Tuk-Tuk Ride

Tuk-Tuk is a true national monument in Thailand. Also called 'sam lor', meaning three-wheeled vehicle, thaey are ubiquitous in Bangkok and symbolize the face more funny and colourful of the country. Tuk-Tuks are particularly popular among tourists and Thai citizen as an easy and convenient way to get around the Thai cities where traffic congestion is a real big problem, such as in the centre of Bangkok. Tuk-Tuk's drivers generally use their vehicle even to transport fresh produce or other goods around the city in absence of passengers. Tuk-Tuk is a motorized development of the old-fashioned pulled rickshaw, widely used in old times in all South East Asia; its Thai name derives from the particular sound of its small engine, often two-cycle. The Thai Tuk-Tuk has the engine of a motorcycle, 3 wheels, the seat in front for the driver in a cabin with no doors, 3 seats all behind on a single narrow bench for passengers, it is a little uncomfortable but super funny. Faster than the taxi, at least over short or average distances, but dangerous in the event of an accident, be careful to ask the driver to go faster, he enjoys so surely but for you it can be dangerous. A tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok is a must experience, on some routes is irreplaceable but after 15 minutes the initial enthusiasm decreases and you just want to get off. At present days, there are 9,000 tuk-tuk registered for use as taxis in the capital. Fares vary, depending on the distance traveled, the hours of the day, the traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost between 40 and 70 THB; for longer distances the cost is in the order of 100 THB or a little more. All costs are negotiable, as typical Thai tradition. Most tuk-tuk drivers are honest, certainly tourists pay the double of Thais but it is normal and understandable. If drivers offer to you a rate too low for a long route declined the invitation, it is a rip off; you will end up surely in a store of gems or a massage. Use a map to see where you're going, it is not easy but try it.Read More