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.