The red pickup trucks with two benches in the back are Chiang Mai's everyday shared taxis. Locals call them songthaew, which means "two rows", or simply rot daeng, "red truck". Once you know the routine of flag, agree, ride and pay, they're one of the easiest ways to hop between temples, markets and gardens without booking anything.
How do you flag down a red truck in Chiang Mai?
Stand at the roadside and wave at a red truck coming your way. When it stops, go to the passenger window, say or show your destination, and wait for the driver to agree. A nod means climb in the back. A head shake means they aren't heading that way, so wait for the next one. No app or booking is involved.
Red trucks cruise the main roads all day, especially around the Old City moat, the markets and the main tourist streets. You don't need a stop or a sign. Any patch of safe kerb where the driver can pull in works.
Showing your destination on your phone helps far more than a spoken street name. Thai pronunciation of place names can be quite different from the English spelling, and a pinned map or the name written in Thai settles it in seconds. Well-known landmarks such as a big market, a famous temple or a mall are the easiest to communicate.
How do you agree the fare before you get in?
Ask the price at the passenger window before you climb into the back. The driver will name a figure for the trip, and you can accept, counter politely or let the truck go. Short shared rides within the city are cheap, while longer trips or private hires cost more. Settling the fare first avoids any awkwardness when you get out.
Fares are informal and set by each driver, so there's no meter to watch. The price depends on distance, how far off the driver's loose route you want to go, the time of day and whether you ask for a private hire. Late at night or near popular tourist spots, opening offers can run high.
A calm, friendly counter is normal and rarely causes offence. If the number feels wrong, smile, say no thanks and flag the next truck. There's usually another along soon on the main roads.
What is it like riding in the back?
You sit on one of two padded benches facing the other passengers, with the back open to the street. Other riders hop on and off along the way, and the driver drops people in whatever order suits the route. Hold the rail when the truck brakes or turns, keep bags on your lap, and expect a breezy, slightly bumpy ride.
Because the trip is shared, your journey can wander. The driver might drop a market shopper first or swing round a block to collect someone else. If you're on a tight schedule, such as catching a flight, ask for a private hire or use a ride app instead. Our guide to a last day before your flight covers easy timings for that final afternoon.
The open back is pleasant in the cooler months and in light rain, but on the hottest afternoons the traffic fumes and sun can wear you down. On those days, a short hop to somewhere shaded makes more sense than a long cross-city ride. Our too hot for temples guide has ideas that keep you out of the midday glare.
How do you get off and pay?
Press the buzzer inside the back as your stop comes into view, and the driver will pull over. Climb down, walk round to the passenger window and pay the fare you agreed. If there's no buzzer, knock on the cab window or call out. Following your route on a phone map means you'll spot your stop before you pass it.
Look for the buzzer on the ceiling or near the cab end of the benches. Paying at the window keeps it simple, and drivers expect it. A quick "khop khun" (thank you) goes down well.
If you're travelling with children or older relatives, sit near the open end so climbing out is quick, and let the adults get down first to help the others. Our notes on outings for three generations cover other ways to keep a mixed-age day relaxed.
Can a group hire a whole red truck?
Yes. Groups often hire a red truck privately, either for a single trip or for a few hours with several stops. Agree the destinations, the waiting time and the total price with the driver before setting off. It works well for families and friends heading somewhere together, because everyone stays in one vehicle and the route goes exactly where you choose.
A private hire turns the truck into your own open-air minibus. It suits a birthday group, a family day out or a run of sights a little outside the centre. Write the stops down, show them at the window, and confirm whether the price includes the return.
For a relaxed half-day, many visitors pair a morning sight with an afternoon somewhere green and shaded. A round of garden mini golf fits neatly into that plan, and the facts below cover what to expect.
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Course | 18-hole garden mini golf in Chiang Mai |
| Booking | Walk in, no booking needed |
| Opening hours | Every day, 09:00 to 18:00 |
| Time for a round | About 1 to 2 hours |
| Refreshments | Cold drinks, snacks and ice cream |
| Seating | Shaded garden seating |
| Lawn games | Cornhole, board games, frisbee |
| Groups and events | Welcome, message ahead so space is set aside |
Visit details are on the course page. If you're arriving by red truck with a large group, message ahead so there's space ready when you pull in.