11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai

Getting around Chiang Mai is easier than other cities in some ways and harder than in others.

While there isn’t a Metro or Skytrain like in Bangkok, you don’t really need one. Chiang Mai is a lot smaller and with a lot less traffic than Thailand’s capital. There’s no shortage of ways to get around Chiang Mai, whether you’re a solo traveler (like me!) or visiting with a group. 

When I first visited Chiang Mai during my 2 months backpacking around Thailand, I wasn’t yet comfortable riding a scooter, so I opted to walk, bike, and take Grab taxis.

By the time I returned to Chiang Mai a year and a half later, I had gotten some motorbike experience under my belt and opted to rent a scooter for my 3 months living in Chiang Mai as a digital nomad.

I know that getting around this city can be daunting at first. I also understand the importance of convenience, safety, and price for Chiang Mai transport. That’s why I want to share my experiences navigating Chiang Mai and compiled this list of the best ways to get around the city. 

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for the safest way to explore the area, you’ll know how to travel around Chiang Mai after reading this guide!

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1. Songthaews: Chiang Mai’s Red Taxi Trucks 

A Chiang Mai songthaew is a red pick-up truck with two benches in the back that fit 8-10 Thai-sized passengers (with passengers sometimes hanging off the back during peak times). This is the closest thing to public transportation in Chiang Mai, at the moment.

The name “songtaew” literally translates to “two rows” because of the two benches in the back of the truck. In Thai, it’s called “rod daeng,” which translates to “red truck.” 

Songthaews are one of the best and most affordable ways for travelers to get around Chiang Mai.

Think of a songthaew like a shared taxi. Songthaews are how locals and backpackers get around town – it costs only 30 baht (about $0.83 USD) per person for trips within the Old City, and maybe a little more to go to other parts of town. 

Red songthaews are for getting around within the city of Chiang Mai, and other colors are for longer distances outside of town.

How To Get Around Chiang Mai via Songthaew:

• 1️⃣ Flag one down that’s going in the same direction you’re headed. The Thai gesture for hailing a taxi/songthaew is different than in the US – you stick out your arm, palm down, and imitate bouncing a basketball. But, they’ll know what you mean if you forget.

• 2️⃣ If a songthaew doesn’t stop for you, it means they’re full or privately hired. Just wait for the next one – there are plenty!

• 3️⃣ Tell the driver your destination. You may need to show them on a map or tell them a nearby tourist attraction. Many drivers do not speak English. If the driver declines to take you, that means they’re headed a different way – just wait for the next one.

• 4️⃣ The fare is 30 baht per person for all rides within the Old City. This is usually posted on the truck. Do not ask about the fare if you’re staying in the Old Town – they’ll take advantage of your ignorance and overcharge you (I’ve heard of a lot of foreigners being charged 40 baht or more). But if you’re going further, it’s best to negotiate the fare before getting in.

• 5️⃣ Keep an eye on Google Maps (download offline maps if you don’t have a local SIM card) and ring the bell or knock on the window when you’re ready to jump out.

• 6️⃣ Be mindful of traffic when you’re leaving, and walk to the driver’s side window to pay your fare.

Pros: Fun, local experience, cheap, meet other travelers

Cons: Slow (pick-up and drop-off of other passengers along the way), no seatbelts, no A/C

Pro Tip: If you’re traveling in a group, you can hire a songthaew for a private ride or even for the day – it’s often cheaper than a taxi in Chiang Mai. Just negotiate the price directly with a driver, or use the Grab app to order one. The rate should be about 200 baht/hour ($5.50 USD) during peak season, maybe more if you’re going far.

🤩🚒 This Red Songthaew Truck Food Tour 🚒🤩 will change your life. You’ll try hidden restaurants, street stalls, and local markets that most tourists never find, and be transported in an iconic red rod daeng truck with a small group of hungry travelers. Come hungry because you’ll be trying more than 15 different dishes!

2. Renting a Motorbike (Scooter) in Chiang Mai

Getting around Chiang Mai by motorbike means you can explore the city at your own pace, save money on taxi costs, and enjoy the freedom of Chiang Mai transportation. This is now my favorite way to get around in Chiang Mai, but only because I’ve gotten a lot of scooter practice in other places.

It’s important to remember that you must have an international driver’s permit (IDP) WITH A MOTORCYCLE DESIGNATION or local Thai license to legally drive a scooter in Thailand—otherwise, you are subject to traffic fines from the police. 

I’ve now been pulled over three times by police at various checkpoints in the Old Town because my IDP is for driving cars only – which resulted in three different traffic fines of 500 baht (about $15 USD). So annoying.

It’s also important to remember that your travel insurance likely won’t cover you if there’s an accident unless you have a valid license. I use SafetyWing, which covers motorcycle riding so as long as you’re properly licensed in that country.

When renting a scooter, make sure you rent from a reputable motorbike company. Take a video of the bike before you drive off and leave a cash deposit (NEVER your passport!). 

Prices depend on what type of bike you choose and how long you’re renting it for (and how good your negotiating skills are) – but on average, it runs about 200-250 baht per day ($5.50-7 USD). 

Make sure you wear a full-face helmet when riding around town and drive slowly. Riding a motorbike in Thailand is one of the more dangerous activities you can do, especially if you’re not experienced – Thailand has the 9th highest road traffic death rate in the world and the highest in the ASEAN region.

Pros: Freedom, fun, and fast

Cons: More dangerous and stressful, traffic fines, no protection from weather

Pro Tip: If you’re mostly staying inside the Old Town, it’s not worth it to get a scooter. Just use Grab or Songthaews instead.

🛵 Want to explore Northern Thailand on your motorbike but don’t want to do it alone? My pick is this Seven Day Mae Hong Son & Golden Triangle Guided motorbike Tour, with a near-perfect 5-star rating. It’s more fun (and safe!) to ride the windy roads with friends!

3. Order a Grab Taxi

For travelers – especially solo female travelers – in Chiang Mai, the Grab rideshare app is one of the best ways to get around! 

In 2018, Uber sold its Southeast Asia-based business to Grab (a Singaporean ride-share company). Now Grab is the most popular ride-share app in Chiang Mai.

With just a few taps on your phone, you can book a ride and know the fare upfront. It provides convenience and reliability, so you don’t have to worry about haggling and being overcharged. You’ll get where you need to go fast and hassle-free. 

As a solo female traveler who is always thinking about safety, I like that my rides are tracked on the app (as opposed to hopping in a random taxi on the street).

I usually order a moto-taxi via Grab because it’s cheaper, but it’s not that much more money to order a car.

And, I recently used the option for pre-scheduling my airport pick-up in advance since I was leaving super early in the morning and didn’t want to stress about finding a ride. It worked flawlessly!

Pros: Convenient, reliable, safe, and cheap

Cons: Less freedom than a scooter, surge pricing when it’s raining or peak times

Pro Tip: Download and set up the app before you leave home since they’ll need to text you a one-time code to activate your account. 

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4. Take a Tour

Taking a tour is one of the best ways to get around Chiang Mai, especially if you’re a solo traveler like me, or if you are short on time. 

One of the hardest parts of solo traveling is having to do all the planning and decision-making, and having all the pressure on me to ensure things go smoothly. Sometimes, I just want to show up and enjoy myself without the hassle of planning. 

That’s why I love tours! You don’t have to stress about finding transportation or getting lost because your guide will take care of all the logistics for you. 

Plus, you’ll get an insider’s view of Chiang Mai with access to sights and activities you wouldn’t normally find on your own. And you’ll see a lot more than you would on your own!

Tours are also a great way to meet other travelers and make friends, so if you’re looking to socialize while exploring Chiang Mai, a tour is definitely worth considering. I recently took a city tour in Vietnam and made friends with two women my age – we went out to dinner the following night!

There are many different types of tours available in Chiang Mai, like these Doi Suthep tours, so look around and find one that works for your schedule and interests!

Pros: Easy and hassle-free, informative, make friends, see a lot in a short time

Cons: Sometimes more expensive than doing it on your own, can’t go at your own pace

Pro Tip: This is my favorite search engine for reading reviews and booking tours.

5. Private Car Service (Transfer)

Using a private car service (hiring a private taxi) in Chiang Mai is an incredibly efficient and comfortable way to get around. 

Having your own driver gives you the freedom and flexibility to come and go as you please, and at your own pace, without having to worry about finding other Chiang Mai transportation or sharing a ride with strangers. 

The cost of getting around using a private car service is more expensive than using Grab or Songthaews, but when you factor in the convenience factor, it is worth it – especially if you’re traveling with multiple people or are very short on time. 

It’s safer than driving on your own since the local drivers know the roads and traffic patterns better.

I recently organized a group trip to the Sticky Waterfalls. Most of us rode motorbikes, but two women didn’t feel comfortable on scooters and shared a car instead. They negotiated a fair rate with a local driver in advance. And they beat us there!

I often arrange private airport transfers when I’m arriving in a new city, especially if I’m coming off of a long flight or arriving after dark. It’s worth the peace of mind to be able to just walk out of the airport and know someone is waiting for me and will bring me safely to my accommodation. I’m always willing to pay money for safety and convenience!

Pros: Freedom and flexibility, great for couples and groups, safe and convenient

Cons: More expensive than Grab or Songthaew

Pro Tip: Ask your accommodation or others for recommendations of a driver they have personally vetted/used, and to help you negotiate a fair rate.

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6. Hailing a Taxi in Chiang Mai

While Grab is cheaper and easier, taxis in Chiang Mai can still be great value. 

Taxis in Thailand are supposed to use a meter, charging riders a base fare plus distance. It’s perfectly acceptable to politely ask the driver to turn on the meter or to refuse the ride if they don’t want to. It’s also normal to haggle a set price for a trip if that’s what you and the driver prefer.

By asking your hotel for reputable driver phone numbers or using the Grab app to get an idea of a fair price, you can make sure you’re not being overcharged. Expect to pay a little more for a taxi than you would with Grab.

When hailing a taxi in Thailand, make sure you do so with your arm held in front of you, palm down, and moving it up and down like bouncing a basketball. Don’t worry though – even if you forget this or hail it the New York way, drivers will still know what you mean!

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Thailand, but always appreciated. You can round up the fare or add on an extra 30-100 baht if you want to show your appreciation to the driver.

Pros: Easy, affordable

Cons: Potential to be overcharged or scammed

Pro Tip: Avoid using taxis that are parked and waiting in front of tourist spots like bars and temples – these taxis are the most likely to try to take advantage of tourists. 

👉 My pick for the best Chiang Mai temple tour is this City Tour of Viewpoints, Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, and Wat Pha Lat with a near-perfect 5-Star Rating.

7. Travel Around Chiang Mai Via Tuk Tuk

You can’t visit Thailand without taking a tuk tuk at least once – it’s a classic way to get around Chiang Mai!

Tuk tuks are not the cheapest way to get around Thailand, but they are one of the most fun. You get to feel the breeze, take in the sights, and enjoy the smells of street food. 

Tuk tuks in Chiang Mai can be affordable if you know how to haggle like a local. But, tuk tuks in Chiang Mai are famous for taking advantage of naive tourists by overcharging them. 

A fair price is usually at least half the price of what the driver first quotes you, and haggling is the norm.

Pros: Fun, a great way to experience the city

Cons: Can be more expensive than other modes of transportation, and some drivers might try to overcharge tourists.

Pro Tip: Use the Grab app to order a tuk tuk for a fair price, or to have an idea of what the cost should be so that you can haggle accordingly (keeping in mind Grab will usually be cheaper).

⭐️Headed to Bangkok? My pick for Best Bangkok Food Tour is this Bangkok Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk with a near-perfect 5-Star Rating.

8. Getting Around Chiang Mai via Bicycle 

When I first visited Chiang Mai, I wasn’t comfortable riding a scooter yet, so I got around Chiang Mai by bike! I walked a lot too, but sometimes it’s too hot to walk long distances in Chiang Mai. 

My hostel in Chiang Mai offered complimentary bikes, so I took advantage! 

I remember riding the bike to Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center and feeling adrenaline pumping as I road in traffic across a major intersection, wondering if I made a terrible decision. Luckily, people in Chiang Mai are used to dodging cyclists.

There are many bike rental shops in Chiang Mai, as well as many conveniently located Anywheel bike-share stations that can be used to rent bikes from their app. Look for the green bikes!

The roads in Chiang Mai are quite flat so it is easy to ride even for novice cyclists. But don’t forget your helmet!

Bike tours are another great way to experience the city if you don’t feel comfortable riding on your own. 

Pros: Cheap, convenient, good exercise, environmentally friendly

Cons: Can be dangerous, hot

👉 My pick for the best bike tour of Chiang Mai is this Bike Historic Old City Chiang Mai, with a near-perfect 5-star rating! 

9. Walking in Chiang Mai

After living in NYC for 13 years, it’s second nature for me to get around cities on foot, but Chiang Mai isn’t my favorite place to walk if I’m being honest.

If you’re staying in the Old Town or Nimman neighborhoods, you’ll be able to walk to a lot of different restaurants and cafes, with no problem. 

But, if you want to go further than your neighborhood, you may find walking to be stressful and uncomfortable thanks to the traffic, lack of sidewalks, vehicle-first driving culture, and heat. Do not expect scooters and cars to stop for pedestrians. And drink lots of water!

Nevertheless, if you’re after short distances and don’t mind dodging traffic here and there, walking is a great way to explore this city. It gives you a chance to see the city up close and experience the sights, smells, and sounds that come with being out and about in Thailand. 

One of my favorite places to get my steps in is at the Angkaew Reservoir near Chiang Mai University. 

Or if you’re after something a little more challenging, you’ll love the Monk’s Trail hike to Wat Pha Lat temple.

Pros: Free, great way to explore the city and get exercise, helps beat traffic

Cons: Can be dangerous if you’re not careful, and can be uncomfortable in the heat.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to cross a busy intersection and need the traffic to stop, try confidently putting out your hand to signal “stop”. This usually gets the drivers to slow down or stop, making it easier for you to cross safely.

👩‍🍳 My pick for the best cooking class in Chiang Mai is Benny’s Home Cooking course with a small class size, robust menu, and a near-perfect 5-star rating!

10. Renting a Car

If you’re planning to stay in town, there’s no need to rent a car in Chiang Mai. You’re better off using Grab, songthaews, or renting a scooter.

But if you’re planning to explore the beautiful countryside of Chiang Mai, then it might make sense to rent a car.

Renting a car in Chiang Mai provides the freedom and flexibility to visit places that are otherwise difficult to reach. I’ve met people who are more comfortable driving a car than a scooter.

Keep in mind that cars drive on the left in Thailand and that many of the roads are windy. Drivers in Thailand are required to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) – although most car rental companies will not check it.

I recommend using DiscoverCars to compare rental options. You can then book your rental car directly from the website with just a few clicks. 

If you’re looking for an economy-sized car, you can expect to pay between 850 baht and 1,200 baht per day depending on the season. A full-size SUV or van will cost around 3,000 baht per day.

Pros: Safer and more comfortable than a scooter, flexibility and independence

Cons: Windy roads, crazy drivers, more expensive

Pro Tip: Rent a car from the airport and don’t pick it up until you’re ready to start your road trip so that you don’t have to worry about city driving or parking.

🚙 I recommend using Discover Cars to compare costs and get the best deal.

11. Public Bus in Chiang Mai

At the time this post was written, the RTC Chiang Mai City Bus is not running. This form of Chiang Mai public transportation launched back in 2019 but stopped running in 2020 during the you-know-what. The free shuttle to Central Festival Mall was also discontinued.

I’ve been following the RTC Chiang Mai City Bus Facebook Page and it looks like they’re trying to relaunch at the end of 2023, so we’ll see! Check here for the most up-to-date info. 

I pass bus stops whenever I’m walking to the Phuak Night Market, so that would be convenient!

Once the bus is back up and running, it will be a great option for getting around Chiang Mai cheaply.

The Airport Bus, which runs from the Arcade Bus Terminal to the airport and charges 20 baht, is popular among backpackers. Songthaews to the airport are pretty cheap too. And Grab isn’t that expensive.

There are also white minibusses that run from Arcade Bus Terminal to the Chiang Mai Zoo (15 baht). 

How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (and Vice Versa)

You have 3 options for how to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok:

• Train: My personal pick for the best way to get to Chiang Mai is the train! It’s the best option for budget travelers and travelers who have time for a fun, local experience. The perfect mix of price and convenience. Meet new friends and have an unforgettable experience. Book in advance, and try to get first or second class for the most comfortable experience.

• Plane: Faster but more expensive. There are several flights between Chiang Mai and Bangkok every day via Air Asia, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Nok Air. I had a terrible experience with Air Asia from Chiang Mai to Vietnam recently and will try to never fly them again.

• Bus: Best option to save money. Get a VIP bus with comfortable seats and air conditioning for your long journey. Some of the cheaper buses are too “budget” for most backpackers.

I’ve taken the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – this was much more comfortable and fun than I expected. I met other backpackers on the train, whom I explored Chiang Mai with for several days. I got more sleep than I expected and saved money on one night of accommodation! 

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

Getting To/From Chiang Mai Airport

• Taxi: If you decide to take a taxi from the Chiang Mai International Airport, it’s a 150 baht (about $4.20 USD) flat rate to anywhere in the city of Chiang Mai. A metered taxi from the city to the airport will end up costing about the same amount.

• Private Transfer: This is my go-to option when I need a smooth and stress-free arrival, like when I’m arriving in a new city after a long flight or when I’m arriving after dark. This costs about $17 USD but is worth it for peace of mind and ease.

• Grab Taxi: This is the option I usually go with because it’s not too expensive and it’s reliable. A Grab taxi will cost about 200 baht (about $5.50 USD).

• Red Songthaew Truck: You’ll see these lined up outside, and they’ll take you into the city for just 40 baht (about $1.10 USD), but they won’t leave until they’re full and will make stops to pick up/drop off passengers along the way. If you’re a group, you can negotiate a price for a private ride.

• Tuk Tuk: Tuk tuks are the most fun way to get to/from the airport, but Chiang Mai tuk tuks. are famous for overcharging tourists. Be sure to haggle for a fair rate, keeping in mind a regular taxi costs 150 baht from the airport, and a tuk tuk should be less.

• Airport Bus: This is the cheapest option at only 20 baht (about $0.55 USD). You’ll see a bus stop outside of Arrivals – the R3 Red bus stops on Nimman Road and then the Tha Pae Gate. The Yellow R3 bus heads the other way, to Tha Pae Gate and then Nimman Road. The bus runs every 30 minutes 6:30AM-11:30PM.

👉 Book one of these private airport transfers for a stress-free arrival at any airport in Thailand!

Wrap Up: Chiang Mai Transport

Overall, getting around Chiang Mai is easy and convenient for travelers, whether you’re on a budget, solo, or short on time. 

For backpackers and travelers who are exploring the Old Town, the red truck taxis (called “songthaews”) are easy and cheap. 

If you’re more adventurous and want the freedom to explore beyond the city, maybe to stop at Doi Suthep temple or one of Chiang Mai’s national parks, you may want to rent a scooter. Be very careful with this option – scooter accidents are extremely common, especially among tourists.

Using the Grab rideshare app to order a car or moto-taxi is a safer bet, and it’s super affordable.

For travelers who want to get the most out of their travels without stressing too much about transportation, booking a tour with a local guide is a great way to ensure that you’ll visit all the best attractions in Chiang Mai while having someone knowledgeable on hand to answer any questions about the area. 

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve come back many times before, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in Chiang Mai!

Read More About Getting Around Chiang Mai:

• Is There Uber in Thailand? Ultimate Ride-Sharing Guide
• Are Taxis Safe in Thailand? 21 Tips from a Local
• Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide
• Motorbike Rental Chiang Mai: 9 Best Scooter Shops
• Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai
• 11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai
• Beginner’s Guide to Riding a Chiang Mai Songthaew
• Ultimate Guide: How to Get from Chiang Mai Airport to City
• How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
• 4 Ways to Get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: Ultimate Guide

Read More About Chiang Mai:

• Ultimate Chiang Mai Travel Guide for Solo Travelers
• 3 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary + 15 Bonus Things to Do
• Is Chiang Mai Worth Visiting? + 19 Pros and Cons
• 16 Best Hotels with Rooftop Pools in Chiang Mai
• Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai (And The Worst Time!)
• Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 7 Best Neighborhoods
• Buying a Chiang Mai SIM Card: Everything You Need to Know
• Doi Suthep at Sunrise: A Must-Do in Chiang Mai
• 9 Best Doi Suthep Tours in Chiang Mai
• 11 Best Ways for Getting Around Chiang Mai
• Renting a Scooter in Chiang Mai: Ultimate Guide
• Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Chiang Mai
• How to Get From Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon
• 9 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes (By a Local Foodie!)
• Best Chiang Mai Food Tour for Foodies (Beyond Pad Thai!)
• Best Khao Soi in Chiang Mai: 15 Must-Try Restaurants
• 3 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai: Which Is Better to Visit?
• 37 Pros and Cons of Living in Chiang Mai (Expat Guide)