Chiang Mai Songthaews

In the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai, one of the most recognisable and practical forms of local transport is the songthaew. The name literally means “two rows” in Thai, referring to the pair of bench seats fitted in the back of a converted pickup truck.

These shared taxis are an essential part of daily life, carrying locals, students, monks, and tourists across the city and into the surrounding countryside.

Chiang Mai Songthaews, Red Truck Routes, Map, Prices, Airport

Instead of following a strict timetable, they roam popular areas, picking up passengers heading in the same direction. You simply flag one down, tell the driver your destination, agree on a fare, and hop in the back. If the driver is going your way, you are on board within seconds.

While red is the most common colour in central Chiang Mai, different colours can indicate routes or destinations in other parts of northern Thailand. In and around Chiang Mai, however, the red fleet dominates, especially between the Old City, Nimmanhaemin Road, the Night Bazaar, and the airport. They are also commonly used for trips up to Doi Suthep and other attractions outside the city centre.

One of the main advantages of songthaews is affordability. Fares within the city are usually cheaper than those of private taxis or ride-share services. Because they are shared, you may stop to pick up or drop off other passengers along the way. This communal style of transport gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Chiang Mai, making the journey part of the experience rather than just a way to get from A to B.

For travellers, songthaews offer flexibility. There are no designated bus stops, so you can often be picked up almost anywhere along the road. To signal a driver, simply raise your hand as the vehicle approaches. When you want to get off, press the cabin buzzer, and the driver will pull over at a safe spot.

Although they may look informal, songthaews are deeply embedded in Chiang Mai’s transport system. They bridge the gap between public buses and private taxis, providing a convenient, low-cost option that suits both short city trips and longer journeys into the hills.

For many visitors, riding in the back of a red songthaew, with warm air drifting through the open sides and the buzz of the city all around, becomes one of the most memorable parts of exploring Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Songthaew Routes (Other Colors)

In Chiang Mai, songthaews are color-coded. Each colour usually indicates the direction or main destination outside the city, while the red ones mainly circulate inside the city.

Below is a breakdown of the main colours, routes, and typical destinations.

Red Songthaew (Rot Daeng)
Route type: No fixed route, operates throughout the city
Where they travel:

• Anywhere within central Chiang Mai
• Old City (Tha Phae Gate, temples, markets)
• Nimmanhaemin area
• Chiang Mai University
• Night Bazaar and Warorot Market
• Airport, train station, and bus stations

Description:
The most common songthaew in Chiang Mai. Operates like a shared taxi, picking up multiple passengers heading in roughly the same direction.

You simply tell the driver your destination, and they decide if it fits their route.

Yellow Songthaew
Route direction: Multiple routes to the outer districts of Chiang Mai
Typical routes:

• Chiang Mai → Chom Thong (Chang Phueak Bus Terminal)
• Chiang Mai → Wiang Kalong → Wiang Pa Pao (Chang Phueak Bus Terminal)
• Chiang Mai → Mae Rim (Chang Phueak Bus Terminal)
• Chiang Mai → Doi Saket (Warorot Market)
• Chiang Mai → Mae Wang (Opposite Chiang Mai Gate Market)
• Chiang Mai → San Pa Tong (Opposite Chiang Mai Gate Market)

Where they depart from:

• Chang Phuak Bus Terminal (North Gate), for Chom Thong, Wiang Kalong / Wiang Pa Pao, and Mae Rim
• Warorot Market, for Doi Saket
• Opposite Chiang Mai Gate Market, for Mae Wang and San Pa Tong

Description:
Used for trips to towns and attractions outside the city, including Mae Rim, Chom Thong, Mae Wang, San Pa Tong, and Doi Saket.

White Songthaew
Route direction: North and east of Chiang Mai
Typical routes:

• Chiang Mai → Mae Taeng
• Chiang Mai → Doi Saket
• Chiang Mai → San Kam Phaeng

Where they depart from:

• Chang Phuak Bus Terminal, for Mae Taeng
• Warorot Market, for Doi Saket and San Kam Phaeng

Description:
Commonly used for trips to Mae Taeng, Doi Saket, and San Kamphaeng, including craft villages and hot springs east of the city.

Blue Songthaew
Route direction: South of Chiang Mai
Typical routes: Chiang Mai → Lamphun
Where they depart from: Warorot Market
Description: Connects Chiang Mai with Lamphun Province, a historic town known for its temples and traditional northern Thai culture.

Green Songthaew
Route direction: Northeast of Chiang Mai
Typical routes: Chiang Mai → Mae Jo
Where they depart from: Warorot Market
Description: Serves the Mae Jo district and Maejo University area, along with surrounding agricultural towns.

Orange Songthaew
Route direction: Far north of Chiang Mai
Typical routes: Chiang Mai → Fang District
Where they depart from: Chang Phuak Bus Terminal
Description: Used for longer journeys toward northern Chiang Mai province and the mountainous areas near the Chiang Rai border.

Typical Departure Points in Chiang Mai
Many inter-district songthaews start from a few key locations:

• Chang Phuak Bus Terminal (North Gate / Bus Terminal 1) – main hub for coloured routes
• Warorot Market area – several suburban routes
• Chiang Mai Gate Market – some southern routes

We have created a map in the image gallery below that shows the different songthaew colours and their routes relative to Chiang Mai.

Tips and Advice for Using Songthaews in Chiang Mai

Using a songthaew in Chiang Mai is simple once you understand how they operate. These shared red trucks are flexible and affordable, but a few practical tips will help you avoid confusion and overpaying.

• Agree on the Fare First
  Always confirm the price before getting in. Tell the driver your destination and ask, “How much?” Short trips around the Old City and nearby areas are usually inexpensive, while longer trips, such as to Doi Suthep, are more expensive. If the fare seems high, it is acceptable to politely negotiate or wait for another vehicle.
• Be Clear About Your Destination
  Have the name of your hotel, temple, or attraction written down, ideally in Thai. Many drivers understand basic English, but showing a map on your phone or a Thai address can help avoid misunderstandings. This is especially helpful for smaller guesthouses or side streets.
• Expect Shared Rides
  Songthaews operate as shared taxis, so the driver may pick up other passengers along the way. This can slightly extend your journey time. If you want a private ride, clarify that upfront and expect to pay more.
• Know When to Use Them
  Songthaews are ideal for short- to medium-distance trips within the city, including trips between the Old City, Nimmanhaemin, the Night Bazaar, and the airport. For very short trips, walking may be easier. For late-night travel, ride-share apps can sometimes be more convenient.
• Have Small Change Ready
  Drivers may not always have large amounts of change. Carry small notes and coins to make payment smoother and quicker.
• Use the Buzzer to Get Off
  When you are near your destination, press the cabin buzzer. The driver will pull over when it is safe to do so. Pay the driver directly as you exit.
• Travel Comfortably
  The back is open air, so expect heat during the day and cooler temperatures in the evening. Sit toward the middle for a smoother ride, as the rear can be bumpier on uneven roads.
• Be Mindful of Traffic
  Chiang Mai traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Allow extra time if you are heading to the airport or to a tour departure point.

With a little confidence and awareness, songthaews are among the easiest and most authentic ways to get around Chiang Mai.