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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Very great experience our driver D was…
Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More
Rylan Coache, Feb 2024
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Excellent guide in Siem Reap
Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More
Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024
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Asia Highlights trip to Thailand
Our first tour guide in Bangkok, Marie, was great to tour around with. She was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. Our next stop in Chang Mai we were greeted by our new tour guide, Rafael. He too was extremely friendly and knowledgeable and spoke wonderful English. He made it feel as if we were traveling around with a long time friend. Every time we arrived at a new destination, we were greeted at the airport by someone with a sign with our name making our travels easy. I would definitely recommend Asia Highlights to anyone looking for a well planned trip of a lifetime! More
Tricia, Feb 2024
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Amazing Thailand experience
The tour guides were all knowledgeable and accommodating, especially Mayuree in Bangkok- absolutely wonderful. We felt taken care of and every step of the way was catered to our needs. More
Ashley White, Feb 2024
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Private tour perfect for our times
Asia highlights organized a private tour with our requests. Everything was perfect ?? the driver Tom and the guide Ying were always on time with a smile in their face. Always willing to help and make our trip perfect. Bangkok is a very hot city so we minimized the time outside. The driver always had cold towels for us in the van and cold beverages. More
Virginia, Feb 2024
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Thailand
We loved Chiang Mai and Susie did a great job showing us several temples, taking many pictures of us with the elephants at the sanctuary (a definite highlight of the entire trip!), and making sure we were well fed, which became a running joke between us.We had a very relaxing few days in Phuket enjoying the beautiful beaches. Kai was great, answering all of our questions and giving us a nice tour of the old town. The all-day speedboat tour of the Phi Phi islands started off a little shaky as the sea was quite rough so if you’re at all uncomfortable bouncing around in a speedboat, you might want to skip that tour. Things did calm down as the day went on and some of the areas they took us to for swimming, snorkeling, etc were really beautiful. A couple of the islands were too crowded with people. More
Andrea Roberts, Feb 2024
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What a Wonderful Trip
What a Wonderful Trip! We booked with Sharon and our trip was great - guides were waiting for us at each stop, and they were all very nice and helpful. I cannot stress how amazing the guides were - they made the trip. More
Rachel, Feb 2024
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Ask for Victor!
If you are traveling to Bangkhok you need to request Victor. He made our trip amazing! My family completed bucket list items with his guidance. He knew exactly how to get us places, kept us on time, made us feel safe, educated us on history, spoke excellent English and was genuinely a nice man! Everyone we encountered was awesome- but Victor is the reason for my 5 star review! More
Sandy, Jan 2024
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Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a…
Thank you Alisa for helping us plan a wonderful trip to Thailand. We had a great time. The tour guides were wonderful as were the hotels you booked for us. We will definitely contact you to plan our next trip More
Carol Yeung, Jan 2024
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Ying was the best
Ying was the best. She was really knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Ying for wonderful experience in Thailand! More
Sylvester Yeung, Jan 2024
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Very well organized
Very well organized. Our tour guide, Ying, was amazing! She had full knowledge of every location we visited and made sure our itinerary was fulfilled as expected. She was extremely helpful for our airport experiences, and made sure we arrived at an appropriate time. More
David M. Kang, Jan 2024
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Family trip to Thailand
We were lucky to be greeted by Marie and her driver.In Marie, we have made a friend for life. She is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about her home country. From the vast number of temples to safely traversing Chinatown.She helped give us tips on our free days, locate left behind lost clothing and arrange for pickup. She even helped check us in for our flight to Chiang Mai.She prepared us ahead of time for every event we had scheduled and bonded with our kids, 3x 13 year olds. More
Justin Levenbrook, Jan 2024
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Thailand with and amazing tour guide Ying
I highly recommend Ying as a tour guide in Thailand. Her expertise in Thai culture, combined with her passion for food and genuine love for her country, made the tour an exceptional experience. If you're looking for a guide who will not only show you the sights but also immerse you in the local culture and help you discover delicious Thai cuisine, Ying is the perfect choice. More
Diana Irizarry, Jan 2024
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Asia Highlights Thailand trip
Asia Highlights provided us with a great travel trip. They made it very easy to navigate through Thailand with everything going very smoothly. From the easy transportation to the great day itinerary everything was awesome. Will definitely look to use this agency again in the future. More
Taylor Jones, Jan 2024
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Perfect 2 WK Thailand Trip for a Solo Female Traveler
Bank was our guide in Bangkok and he showed us around the city with ease and we were able to see and try things I never would have planned on my own. After Bangkok, our small group flew to Chiang Mai for Yi Peng lantern festival and that was a breathtaking experience that I will never forget! Pop was our guide in this city and she was knowledgeable, kind and caring which made our experience even more memorable. More
Tia, Dec 2023
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We recently have just returned from Thailand
We recently have just returned one from a 5 week trip to Thailand through Asia Highlights. We had a wonderful time and Asia Highlights went beyond our expectations. They truly tried their best to make sure everything went smoothly and we were taken care of! Everyone was amazing and we would definitely use them in the future!! Many thanks to everyone that helped to make this an incredible once in a lifetime experience!! More
Karen Rocque, Dec 2023
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Indochina Experience
On our 5th day of our trip with Asiahighlights. We felt well taken care of before and it hasn’t changed since we started from Bangkok to Hanoi (guide Kim was verrry knowledgeable!) to Halong Bay (spectacular scenery) to Hoi An (guide Nhieu Tran, giving great local (shopping) tips and insights). More
Stefan Eisenhut, Dec 2023
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Accommodations by Asia highlights have
Accommodations by Asia highlights have been terrific so far. The Khmer Residence in Siem Reap as well as Eastin Grand hotel in Bangkok. Both had excellent pools and breakfasts.Tours in Siem Reap were particularly well given with an amazing mix of culture, history and humor throughout (Mr Poly). Tours in Bangkok by Mr Banks were informative and well organized with samples of Thai fruit and treats throughout. More
Chris Williams, Nov 2023
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Seeing Bangkok with ease
In Bangkok, our tour guide, Ying, was wonderful. She navigated all the sights with ease, gave us interesting tidbits on Thai culture and history, helped us pick the right food at all the restaurants, and was just a pleasure to be around. We had a great time, and it was so nice to not have to worry about any of the details. More
Diane Elkins, Nov 2023
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Thailand- October 2023!
The team in Thailand was also great. Shout out to our tour guides (Monchai in Bangkok, Indy in Chang Mai and Sonia in Phuket) they were the best!! It was 6 of us and they make us all feel right at home! Kudos! More
Mori P, Nov 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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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)
moreFrom the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.
moreThe tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history
moreWe made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreOther highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,
moreOur day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.
moreWe had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.
moreWe traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.
moreWe visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.
moreAmazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!
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