How To Ride Tuk-Tuks in Thailand
The sprawling metropolis that is Bangkok can be quite a myriad of alleys, waterways and roads constantly on the move with massive crowds of people that go about daily. Getting across the city can be quite a daunting task for the unaccustomed. Cars tend to get stuck in traffic often and motorbikes in such gridlocks aren't exactly the safest way to go. Which is where the tuk-tuk comes in. the advantage of riding a tuk-tuk is that they know how to navigate traffic like it isn't there.
Find the Right One
If you are planning to use a tuk-tuk to get about in Bangkok, you need to consider where you are looking for a tuk-tuk and more importantly, who will be driving it. Some kinds of tuk-tuks are better suited to certain kinds of situations. A good example to explain this point is that if you are looking to head off for breakfast, you will find plenty of tuk-tuks willing to take you. However, you will have to spend some time, especially if you are visibly a tourist, that you don't want a tour of the best restaurants in Bangkok or that you want to stop for some sightseeing on the way. It will take you some time to find a driver who is willing to just immediately drop you off at your required destination.
Be Firm on the Destination
Which brings us to the second point of order. It is almost guaranteed that tuk-tuk drivers will try to take you around in circles in Bangkok to show you the sights or to take you to a gem shop as they get little concessions for directing customers to certain establishments. Know your destination beforehand and insist that you be taken there and nowhere else. You can counter this tendency to try to take you on a wild goose chase by having your local resort the likes of Chatrium Hotels & Residences do the hiring for you as the hotels would have contacts with the local tuk-tuk drivers who will take you exactly to where you want to go.
Be Firm on the Prices You Pick
The next point is the price. You should be doing some research on this too before you decide to hail a tuk-tuk in the streets of Bangkok. Some drivers will charge extra just because you are a tourist, they will also try to take the roundabout way of getting to your destination of choice so that they can charge you extra. Know your prices and have your Maps app on so you know if they are taking the wrong road. Also, confirm the prices with them before you get into the tuk-tuk and come to a settlement. Don't agree if they offer to quote the price after the trip is completed. This too is a problem that can be solved if you get your local hotel or accommodation to hire a tuk-tuk for you.
Enjoy the Trip While Keeping These Things in Mind
Tuk-tuks are very popular and number in the thousands in Bangkok, but you'd be hard-pressed to find them in other Thai cities, so make the most of them while you can if you have always been interested in riding one. They are great for short distances but can get quite uncomfortable on long-distance trips so keep that in mind. Make sure that while inside a tuk-tuk, you keep your valuables and bags close to your person and secure so no one can reach in and steal them as there are no obstructions on either side.
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