up this blog to help you do the same. Most attractions in the city can be accessed using the standard red Songthaew. How to Use a Chiang Mai Songthaew. ... Day 3: Chiang Mai to Pai. There is no bus in this bus station, only van and songthaew. What helps is carrying around a specific address or a picture on the map depicting where you want to go. The songthaews in Chiang Mai are the cheapest and most popular mode of transport in the city. Sometimes, drivers will honk at people on the sidewalk which is their way of asking: “Do you need a ride?” Once you do manage to flag a red truck down, you’ll need to let the driver know where to go. His adventures have included Interrailing through Europe, road tripping the US and backpacking SE Asia. Renting a motorbike for a day should cost you anywhere from ฿150-300 (about $4.70-9.40) a day, depending on the quality of both the bike and shop. Chiang Mai to Pai by Bus and Back. Burning Season in Chiang Mai; Show More . If you’re wondering what those red trucks are driving around Chiang Mai that pick up and drop off locals and visitors, they are they city’s answer to public transport, a Chiang Mai Songthaew. While getting around on foot is perfectly fine, it can be uncomfortable walking around – especially during the warmer months. Can we catch a songthaew to get there, visit it on our own, and then catch a songthaew back into town? If he says yes, hop in the back or if he says no wait for the next one as he’s probably not going in your direction. You can hire a bike from Chiang Mai and drive it up to Pai, and the rental service will bring your bags along for you, no worries. Pai (pronounced bpaai) (ปาย) is a small town (pop. The journey to Pai is beautiful. Open daily during daylight hours. The route distance from Chiang Mai to Pai is about 130 km. Chiang Mai to Pai by Car. This is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber for Southeast Asia and allows you to arrange a taxi from your current location using your smartphone. Pai River. A songthaew is also called Rod Daeng (meaning Red Car in Thai). Create. Pai is the famous hippie mountain town of Chiang Mai. diinaus. 3,000) in Mae Hong Son Province, Northern Thailand. Chiang Mai Travel Hub will cover everything there is to do and see in Chiang Mai. Kieren is the avid traveller behind the blog. The Isuzu Faster and Toyota Hilux are example models of songthaew found in Thailand. I know minibuses are available with air-conditioning etc. Chiang Mai Historical Centre, Chiang Mai Arts and Cultural Centre, Lanna Folklife Museum These three museums can be found at the Three Kings Monument in the Old City. It is where you arrive when travelling by bus from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok . Hi, I’m Kieren, the 20-something year old backpacker behind this blog. Grab top tip: sometimes I check the fare on Grab and show a nearby tuk to get a similar price. Elephant Nature Park dropped me off at my hostel that I had pre-booked in Chiang Mai. The Songthaews have no fixed route and don’t operate on a first come first serve basis so you never know how long it will take. Chiang Mai. Here, you can find affordable shopping, bars full of laid-back adventure seekers and unbeatable natural scenery. In my experience Grab still doesn’t allow automatic payments in Thailand so you’ll pay for the journey in cash at the end as usual, only you’ll know in advance how much the fare will be which is helpful for finding the right change. Booking.com Black Friday Deals ️ Don’t Miss Out On The Sale of the Year! This multi-tier waterfall consists of 10 levels that you can even climb up carefully. The old city is only 1.5 km x 1.5 km, so it’s an easy place to walk. You’ll pay for the journey on the return trip. 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