Tuk Tuk
Photo by John Wigham (CC BY 2.0)

Tuk Tuk

Fun ride in a motorized rickshaw

Featured in many movies including The Hangover 2, the tuk tuk is one of Bangkok’s most famous icons.

Motorized rickshaw

A tuk tuk is a motorized rickshaw seating two or three passengers. In the early days of Bangkok drivers would pedal their rickshaw across the city, until an engine was fitted on it and the tuk tuk was born.

In Thai also known as “samlor”, meaning “three wheeled”, the tuk tuk got its name from the spluttering sound of the engine.

Fun experience

It’s a fun experience to take a tuk tuk ride. Although not the most comfortable ride, it’s an enjoyable and memorable thing to try at least once.

Good for short trips

The tuk tuks are good for short local trips in the downtown area and the historic old town, like a ride from the Grand Palace to the temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Tuk tuks can navigate their way through the narrow, crowded sois quicker than a taxi. As the tuk tuk is open, it can get sweaty and uncomfortable with the exhaust fumes of cars, buses and motorbikes, especially in traffic jams.

Not for long trips

The tuk tuk is not recommended for a ride on the highway to the airport. With the availability of taxis, BTS Sky Train, MRT subway, river boat and Airport Rail Link, there are plenty of much more comfortable alternatives.

Tuk Tuk fares

A tuk tuk ride is more expensive than a taxi, especially in touristy areas.

Unlike taxis, tuk tuks do not use a meter. The fare depends on the distance, how busy traffic is in the area, time of day and your bargaining skills.

Agree on price and destination before getting in.

Cheap sightseeing tours scheme

When you’re looking for a tuk tuk in touristy areas like areas like around the Grand Palace or Khao San road, you might get offered a sightseeing trip at a very low price. Usually the trip include stops at several temples in the area.

The tours are cheap because the driver will also take you to a gem shop, a tailor or another shop. If you buy something, the tuk tuk driver will receive a commission or a voucher for free gasoline.

If you don’t want the hassle, turn down the offer and look for another tuk tuk.