Getting Around The City
There are several modes of both public and private
transportation available to ensure your convenience
when it comes to getting around Chiang Mai. They are
as follows :
Vehicles For Rent
Currently, there are about 30 rental businesses operating in the
city of Chiang Mai. cars, vans, motorcycles, and bicycles are
available for hire at most of these rentals.
Insurance for cars is available at the majority of rental
businesses. Before renting it is wise to obtain the infotmation
regarding costs and claims, should any damage be done to the vehicle
while it is in your care. This is especially true if you are
planning to take the vehicle on a long trip.
Vehicles are rented for a time period, with no limit put on the
mileage. The only conditions are that you pay for the gas the
vehicle uses and return it safely and on time. Most businesses will
also require that you deposit your passport as a guarantee of the
punctual and safe return of the vehicle.
Needless
to say, you should have a driver's license, international or from
your home country, and a clear understanding of the rules of the
road before renting a vehicle. Because of the variety of vehicles
that use the roads, Chiang Mai traffic is quit unlike that of
anywhere else. It may take a lot of getting used to, and it may be a
good idea to firsr observe the traffic from the passenger's point of
view before taking over at the wheel.
Public Transportation
Besides rentals, another way of getting around the city is through
the use of public transportation. Silors (Songtaews), or pickups
that have been converted into mini-buses; tuk tuks, or motorized
three - wheel taxis samlors, or pedal trishaws and buses (at last a
familiar name!) are all available public transportation. These are
numerous and can be found everywhere in the city.
