Getting Around Provincial
Towns
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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