Getting Around Bangkok

Tuk-Tuks : The colorful, three-wheeled, open-air "samlor" taxis are renowned for their capability to maneuver into the tightest spots, offering passengers an interesting ride. Accommodating two passengers (three or four at a squeeze), it is best for short trips during off-peak hours. Settle the fare BEFORE proceeding.

Normally cheaper than metered taxis, the fare should never exceed 200 Baht per trip. They will only be cheaper than a taxi if you bargain (hard) about he price!. Tuk-Tuk's start at 20 Baht, whereas taxi's start at 35 Baht. So the Tuk-Tuk should be cheaper, shouldn't it? Yes, if you know quite well how far you have to go and what the normal rate for that distance is.

Once I lost my way in Bangkok and I finally decided to take a Tuk-Tuk to find my hotel. So I showed the driver the card of the hotel, he looked very concentrated at it and said that the rate was 70 Baht. I was able to reduce it to 50 Baht but ... he drove into the first street on the right, then the first street on the left and I was at my hotel. Less than five minutes driving!

So the normal rate would have been the minimum (20 Baht) but as a foreigner who does not know the way you pay 50 Baht (and if you don't bargain 70 Baht). But it is fun to drive in a Tuk-Tuk. I must admit that!

By: Anocha Suwanapap

little Bird and Ong