Songthaews: getting around like a local in Thailand

✅ Article updated on October 25, 2024so you'll always have the latest news!

Among Thailand's iconic means of transport, the songthaew occupies a special place.

This name, literally meaning "two rows" in Thai, refers to a modified pickup truck, fitted with two parallel benches at the rear to accommodate passengers.

This mode of transport is not only practice and affordableit also allows you to experience authentic experience of daily life in Thailand.

Where can I find songthaews?

In Thailand, songthaews are omnipresentespecially in medium-sized towns and rural areas.

They act as cabs and local buses, making it an ideal choice for small-group travel.

In big cities like Bangkok, they are less common, due to competition from cabs and more modern public transport.

However, in cities such as Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui, songthaews remain an essential part of the transport network.

Where do songthaews go?

How songthaews work varies by city.

In Chiang Mai, for example, once the songthaew stops, simply tell the driver where you want to go. If your destination is on his itinerary, he'll signal you to get in the back. If not, he'll shake his head and continue on his way.

In that case, just wait for the next songthaew, which should arrive in a few minutes.

In Pattaya, the baht buses (so nicknamed because of their low fares) run on a network of predefined routes. When one of them stops for you, get in the back and, to signal that you want to get off, press the "Stop" button or tap lightly on the small window at the front.

Fares vary from city to city. At the time of writing, a short ride in Pattaya typically costs 10฿ (0.26€), while in Chiang Mai it's around 30฿ (0.79€).

How to take a songthaew?

Taking a songthaew is quite simple. Stand on the side of the road and raise your hand to indicate to the driver that you wish to get on.

It also happens that a driver honks his horn when you're on the sidewalk. This simply means: "Would you like to get in? If so, wave back, otherwise ignore it.

I recommend that you agree the fare with the driver before you leave, especially for songthaews that don't follow a fixed itinerary, as in Pattaya.

The cost of the journey generally varies according to the distanceThese range from a few baht for short trips around town to several dozen baht for longer distances.

To get off the songthaew, press one of the stop buttons or pull a rope that activates a bell to signal to the driver that you want to stop.

Are songthaews safe?

Although comfort is basic, with rudimentary seats and limited protection from the elements, and there is no on-board safety equipment such as seatbelts, songthaews are still an excellent means of transport. relatively safe.

At peak times, they can be crowded, which can make the journey less pleasant.

However, drivers are accustomed to these conditions and generally adopt a drive slowly and carefully.

What you need to know about songthaews

• Songthaews are part of an informal public transport system and generally serve fixed routes in most urban areas and many seaside resorts.
  
  
• In some areas, signs indicate the songthaews' routes, while in others, the color of the truck determines the route. The system can be confusing, even for locals, so it's a good idea to let the driver know where you're going before you get in, to avoid ending up in the wrong place.
  
  
• You can hail a songthaew on the street, just like a cab. When it stops, get in the back and sit on one of the benches.
  
  
• To get off, press the stop button inside the cab (usually located on the ceiling or one of the side panels). Once the vehicle has stopped, get out and drive around the driver's window to pay for your journey.
  
• The price of a short trip varies from zone to zone.

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