Getting Around Chiang Mai

The hotel has a limousine service, which can be rented by the hour or the day.

Alternatively, there are a large number of car rental businesses operating in the city of Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is much easier to navigate around than Bangkok and you are far less likely to get seriously lost, therefore considering renting a car is an option if you have several companies to visit.

Top choices are as follows:

North Wheels

127/2 Thanon Moon Muang near Talat Somphet

Tel 053 216 189, fax 053 221 709

Email: sales@northwheels.com

Queen Bee

Next to Muang Thong Hotel on Thanon Moon Muang

Tel 053 208 988

Other prominent rental agencies include:

Avis

Thanon Huay Kaew, Chiang mai International Airport

Tel 053 201 798/9

Budget

Chiang Mai International Airport

Tel: 053 202 871

Journey Car Rent

283 Thanon Tha Phae

Tel: 053 208 787, fax 053 273 428

E-mail: journeycnx@thaimail.com

National Car Rental

Amari Rincome Hotel

Tel: 053 210 118

Alternatively you might like to try using the public transport. As this is rather "rough and ready" with no taxi metres operating in Chiang Mai, this might be reserved for trips that you take in your leisure time. Public transport in Chiang Mai basically consists of tuk tuks, Songtaews and motorized three wheel taxis.

The most common means of transportation is Song Taew. It is a pickup that has been converted into mini-bus with two rows of bench seats down the sides with a roof over the back. They are all red colour. Regular routes of Song Taew are from the city to other districts in Chiang Mai and some nearby provinces. Fares range from Baht 5-20 depending on distance.

You can take a non-motorised three wheeled bicycle (Sam Lor) for a short distance. The driver peddles whilst you sit in a carriage behind him. They are slow and relaxing. (but not for the driver!) and short rides within the city cost between Baht 20 and 30. Longer rides may cost Baht 50.

Tuk-Tuks (three-wheeled motorised taxis) are also popular for short and quick journeys. Fares should be established, by bargaining, before departure. Minimum fares are approximately Baht 20. You will expect to pay around Baht 40 or 50 from the night market to the Amari Rincome Hotel (although they will almost certainly try and charge you more).