One of the unofficial national symbols of Thailand, the tuk-tuk, has grown in popularity amongst both, Thai nationals and tourists alike. Although famous for being colorful and convenient, there are downsides as well as benefits to using this method of transportation.
This article will explain everything you need to know about tuk-tuks in Thailand, including the history, benefits, downsides, and how they compare with private cars.

Quick Facts
- Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled open vehicles that are popular in Thai cities.
- Tuk-tuks are often the same price or more expensive than metered taxis.
- Tuk-tuks offer a fun and authentic travel experience and are a good way to travel short distances.
- When traveling by tuk-tuk, it is important to be aware of common scams and to discuss the price with the driver beforehand.
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Diane Elkins,
Nov 2023
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Thailand -insights, no stress and amazing team
My husband and my Thailand trip was fantastic, stress-free and educational thanks to the amazing team coordinated by Albee at Asia Highlights. The whole team was incredibly accessible, responsive, sensitive to our needs and lovely to work with. End-to-end, the trip was truly remarkable and the knowledgeable and dynamic tour guides and drivers made it especially memorable! More
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Oct 2023
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Sharon the advisor that helped me was so thorough & informative and explained the details of the tour including questions about visas and what is included vs what is not included in the tour packages. I would recommend them to explain tour packages that would fit the schedule of your pending travels. More
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Sep 2023
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I worked directly with Monica in Asia Highlights. She was incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions quickly. Working with her made the whole process easy and we are so excited for our trip! More
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Sep 2023
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Stress free Thailand
Alisa has organised our 14 day Thailand holiday for 2024 for my family & I. She has been very accommodating & super quick with all of our requests & we cannot wait for a stress free holiday! Thank you Alisa! More
Alana Mitchell,
Sep 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand-Cambodia
All of our guides were very nice and knowledgeable, but we have a special mention to our guide in Cambodia, Chan, he was very kind with us and it was very amusing. He went the extra mile for us. We really enjoyed our holidays! More
José Antonio Carrillo de la Pl,
Sep 2023
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Asia Highlights and Sharon
Asia Highlights, specifically Sharon, has been wonderfully helpful as we get ready for a 2024 excursion to Thailand. We are beyond excited, and much of that has to do with the personalized attention that we have experienced with Sharon. She has been extremely responsive, obliging, and focused as she helped us design a tailor made itinerary. All of our questions have been addressed, our needs have been met, and the path has now been set for a very exciting trip.... thanks to Sharon. More
Marcy Hoenig,
Sep 2023
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I was planning a trip to Thailand to…
I was planning a trip to Thailand to especially see the Lantern Festival this year for our birthdays!! It’s been on our bucket list, but we were completely lost on how to go about planning for our trip. We’ve never really booked tours before but Alisa was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and efficient in providing all the information we needed to make our decision on the best tours and tickets to purchase. Thank you so much!! More
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Aug 2023
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I would definitely recommend Asia…
All of our guides were wonderful (Mr. Bank - Bangkok and Ms. Kai in Phuket & Khao Sok plus antoher guide who assisted in Koh Samui). Sharon took care of tours, private drivers, flights and hotels within Thailand and our trip went off without a hitch. The hotels were great and the transportation always arrived on time and with a clean, More
Guinevere Provance,
Aug 2023
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
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Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
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Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
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Jun 2023
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What is a Tuk-Tuk?
If you are unfamiliar with Thailand and Southeast Asia, then at this point you may be asking "What is a tuk-tuk?" Tuk-tuk is a general term for Thailand"s version of a motorized rickshaw. Normally tuk-tuks have three wheels and are open-air vehicles that can hold two to three people at a time. The standard tuk-tuk has one seat up front for the driver and a bench at the back for passengers. Modern versions of tuk-tuks typically have open sides and a cloth roof to protect travelers from the sun.
From necessity to a cultural phenomenon, this simple vehicle is an attraction for many Thai visitors and remains an important method of transportation for everyone in large cities such as Bangkok.
Tuk-tuks are very easy to find, especially in tourist areas and there are often many drivers competing for the customers.
Where Does the Name Come From?
Originally, tuk-tuks where known in Thai as literally the "three-wheeled vehicle" or samlor. There are multiple theories behind the name change from samlor to tuk-tuk.
The most popular theory is that the unique name came from the noisy engines on the earliest models. The little engines on tuk-tuks used to pop and rumble as they swerved through traffic. Today, many tuk-tuks use similar engines and the noises can be heard from all around.
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Cost of Tuk-Tuks
The most surprising thing about tuk-tuks is that they are not the cheapest form of transportation in Thailand. Many visitors often assume that because they are smaller and slower they will be less expensive than metered taxis, but that is simply not the case.
Typically, the cost of a tuk tuk ride will be the same or more than the cost of a taxi ride over the same distance. In Bangkok, most tuk tuk drivers in the Sukhumvit and Silom areas will try their luck with an overinflated price that is expensive even by tuk tuk standards. Some have been known to ask for as much as 400 baht for a short journey. You could almost get to the airport by taxi for that price.
At the moment, the going rate for a short tuk tuk ride is about 150 baht (US$5) for a journey that would cost 50 to 70 baht (US$2) in a metered taxi. For quick journeys to the end of the road, the price is 50 baht (US$2) and if you go slightly further afield, the price will quickly jump to 100 baht (US$3).
Overall, although tuk-tuks are a must-do when visiting Thailand, they are probably not the best form of everyday transportation in the cities. Taxis are often cheaper and more comfortable as well.
How to Get a Cheap Tuk Tuk Ride
There are three ways to get cheaper tuk tuk rides depending on where you are.
1. Become an Expert Haggler
In order to get a good deal when taking a tuk tuk, you need to be an expert haggler or you need to be outside of the main tourist areas. A good way to try and get cheaper prices is to talk to many drivers at the same time to create some competition. You should always discuss the price of the ride in advance with the driver to make sure that he does not ask for a large amount once the ride is finished.
2. Hire One Away from the Tourist Hot Spots
Tuk tuks are cheap if you hire one outside of the main tourist areas. However, if you plan on asking the driver to take you on a long journey outside of his/her comfort zone, then expect the price to jump above normal rates charged by drivers of metered taxis.
In general, the only way to get a cheap tuk tuk ride is if you happen to know someone that lives off the beaten path in an area that is not frequented by tourists. If you happen to be visiting an area that is off the beaten path and you see a tuk tuk, the chances are you will get one at a surprisingly reasonable price.
It really helps if you already know some Thai and can show the tuk tuk driver that you are not fresh off the plane.
3. Don't Let the Tuk Tuk Driver See That You Are in a Big Group
Don't let the tuk tuk driver see that you are in a big group. If the driver sees there are three or four of you, then the price will instantly rise. Tuk tuk drivers can add on up to 50 baht per person. For example, you may be able to get a tuk tuk ride for 100 baht but because there are three of you, the tuk tuk driver will demand 200 baht and you may end up settling on 150 baht.
Although it seems like a sneaky way to get around paying more, this trick really does work, and you will know it has worked when the tuk tuk driver tries to charge you more before you arrive at your destination, explaining that he/she didn't realize there was more than one passenger along for the ride. Another trick is to start making you feel guilty by making complaints about the traffic and his/her time — the price originally agreed is now not enough!
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Benefits of Using Tuk-Tuks
If tuk-tuks are the same price as taxis but less comfortable, then why use them? Well, there are a couple of reasons.
Firstly, tuk-tuks offer travelers a fun experience of the chaotic city streets of Bangkok. Taking a bumpy ride through the hot and noisy streets helps travelers really get close to the hustle and bustle of this modern country with ancient roots.
Another reason is that these vehicles are unique to Thailand and some parts of Southeast Asia. The drivers have a lot of fun decorating their vehicles with colorful paint and dangling trinkets to make each one unique. They give visitors a sense of adventure and make for some great pictures.
Lastly, in some situations, traveling by tuk-tuk can be faster than traveling by taxi or private car. The reason for this is that when there are huge traffic jams in Bangkok, tuk-tuks are small enough to take back alleys or weave through cars to get through the traffic, while larger vehicles end up stuck in the gridlock.
Downsides of Using Tuk-Tuks
One of the biggest problems with tuk-tuks is their lack of safety features as compared to other vehicles. Because tuk-tuks have open sides and typically don"t have seat belts they are very unsafe during traffic accidents. The good news is that tuk-tuks are involved in relatively few dangerous accidents in Thailand because they tend to drive at lower speed.
Another problem with tuk-tuks is that they are open vehicles, which is often uncomfortable for visitors who are not used to the intense heat and humidity of Thailand. When tuk-tuks get stuck in traffic, the heat and sweat are unavoidable. Furthermore, the open-air design does not protect travelers from polluted air or dust.
Furthermore, tuk tuks are not very eco-friendly vehicles and are infamous for the visible fumes that plume up from their exhausts. In major cities, tuk tuks are often blamed for reducing air quality at a faster rate than other vehicles, including motorcycles and cars. Before taking a tuk tuk, it is important to consider the environmental impact.
Lastly, if there is a sudden downpour, all you have is the roof of the tuk tuk to protect you. With strong winds, that won't be enough as the wind will just blow the rain in from the sides and behind you. That said, most tuk tuks do come with rain flaps that can be pulled down but if it is raining particularly heavily, then the rain will find its way in through the gaps.
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Common Scams to Avoid
The most common tuk-tuk scam can be prevented by agreeing on the price before you travel. If you don"t agree on the price beforehand, this gives drivers the opportunity to charge you an extremely high price at the end of the journey and scam you out of some money.
Another common tuk-tuk scam in Thailand happens when a driver offers you his service for a day at a very low price. Drivers that do this will often insist that you visit specific retailers, such as tailors and gem stores, throughout the day. These retailers pay him extra money to bring customers to them. Although you don"t have to buy anything at these shops, it is an annoying waste of time for visitors, and the retailers can be very pushy when trying to sell products.
Tuk tuk drivers that run this scam generally like to hang around outside tourist sites and tell people that the place is closed. The idea is to lure you onto their tuk tuk and take you on the above-mentioned journey to retailers that include tailors and gem stores. Instead, you should ignore the tuk tuk driver and go to the front desk of the tourist attraction you plan to visit and find out for yourself.
Another dangerous trick that can happen to people in tuk-tuks is that other drivers on the street may try to snatch bags out of the open vehicles. These thieves often specifically target tourists and are very difficult to catch.
Finally, some people have been happily texting or taking snapshots with their smartphones only to have a motorbike drive by and the person on the back snatch the phone out of their hand and speed off. Although this is an incident that's rarely reported, it does happen. Therefore, when you ride in a tuk-tuk, it is important to hold on to all of your important possessions or to put them in a place that is not easy to reach.
Tuk-Tuks vs Private Cars
For our Asia Highlights travelers, we often suggest that they travel mostly by private car, due to the uncomfortable conditions and environmental impact of traveling by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are bumpy, small and hot, which can be upsetting for families with small children or those who are on the more aged side.
However, we do believe that experiencing what it is like to travel by tuk-tuk is important. For travelers who wish to have this experience, we do arrange short distance travels by tuk-tuk. We suggest that tuk-tuks be used exclusively for fun and not when you are tired or in a hurry. They are especially great for exploring temples or traveling a few city blocks.
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Handy Tips When Using A Tuk Tuk
- Always agree on the price before you set out on your journey.
- Be careful of oil around the tuk tuk as this can get onto your clothes and it never comes off.
- Look out for sharp metal edges when getting on and off the tuk tuk — they can rip your clothes.
- Make sure you know exactly where you are going (try to use Google Maps if you don't).
- Never accept a free tuk tuk ride — it is not really free.
- Designate one person to call over and negotiate with the tuk tuk driver.
- Try to avoid getting tuk tuks in the rain unless you have no other choice.
- Ignore tuk tuk drivers who try to tell you an attraction is closed.
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