Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, or Chiang Rai are all names for one small town. It's so small that it's completely walkable. The main attractions are in the northern part of the town, with the White Temple located 10km away and challenging to reach without transportation.
Chiang Rai's Public Transportation
Chiang Rai offers several types of transportation: air-conditioned cabs, tuk-tuks, and songteos running between the two bus stations. If you want to explore the province on your own, you can rent a motorcycle for a day.
Taxis
The air-conditioned cab is the most comfortable mode of transportation in the city. You can recognize them by the "Taxi Chiangrai" sign above the windshield. They usually have meters, but prices are often negotiable.
- Routes: Cabs typically follow the route from the airport to the New bus station. However, you can use them to go anywhere within the city.
- Cost: The fare for traveling to/from the airport is around 200 THB.
- Booking: You can book taxis through your hotel or find them at parking lots near the bus stations.
Tuk-tuk
The tuk-tuk is a three-wheeled vehicle that can accommodate two average-sized passengers. Some drivers may have an extra seat next to them for another passenger.
Pricing: The cost of a tuk-tuk ride is negotiable and depends on factors like the distance and the driver's mood.
Tuk-tuk Stops: You can find tuk-tuk stops at the bus stations.
Songteo
Songteos typically run between the two bus stations in the city. They are blue enclosed pickup trucks, similar to other forms of transportation. You can board or disembark from them at any point along the route. Their main advantage is affordability, especially for traveling between the central Old Terminal and the New Terminal.
Fare: The cost of a songteo ride is 15 THB.
Getting a Songteo: You can catch a songteo at various points along its route or at the bus station.
Routes: Songteos are convenient for reaching destinations like Big C Hypermarket and Central Plaza Shopping Center.
Renting a Motorbike
The most cost-effective way to explore the town and its attractions is by renting a motorcycle. You can find rental centers throughout the city.
Motorbike Rentals: Rental prices start from 200 THB. During peak tourist seasons, prices may begin at 250 THB. If you only need transportation for 4-5 hours, you can negotiate and possibly reduce the price to 120 THB.
Documents: To rent a motorcycle for a day, you typically need to provide your passport or a copy of your passport and make a deposit of 3000 THB.
Despite the small size of Chiang Rai, there are plenty of transportation options available to suit everyone's needs.
