Getting Around

It would be a good idea to learn how to get around Chiang Mai, especially if you're not on a tour with local transportation provided. It's important to understand that Chiang Mai doesn't have any real busses like those in Bangkok and modes of transport include the following :

Tuk-Tuk
If you want motorized "Saam Lor", the Thai word for this vechicle is "Tuk-Tuk". Prices are not as stable as for other older types of transportation in the city, but the ride is quicker. The least you can hope to pay is 20 Baht, and this is for a very short ride. Generally, if you're crossing the river, the price could go up to 40 Baht. You should be a little careful, though. Tuk Tuk drivers have begun to learn that tourists will unknowingly agree to pay more, especially those drivers who park in front of first class hotels and hang out in tourist areas.

See Lor (literally, 'four wheel')
The most common means of transport in Chiang Mai, however, and actually the most sensible for local conditions, is a "See Lor". Plenty are around; they all are red-colored and look something like pick up trucks but with a roof over the back. These are 'communal' taxis in that they pick up as many passengers as they can and drop them off as the drivers reach their destinations. To go by see-lor, simply tell the driver your destination. If he nods his head 'yes', just get in and pay 8 Baht per person when you get out. If he asks, "How much will you pay me?", that means he wasn't planning to go your way, but if you are willing to pay perhaps 15 Baht per person, he might be persuaded to go.