How Does It Feel To Be On A Tuk Tuk In Thailand?

Tuk-tuk is a signature of Thailand. It appears in every corner of the Thai streets. It’s always packed with people and goods. And although it seems very dangerous, many international travelers want to try on that unique vehicle of the “Southeast Asian paradise for tourism”. In this blog, I will tell you what to expect when stepping on a tuk-tuk.

What Is Tuk Tuk?

In fact, the original name of this vehicle was "sam lor". It means transport with 3 wheels, the true shape, and the structure of tuk-tuk. But when it is running on the street, it has a funny tuk-tuk sound. So gradually this lovely noise has replaced the previous simple name and became a special feature of this place as well as attracts a lot of foreign visitors.

Tuk-tuks usually have quite a simple structure with vibrant colors. It only had a cockpit attached to the engine and a small seat for the driver. The behind is a large cabin for visitors. It can accommodate up to 4 to 5 people. And the most special feature of a tuk-tuk is that it only has a roof and seats but no doors or windows. This means visitors will completely feel the bustle of the streets while riding a tuk-tuk.

Tuk-tuks are very popular in Thai transportation. The biggest advantage when traveling with a tuk-tuk is that thanks to the, it’s easy to wriggle in the heavy traffic and also very convenient for short distances.

How To Catch A Tuk Tuk?

Tuk-tuks are everywhere in Thailand's streets, so you just need to stand safely on the sidewalk and make a signal that you want to catch the car. Then the drivers will be very quick to pull it over to pick you up! Or sometimes you are just walking alone, there will be quite a few tuk-tuks coming to ask if you want to ride. Normally, on large roads, with more traffic, there will be more tuk-tuks. And if you stay at a hotel or motel, you can also ask the staff there to catch a tuk-tuk for you. With the amazing progress in technology, you can now book a tuk-tuk via Grab (Uber of Southeast Asia). 

How Does It Feel To Ride A Tuk Tuk In Thailand?

True to the quick nature of the tuk-tuk, when you sit in the back cabin, you will have a definitely unforgettable experience. The tuk-tuk drivers usually drive extremely fast and sometimes a little carelessly. Because the car is quite small, it will be able to wriggle through other vehicles, going like a zigzag on the road. In the countryside area like Chiang Rai or Pai, where the streets are less crowded, tuk-tuk drivers are also calmer and more relaxed. It’s like the nature of tuk-tuk to be fast so don’t be freaked out! You should try it at least once to know the feeling and decide if it’s for you or not.
Besides, as the tuk-tuk doesn't have a door, it is inevitable to breathe in the dust and heat on the road? Therefore, the tuk-tuk is usually only suitable for short travel only.

How Much Is A Tuk Tuk Ride?

Normally the price of a tuk-tuk is quite cheap. But the drivers usually take advantage of the language to charge the foreigners higher. So it’s better off mentioning the price before you get on the tuk-tuk. Don’t hesitate to lower it to half as a way of bargaining. Also, you can use Grab to book a tuk-tuk with the fixed price shown on the App interface,

Before traveling, you should use a map on your phone to see how far it takes to be able to estimate the amount yourself. For the average distance from 5km to 10km, it is reasonable to cost from 30 to 100 Baht. Or if possible, ask the people around you to help you with the tuk-tuk price!
Useful Notice For Those Who Want To Try Thai Tuk Tuk

There are two types of tuk-tuks: oil-powered and gas-powered. The one run on gas is cheaper because they are encouraged and supported by the Thai government. But for foreign visitors, it is quite difficult to identify these two vehicles. So please get support from the local residents or hotel staff!
Also, you should be careful with any offer from tuk-tuk drivers. In some cases, they will invite lead you to the closed destination. So just ask them to take me to the place we want! Because Bangkok is an extremely congested city, you should avoid tuk-tuks during peak hours (around 7 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 7 pm). You will not want to waste your time on the street and suffering from hot air and dust from other vehicles. Finally, as mentioned above, tuk-tuk is for traveling within a short distance only. Overexposure to the outside heat and road pollution is never a good idea.
Anyway, the Thai tuk-tuk is something worth a try, isn't it? If you have the opportunity to come to Thailand, don’t forget to experience this special street culture!