Transportation in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai's transport scene is built around three tiers: red songthaews ( the ubiquitous shared pick-ups that cost a fraction of a private ride, metered taxis for comfort when the heat wins, and ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt) that bridge the gap and spare you the haggle. Inside the old city and along the Night Bazaar spine you'll rarely wait more than a minute for a songthaew. Flag one, state your destination, and pay when you hop off. For longer hops, to Nimman, the university, or the bus station, Grab is usually quicker and the fare is locked in. First-timers should resist the tuk-tuk "city tour" pitch at Tha Pae Gate; it's an expensive loop you can walk in twenty minutes. Instead, rent a bicycle or e-scooter if you're comfortable with traffic on the left, flat lanes and slow speeds make it manageable. Download the Nemo or ViaBus apps to see songthaew routes in real time. Drivers rarely speak much English, so show them the Thai name of your stop. From Chiang Mai International Airport, the official taxi desk inside the terminal queues metered cars. Insist the meter is used. If you're traveling light and the queue is long, walk 100 m to the main road, red songthaews pass regularly and will drop you in the old city for little more than pocket change.