There’s a good number of ways for remote workers to get around Chiang Mai easily and affordably, even though the city does not count on the same level of public transport infrastructure as the Thai capital. Unlike Bangkok, Chiang Mai does not have a subway or rail system and its public bus network is only a couple of years’ old. Nonetheless, the city does have an efficient system of transportation based on “shared taxis” and rickshaws. Having said that, the city is also extremely walkable and you should feel safe enough to explore the different neighborhoods by foot. Below, we highlight some of the main ways for remote workers to get around Chiang Mai.
With thousands of songthaews always visible around the city, it is clear that this will be the most popular way for remote workers to get around Chiang Mai. This transit method consists of converted trucks with two benches in the back which face each other, allowing for a capacity of up to 8 or 9 people inside. In the city of Chiang Mai you will use mostly red songthaews to get around, and you only need to wave them down on the street to get them to stop. Songthaews do not have set routes, so it is important for you to tell the driver where you are going before boarding. If they nod approvingly, you can pay the fare (no more than 20-30 baht, usually) and then board. The driver will make stops according to the different destinations of those already onboard and eventually reach your destination. Have a map handy!
There are six different songthaew colors, but only the red ones operate within Chiang Mai as such, with the others connecting other towns.
Chiang Mai’s RTC bus network opened in 2019 and is an orderly and calm alternative to the city’s other transit options. The routes are air-conditioned, use modern buses and are all equipped with free wifi making the bus system here one of the most comfortable ways to get around the city. The main routes serve the Old City and Chiang Mai’s main tourist spots, and the airport is also well-served by route B2. A single fare has a total cost of 30 Baht and you can conveniently pay using your electronic RABBIT card onboard or with cash to the driver. You can even download the CM Transit app to keep track of when the next bus will arrive and all the available routes.
This is another popular way for remote workers to get around Chiang Mai, particularly for those looking for the added freedom of going wherever they want without relying on the city’s transit system. It is easy to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai but you should make sure you have an international driving license and also at least some experience riding these vehicles. Costs are a low, and you can rent a motorbike for as little as 8USD a day or 90USD per month. Of course, you should take extra care if you choose this option - Thailand has a notorious reputation in terms of road safety and accidents are not uncommon.
There are so many of these around Chiang Mai that you perhaps will be tempted to use one eventually! These rickshaws tend to be expensive and many visitors are put off by the aggressiveness of its drivers outside tourist hotspots, for example. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a fun way of seeing an area during your first few days here, a Tuk-Tuk will be a welcome option. Remember to always set a price before boarding.
Uber is not longer available in Thailand, meaning the best way for remote workers to get around Chiang Mai by private taxi is to use the local GRAB service. Using the app, you can order a taxi just like with Uber or Lyft with the added benefit of being able to pay in cash. GRAB drivers are controversial in the city and the subject of protests from songthaew and local taxi drivers, but the experience is generally safe and recommended by other remote workers in Chiang Mai.
For more information about living in Chiang Mai as a remote worker, check out our complete Chiang Mai guide.