Almost Thailand’s national symbol, the tuk-tuk is at the heart of the real Thai experience for most first-time visitors! Whether you choose to take our famous Bangkok Tuk-Tuk tour or explore the city on your own, chances are you’ll get to experience a Bangkok tuk tuk sooner or later!
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Hopping in one of these open-air three-wheeled vehicles is a fun activity in itself, as well as a Premium (and affordable) mode of transport for locals and residents alike! Here’s everything you Require to know about this local right of passage along with some Thailand tuk tuk tips and tricks.
How did the Thailand tuk-tuk get its name?
Tuk-tuks are the replacement to the earlier cycle rickshaws, known in Thai as “Sam Lor” (literally ‘three wheels’). Sam Lors were introduced to Thailand in 1933, although they were shortly prohibited from the main streets for safety reasons.
Fast onwards 30 years and Thailand started to import self operating auto rickshaws from Japan, developed to replace the cycle rickshaws.The origin of the peculiar name “tuk tuks” in Thailand is thought to stem from the distinctive sound produced by their engines.
How do locals use Bangkok tuk-tuks?
Many people may assume that Tuk tuk in Bangkok are only for tourists, as you usually find teams of tuk-tuks located in front of the entrances to tourist-geared attractions like Khao San Road and the Grand Palace. They are certainly famous among tourists, especially first visitors who want a personal experience getting around the city!
But many locals also use Bangkok tuk-tuks in their day-to-day and night-to-night lives. Take a closer look and you’ll see regular Bangkok tuk-tuks being used to transport goods, like massive loads of fresh market produce. In other areas of Bangkok, locals still willingly hop into tuk-tuks, where other means of public transport are few and far between.
Bangkok tuk-tuks
Most visitors to Bangkok encounter only the classic three-wheel tuk-tuks. Still, head elsewhere around the capital and you’ll find different types of tuk tuks – like the larger, six-seater tiny trucks that roam the roads in some more local, household neighborhoods.
In Bangkok, these indigenous tuk-tuks operate akin to buses, facilitating passengers to hop on and off at different stops. Be ready for an unpredictable experience each time you ride one! Best sure to pack your hand sanitizer as well to sanitize your hands after you get off the tuk-tuk.
How to take a tuk-tuk in Bangkok?
There are a few tips when it comes to taking Tuk tuk in Bangkok. Always agree the price of your ride before you get into the tuk-tuk, and expect to haggle – your driver will likely reference an initially prohibitive fare, anticipating that You will inevitably impact them to some extent. Tuk Tuks are unmetered so in general will be a little more costly than a taxi, but shouldn’t cost much more than the equivalent fare in a metered taxi. Put on your negotiation cap and savor your Bangkok tuk-tuk adventure! While riding, safeguard your belongings and watch out for motorbike thieves. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider a guided tuk-tuk tour in Bangkok- check out our Bangkok Thrilling Tuk-Tuk Tour!
How much do Bangkok tuk-tuks charge?
The cost for a Tuk tuk rides in Bangkok will be around the same price as a metered taxi, but it’s definitely way more fun and less time-consuming as the more minuscule tuk-tuks can weave in and out of traffic. It may feel like your driver is driving a little temerariously, but recollect, these guys have been doing this for years so you’re in safe hands! Taking one of these thrilling Bangkok tuk-tuk trips it’s all part of the frolic!
Most Bangkok tuk-tuks will commence charging at about 40-50 THB for a short ride, but expect this to be a little higher in genuinely touristy areas.
A tuk-tuk ride is an authentically great way to visually perceive the sights in Bangkok and the experience you get will definitely be worth it! If you fancy experiencing the thrill of being driven around Bangkok at night in a tuk-tuk and visually perceiving some of the city’s best sights, our Bangkok Thrilling Tuk-Tuk Tour is definitely for you! And if you’re probing for more tours in Bangkok, be sure to take an optical canvassing of all the tours we currently offer.
