Get a lot of people around Chiang Mai cheaply! Travel like a local and hire a songtaew in Chiang Mai for the day
You’ve seen them around town, and possibly seen them in more than one colour. A songtaew (song-tow) aka red truck, is a great way to get around Chiang Mai, but did you know you can rent one and its driver for the day*?!
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How do you hire a songtaew in Chiang Mai?
The easiest way to arrange a red truck rental in Chiang Mai is through your guesthouse, hotel or resort. Reception will arrange one for you and it can be much cheaper than renting a car.
A songtaew can also hold more people! Up to ten can safely sit in the back and one or two up front. Maybe you’ve made friends who would like to join you. Why not share the cost?
Places you can visit around Chiang Mai in a songtaew
There are plenty of options to explore with a songtaew. We recommend you pick a direction and look up all the attractions along the way and stop at as many as you can! See our Day Trips for amazing ideas!
How do you hire a songtaew for a day in Chiang Mai?
You’ve seen them around town, and possibly seen them in more than one colour. A songtaew (song-tow) aka red truck, is a great way to get around Chiang Mai, but did you know you can rent one and its driver for the day*?!
The easiest way to arrange a red truck rental in Chiang Mai is through your guesthouse, hotel or resort. Reception will arrange one for you and it can be much cheaper than renting a car.
A songtaew can also hold more people! Up to ten can safely sit in the back and one or two up front. Maybe you’ve made friends who would like to join you. Why not share the cost?
How much does it cost to rent a songtaew in Chiang Mai?
The standard daily rate for renting a songtaew in Chiang Mai depends on how far you are going, and how long you are requiring the services for. Generally speaking, rates vary between 500 – 2,000 baht per songtaew.
The driver will either wait for you at your destination, or come back at an agreed upon time. Make sure you get their phone number just in case**!
*When hiring a driver for the day, it is customary to tip!
Is it safe to ride a songtaew?
Songtaews are the most popular form of transport for locals and tourists in Chiang Mai. The drivers are generally careful and slow drivers, but keep in mind there are no seat belts. This can make for a slidey ride!
Watch out for hard stops. Sometimes the drivers have no choice but to brake hard and fast, which can send riders into the wall near the driver. There is no padding, and from banging my head there, I can say it really hurts! There is also no barrier to stop anyone from falling out the back of the truck. Best to seat children and elderly in the middle, sandwiched between others.
**Drivers are licensed to own and drive the red trucks. Look for a certificate and photo of the driver near the front cab. To report a complaint about public transport in Chiang Mai, call 1584.
