In Chiang Mai, a city of over a million inhabitants, it is very easy to get around.
You can easily rent a car, motorbike or scooter at a very good price but it doesn't stop there.
There are the Songthaew. These are "shared taxis". They wander the streets looking for customers. If there is no one in the cabin, they will take you wherever you want. If there are people... well it is to be discussed according to the destinations already requested. The price is fixed at $1.20.
There are the Tuk-Tuk. These small vehicles, usually very noisy and colorful, are mostly used by tourists who are under the impression that they are in the "people's vehicle", which is very far from the truth. The price starts at $2.40 and increases depending on the distance, the time of day and the services used. The drivers are also tourist guides and offer itineraries.
There are bike tours and... bike rickshaws for those with less calf muscle.
credit: asievacances.com et Co van Kessel Tours & Experiences
There are taxis, with or without meters. The price ranges from $4 to $10 depending on the distance.
There are private luxury minibus tours for longer distances.
There is also Grab, the equivalent of our Uber. These are cars or scooters, driven by individuals, that take you wherever you want at unbeatable prices. Often, people will prefer motorcycles because they can sneak through cars and arrive much faster at their destination when there are traffic jams. On the application, we also have the possibility of choosing a female driver.
There are also, as if that were not enough, small electric scooters placed here and there in the city. You have to have a smart phone to use them.
There are four bus trips ($1.20) on the most popular routes.
credit: chiangmaitraveller.com
With all these possibilities, there is no need for a tram that costs billions.
Finally, there is walking. It is my favorite means of transport because it allows me to discover small alleys, hidden treasures.
Tonight, I discovered a new place. The atmosphere is so pleasant. It is a path along a canal with refreshment stands and snack bars.
At the very end, I sat on one of the bridges overlooking the canal and listened.
Listened to the life that was happening around me.
Listened to the discussions between two friends, the children playing, the musician intoxicating me with his khên, life... that was going on quietly. Really... it was very pleasant. So I took a good time to build my memory. A memory that I hope I will remember for a very long time.
Khên: It is a mouth organ played in Laos and Thailand. It is a very old instrument, with a free reed which brings it closer to harmonicas and accordions.
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