To tuk tuk or not to tuk tuk

[trent1970]

Hello Everyone,

 

I do not normally post on here, but I have a question on our auto rickshaw friends.

Will a tuk tuk driver take someone from the National Stadium (near MBK) to Central on Chaeng Wattana Rd (in Nonthaburi). In the past I would take the 166 bus from Victory Monument, from which it then utilized the tollroad to get to Central. However, given that tuk tuks are not allowed on the tollroads, would their drivers consider taking me this far on local roads? And what would the cost be on average? (Am hoping to avoid buses or enclosed environs as much as I can).

Am asking because I will finally be able to return back to Bangkok after 2.5 years and hope to try this mode of transportation to visit relatives. But am also hoping to travel safe and smart.

Thanks for any tips or information coming this way.

 

Trent

Edited July 3, 2021 by trent1970
typo

[NCC1701A]

5 minutes ago, trent1970 said:

But am also hoping to travel safe and smart.

not to tuk tuk

 

download the Grab app and see what they want for the ride.

you know what you pay in advance and that is it. 

Edited July 3, 2021 by NCC1701A

[nkg]

To tuk tuk or not to tuk tuk
That is the question
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fares
Or to take a Grab taxi to avoid a sea of troubles

[SnowyWiez]

Worth checking out the ride share apps like Grab or Bolt and compare pricing

[soi3eddie]

Can't beat Bolt for price in my experience. Air conditioned all the way. If you want a death ride thrill in a Tuk Tuk in a sea of fumes then go for it and forget about the price (which would be many times the cost of a Bolt, Grab or Taxi meter). The bus will be cheapest and many are locally "air conditioned" with open windows. A sealed air con bus is still a better option than a Tuk Tuk IMO.

 

[oldcarguy]

thats a very long ride in a TukTuk , 

 

I would take the cheap bus and get a window seat 

[richard_smith237]

7 hours ago, trent1970 said:

But am also hoping to travel safe and smart.

 

A 3 wheeled vehicle in a busy city is not as safe or as smart as a regular GrabCar... 

 

Use GrabCar (not GrabTaxi) and use an FFP3 Mask don’t touch anything in the car, use your sanitiser etc.

Consider the FFP3 mask for at the whole journey if you are that worried. 

 

IF you are so worried about being in a confined environment have all the windows open (good luck getting the driver to do this though !).

 

IF you have been vaccinated already, and if you are 51 (as your user name may suggest) you are not in a high risk group.

 

The media hysteria is in a frenzy, but in reality the risk in Bangkok is quite low considering the locations of the existing outbreaks (factories, Immigrant labourer accommodation, slums).

[richard_smith237]

27 minutes ago, oldcarguy said:

thats a very long ride in a TukTuk , 

 

I would take the cheap bus and get a window seat 

 

Far greater risk with proximity to others of a poorer demographic who live in higher density accommodation. 

 

Using the a non-AC bus; the cheapest form of public transport in BKK is something which should definitely be avoided if Covid-19 is your concern. 

 

It is far far safer using a taxi and having the window open. 

 

 

 

 

 

[trent1970]

Thanks for all of your comments everyone. As I am not too tech-oriented, this is the first time I have heard of grab and bolt. Did some searches and am glad to have found them--I see their equivalents here in the US (uber, lyft).

Sincerely,

 

Trent 

[HarrySeaman]

Things have changed a lot in 25 years.  Now BKK has a good overhead train and subway systems that get you quickly around the city.

 

Here is a map of the BTS Info and Map and MRT routes MRT Info and Map.  Pick up a free paper map of the BTS and MRT routes the first time you use the BTS or MRT.

 

Take the BTS or MRT to the Chatuchak station, get off and take a taxi to Central.  Faster, cleaner, and not unreasonable in price.

 

 

[Nanaplaza666]

To tuk tuk patrol or not to tuk tuk patrol ????

[MrJ2U]

Why don't you get GRAB?

Probably cheaper than a cramped and dangerous TukTuk.

 

There like sardine cans with wheels.

[jomtienisgood]

20 minutes ago, MrJ2U said:

Why don't you get GRAB?

Probably cheaper than a cramped and dangerous TukTuk.

 

There like sardine cans with wheels.

Why would anyone be cramped in a Tuk Tuk ,??

[MrJ2U]

15 minutes ago, jomtienisgood said:

Why would anyone be cramped in a Tuk Tuk ,??

There very small and uncomfortable.   Thats my opinion.  Maybe your a contortionist.  For the same price or cheaper I'd rather travel in an air conditioned sedan.

 

 

[Hanuman2547]

I avoid Tuk-Tuks and never take them.  I use taxis, Grab, Skytrain, and the MRT.

[jomtienisgood]

2 hours ago, MrJ2U said:

There very small and uncomfortable.   Thats my opinion.  Maybe your a contortionist.  For the same price or cheaper I'd rather travel in an air conditioned sedan.

 

 

No need to be contortionist if he travels alone..

[tifino]

the only hassle I can see with a tuk tuk, is the sitting back in the slipstream of the riders cough'n'spit? 

 - legroom is the best!! ????  ????  

[jomtienisgood]

18 minutes ago, tifino said:

the only hassle I can see with a tuk tuk, is the sitting back in the slipstream of the riders cough'n'spit? 

 - legroom is the best!! ????  ????  

Absolutely correct and suits me well since i'm a smoker....

[tifino]

8 minutes ago, jomtienisgood said:

Absolutely correct and suits me well since i'm a smoker....

 unless one is outdone by what else is on the road... 

 

[chuang]

After waiting all these years take a cab..I am sure you have saved enough..

[jomtienisgood]

1 hour ago, tifino said:

 unless one is outdone by what else is on the road... 

 

Free smoke, every smoker's dream. 555555

[brianthainess]

Since I saw a tuk tuk swerve to avoid a car pulling out, NO WAY, it rolled three times, and threw the passenger out.

[SW Happy]

I think they will take you any where if the price is right. A couple of years back in Chaing Mai, we hailed one and kept him for the day, took us to Doi Suthep Temple, San Kamphaeng hot springs, Terminal 21 and a few other shopping stops. Cant remember the exact price but I do remember it was very cheap.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 7/3/2021 at 10:18 PM, trent1970 said:

I ... hope to try this mode of transportation to visit relatives. But am also hoping to travel safe and smart.

Talk about a contradiction in terms!

 

[Liverpool Lou]

On 7/3/2021 at 10:24 PM, NCC1701A said:

you know what you pay in advance and that is it. 

You know what the fare is in advance and that is it with tuk-tuks, also, as long as you ask the driver, of course.

[scubascuba3]

I stopped using tuk tuks years ago because of the pollution and it was a PITA trying to agree a fair price every time, but I used to enjoy riding them for years

[Liverpool Lou]

On 7/3/2021 at 10:18 PM, trent1970 said:

Will a tuk tuk driver take someone from the National Stadium (near MBK) to Central on Chaeng Wattana Rd (in Nonthaburi).  And what would the cost be on average?

Yes, they will.   There are no standard tuk-tuk fares, they are all negotiable, so, unless there's a tuk-tuk driver on here, you'll only find out by asking one on the street.

[Liverpool Lou]

On 7/4/2021 at 6:02 AM, trent1970 said:

Thanks for all of your comments everyone. As I am not too tech-oriented, this is the first time I have heard of grab and bolt. Did some searches and am glad to have found them--I see their equivalents here in the US (uber, lyft).

If that form of transport suits you (you appeared to suggest that it didn't) you can also just get a taxi!