Here are the best ways to get around Chiang Mai
From tuk tuks, to songthaews, to bicycles, to Grab, there are so many ways to get around Chiang Mai. You will likely need some help navigating the city!
Chiang Mai is an ancient city, designed in a time before urban planners. Take one look at a city map and you’ll no doubt feel like you’re looking at a maze.
Within the old city, the most popular way to get around Chiang Mai is walking. Take a walk down any street and you’ll see impossibly tiny lane-ways and you’ll find yourself scratching your head wondering how a car could fit. Somehow they do! These small streets are called sois and will lead to many discoveries.
Besides walking, there are a few best ways to travel with kids in Chiang Mai. Each offers a unique perspective, and potentially, a once in a lifetime experience! Have a look below to see the most popular ways to get your family around the city. If you’d like to explore beyond the city core, or are looking to make a move out of Chiang Mai, see how to get in and out of the city.
[sharethis-inline-buttons]
How to Use a Songtaew
Learn what a songtaew or red truck is and how to use them. They are seemingly everywhere and make getting around Chiang Mai easy.
How to Take a Grab
Grab is by far the easiest way to get around Chiang Mai and it’s very budget friendly. The service does far more than just get you from point A to point B. It also offers motorbike service, food take-out delivery, and even grocery delivery.
How to Use a Tuk Tuk in Chiang Mai
Taking a tuk tuk even just once is a memorable experience. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play Mario Kart in real life?! Well here’s your chance!
How to Hire a Private Driver in Chiang Mai
Hiring your own driver is a much more flexible option for any group of travelers or families. Go where you want to go. Go at your own pace. Spend as long as you want on your adventure.
How to Rent a Motorbike in Chiang Mai
For a family with older children or teenagers you may consider motorbikes for your Chiang Mai adventures! Motorbikes and scooters hold 2 people safely and they make it very easy to navigate within the city and provide for that open road experience outside the city.
How to Rent a Car in Chiang Mai
Find out the best places to rent a car from and the documents required. Get good deal on car rentals too!
How to Take a Taxi in Chiang Mai
Yes, taxis still existed and sometimes you can get a better deal than with Grab. Some taxis are also available for hire by the day too.
How to Take Public Transit in Chiang Mai
Ride the blue bus! It can take you everywhere you want to go within the city limits and it’s only 20 baht a ride!
How to Get Around Chiang Mai by Bicycle
Riding a bicycle through Chiang Mai, especially the old city, is a fantastic way to get around. With the impossibly tiny streets called ‘sois,’ cycling or walking is truly the best way to explore Chiang Mai.
How to Get Around Chiang Mai on Foot
Take a walk around Chiang Mai and see Chiang Mai from a totally different perspective. Chiang Mai’s old city is absolutely incredible and full of hidden treasures.
How to Hire a Songtaew for a Day in Chiang Mai
Get a lot of people around Chiang Mai cheaply! Travel like a local and hire a red truck for the day. A songtaew (song-tow) aka red truck, is a great way to get around Chiang Mai, and did you know you can rent one and its driver for the day*?!
How to Get In and Out of Chiang Mai
Planning a family trip and wondering what are the best ways to get to Chiang Mai? Or, maybe you’ve been here for a while and are wishing to get out of Chiang Mai to explore. There are quite a few family friendly options.
