How to Ride Tuk-Tuks in Bangkok – Important things to know


Tuk-Tuks | Image by Ryan Tang on Unsplash
Riding a tuk-tuk in Bangkok is a unique and fun experience. Tuk-tuks are a quintessential feature of the Thai capital. The city is a sprawling metropolis with cultural attractions, historical attractions, markets, and shopping malls. Navigating the city can be a challenge for a first-time visitor but hiring a tuk-tuk can make things easier. And here’s how you can ride a tuk-tuk in Bangkok.

Find the right one

To find the right tuk-tuk in Bangkok, you can look for one on the street near popular tourist attractions and busy areas. Tuk-tuks are usually easy to spot because of their distinctive open-air design. You can also ask the hotel staff or locals for recommendations on where to find a good tuk-tuk. Once you've found a tuk-tuk, be sure to negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in. It's also a good idea to agree on the destination and route before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.
If you are considering co-living in Sukhumvit and planning to stay at a place like lyf Sukhumvit 8 Bangkok, you should be able to find a tuk-tuk quite easily.

Negotiate a price

When it comes to riding tuk-tuks in Bangkok, this is one of the toughest things you have to do. Tuk-tuk riders in Bangkok are notorious for ripping off tourists, so you need to be very careful when negotiating prices. The driver will try to quote a rate higher than the usual rate, so it would be best if you could get an idea as to the going rates of tuk-tuks.
Be sure to be firm in your voice. If they suggest something you don’t like, be sure to say no and never waver. Some tuk-tuk drivers will suggest going to gem shops and other tourist places that guarantee them a commission, so you will need to put your foot down and say no. It would also help if you knew where you want to go and what your distance is; talking to the hotel staff would help.

Be prepared for some discomfort

While tuk-tuks are a great way to get around in Bangkok, they don’t make for a comfortable ride. These are open-air vehicles, and you will be travelling around in the characteristic Bangkok heat. The dust and the heat make things really uncomfortable, and the noise makes things worse. This is why you shouldn’t pay above the usual rates for tuk-tuks.
Also, make sure you have your sunglasses and your sunhat. Your sun lotion is a must too.

Enjoy the trip

Tuk-tuks are a great mode of transportation, and they are cheap too. But they are not available in every Thai city; Bangkok seems to be the only place where you can easily find a tuk-tuk. So, you should enjoy tuk-tuk rides while you are in Bangkok.
Keep in mind that it’s going to be an uncomfortable journey, but its open-air design is going to provide you with the opportunity to sightsee and take photos of famous sites in the city. Also, make sure to keep your bags on your lap and away from the open area of the tuk-tuk; bag snatching is prevalent.
Are tuk-tuks the best way to travel around the city? This is a question asked by many tourists, and the answer is no. They are certainly better than motorbike taxis, but they are not better than regular taxis. What you need to remember is that tuk-tuks are great if it’s a short distance, but if it’s a long distance, you probably should opt for a regular taxi or get your hotel to arrange transport for you. You should also be careful when interacting with the driver; don’t be too friendly and if he makes you uncomfortable in any way, ask him to stop the vehicle and get out of the vehicle immediately.