Songthaew Anybody?.....a Tourist Reality Guide

[eyecatcher]

A useful article I just read today, how to attract a Songthaew.

1. hold your arm out and wave a palm down hand at the taxi as soon as you can see it.

2.when it stops, lean in the passenger window door and tell the driver (slowly) where you want to go.

3. if drivers says “no” it means they are going in other direction. Never mind theres another one coming.

4. if driver says “yes” ifx a price with him before getting in. the fare is generally 20bt bit it can be flexible depending har far your destination is or if other passengers headed there also.

5. sit down and enjoy the ride, push the buzzer when you want to get off, then pay the driver

Ok, that’s fine……………..

But what's the reality of getting to your destination?

So the songthaew (I remember this as “2 bench”) acknowledged your pathetic “wave” and he is parked up 10m down the road, in a wake of 2 Chinese cyclists run into the gutter, one farang on rot motor-sai giving the driver the bird and a Thai driver screeching to avoid them all…just smiling.

You approach the passenger window and ask if he is going to the bus station. He nods, you’re in luck, then he says 50bt, you nod…..and accept to line his pockets by more than twice the going rate.

On you get, almost….its crowded, but what the hell, sitting on someone elses lap is a great way to meet people. You throw your bag on the floor, the roof is already laden with 4 back packs belonging to the young travellers whose life depends on them staying put up there. If you are taller/heavier than average then this is going to be the ride of your life!

Grab on to something quick otherwise you will be out the back as quick as you got on.

You may see a non opening window in the back of the cab; useful for miming emergency information to the driver; like “ hey driver a durian just rolled out the back at the last intersection”

You know its going to be a long trip, and you know you will be the last to get off because Noy wants to go to her house two minutes east of the moat, Boonmee and Lek want to go to the airport, five minutes southwest.

Roger wants to go to Kad San Kaew 4^th floor hmm?

Somchai, with the bag of durian creating the stink in the vehicle, wants to go to Warorot Road Market to get one to replace the one that rolled out. But remember first on is assured of paying a premium, so crowded is best.

Ok so its time to get off, above your head will be 2 metal rails, essentially to hold onto when its crowded and you have to stand; but don’t pull too hard otherwise the roof will cave in. On the rail there are 2 button buzzers, one press will instinctively cause the driver to make an emergency stop, so beware……no need to play "Htlr only has one ball"…,,,

..and the cycle begins again, but this time the 2 chinese cyclists now accustomed to being driven into the gutter take remedial action and swing right……….into a speeding samlor.. Yes the farang is involved yet again <deleted> and blinding at the songthaew driver., and the tuk tuk man just laughing “jai yen yen”

You go to the front pay over your excessively high fare and say “khop khun krap”

This is simply how it is, but for 20bt it beats flight of the gibbon surely.? Or maybe you disagree?

[BookMan]

Do you advise all Songthaew passengers to carry Durian?

[JeffreyMcCollum]

Love sitting in the back of a hot truck smelling diesel smoke when I could be in a cool taxi for the same or less

[hellodolly]

I wonder if he is as unknowledgeable about his business as he is Songthaewos.

He even got the procedure wrong.#4 You never ask a price if he says yes you just get in and pay the 20 baht when you get out. If the driver says a price before you get in then you dicker otherwise shut up and get in or wait foor the next one.

Can hardly wait for the posters who think it is a mafia. They to are always good for a laugh.

Gotta admit he might have a chance at writing comedy.

[hellodolly]

Love sitting in the back of a hot truck smelling diesel smoke when I could be in a cool taxi for the same or less

Care to share the phone number of this 20 baht taxi.

[banjo284]

Hey you gotta live! Taxi Blaaahh.

[MESmith]

Love sitting in the back of a hot truck smelling diesel smoke when I could be in a cool taxi for the same or less

Care to share the phone number of this 20 baht taxi.

I imagine Jeffrey's referring to folk who charter a songtell rather than an AC taxi, not those that hop in the back of a communal songtell.

[Oscar2]

rode one the other day. first time in about 5 years. what a miserable experience. kid sitting next to me was picking his zits. will probably be another 5 years before i have the pleasure of doing that again.

[lizardtongue]

My tactics are a little different;

(1) Stop songthaew but try to be selective, younger guy with designer shades and tons of gold are to be ignored, better off with an older person preferably a female or a couple.

(2) Tell the driver where you want to go, do not hesitate this will give driver a chance to ask one of the following, "How many people" "How much you give me" "Oooooo, Hummmm" if he manages to ask forget it! And move on to next songthaew.

(3) Get in/on enjoy the ride, once at destination give the buzzer a firm press always be prepared for it not working in which case a few hard slaps on the seat will get their attention.

(4) Now the tricky part, exit the songthaew making sure you have your 20 Bt ready, walk to window giving a big smile (after all it is the land of smiles) with a "khop khun krap" hand the 20 Bt to driver immediately turning and walk briskly away.

If possible do not travel at school break/closing times this will often result being driven to your destination via Beijing and will take anything up to 45 minutes. If traveling back into town from either the train or bus station it is prudent to walk a few hundred yards away, more often than not a partly loaded songthaew will stop and offer his service, you simply implement point 2.

[hellodolly]

Love sitting in the back of a hot truck smelling diesel smoke when I could be in a cool taxi for the same or less

Care to share the phone number of this 20 baht taxi.

I imagine Jeffrey's referring to folk who charter a songtell rather than an AC taxi, not those that hop in the back of a communal songtell.

No those would cost you more than 20 baht. I have never done it but I am told you can hire one to take you someplace with out any other stops but I think unless it was just a short distance it would cost you more than 20 baht.

Maybe Jeffery would be nice enough to post a phone number for this marvelous service. I just told a friend we will come for x mass diner and don't know where he lives now. So I told the wife to handle it. She will call the friends wife and get the directions and then arrange a ride to and from the affair.

As soon as Jeffery comes up with this 20 baht ride we will book it. They are some where out on the inner ring road and we are close to the old city.

[NancyL]

I ride songthaews every day, sometimes many times a day and I must say that Eyecatcher's OP is mostly "right on". I'd agree with Hellodolly that you should state your location and then hustle into the back of the truck and not ask the price. If 5 or 6 songthaew drivers just shake their heads and say "mai pai", then I demonstrate my Thai language skills by quoting something like "si sip baht" the four fingers I hold up may enhance communication.

As one of my Ladies Lunch friends said "she didn't think she'd spent her Golden Years riding around in the back of a pick-up truck", but that's what many of us are doing. Songthaews are just one of many reasons why Chiang Mai is so good for older retired expat ladies.

[jacktrip]

have not been overcharged by a songthaew ever. in contrast to tuk-tuk that overcharges every time.

[rene123]

When you've spent time in other parts of the world, the little red trucks are pretty good and fairly cheap. Every day can be an interesting experience if you are willing to open your eyes and live a little. Now, following one of them on your scooter when you can't get past is another story altogether.

[Ulysses G.]

Gotta admit he might have a chance at writing comedy.

That is what I was thinking. An amusing OP, but divorced from my reality. I ride songthaews often and I never ask the price and I hardly ever have to stop more than once or twice on a direct route to where I am going. Of course, if you are going somewhere out of the way, it gets more complicated and more expensive, but normally not enough to matter.

Edited November 21, 2012 by Ulysses G.

[amexpat]

have not been overcharged by a songthaew ever. in contrast to tuk-tuk that overcharges every time.

If you must use a tuk tuk, try to have the correct change. Because, despite the wad of bills in his pocket he just can't find 40 or 50 baht.

Happens often. Of course it's no problem for folks who like to tip 50 - 100%.

[hellodolly]

Gotta admit he might have a chance at writing comedy.

That is what I was thinking. An amusing OP, but divorced from my reality. I ride songthaews often and I never ask the price and I hardly ever have to stop more than once or twice on a direct route to where I am going. Of course, if you are going somewhere out of the way, it gets more complicated and more expensive, but normally not enough to matter.

Every once in a while I get a songtaoe who gives me a ride around the city dropping off other riders. I don't mind that much and would enjoy it if he would have me sit up front so I could see the city better. For the most part they go pretty direct to where I am going. I think it depends on the time of day as to how many passengers and different destinations they have or go to. Also where you are going I ride from Kat San Gow to the night bazaar for 20 baht. Have never been asked for more. I think one thing that helps is as soon as you talk to them the first thing you say is Sawasdecup (Cant spell Thai worth a hoot) Then tell them your destination. If they say 40 baht I often say yisip baht and half the time they say OK. Some of the time they shake their head and I get the next one or some of the time I agree and get in.

Can't hardly wait for Jeffrey's phone number for a 20 baht cab. That for sure would beat being behind a diesel burning vehicle on a motorbike.

I am beginning to think he made it up.

Edited November 22, 2012 by hellodolly

[Traxster]

I never have any problems at all.......

I'm wondering which city/town you people live in ???

[hellodolly]

I never have any problems at all.......

I'm wondering which city/town you people live in ???

I rarely have a problem but then again I live in Chiang Mai.

[DowntownAl]

สองแถว- songthaew: some claim it translates directly to “two rows” - sŏng tăe: literal translation means “two area/zone” which relates nicely to “two rows". Still looking for a translation for Songtell

Just saying.

[eyecatcher]

I wonder if he is as unknowledgeable about his business as he is Songthaewos.

He even got the procedure wrong.#4

Gotta admit he might have a chance at writing comedy.

The recommended procedure was my precis; which came direct from this months guidelines.

and if you didnt realise; my life on TV has been one joke after another because i often have nothing relevant to say but i try to entertain and bring smiles to an often dour forum.

[eyecatcher]

translation for Songtell

The Songtell is gone it seems..HD not mentioned it once...............

......however guys, lets says these 2 are improvements Songthaewos. and songtaoe

Just when Songtell became part of out thai vocabulary; he creates something new.

[hellodolly]

I wonder if he is as unknowledgeable about his business as he is Songthaewos.

He even got the procedure wrong.#4

Gotta admit he might have a chance at writing comedy.

The recommended procedure was my precis; which came direct from this months guidelines.

and if you didnt realise; my life on TV has been one joke after another because i often have nothing relevant to say but i try to entertain and bring smiles to an often dour forum.

I believe I covered that. also read all your posts on minimum wage.

As for from this months guidelines.

That is a joke to those of us who live hear and know better but some tourist might look at it and think they change the guide lines every month.

[Rancid]

They are fine for short term stays, better to get a motorbike if long term. Many years ago during a long stay in Pattaya I became so p*ssed off at the blue versions overcharging and stealing change that I just walked everywhere and considerable distances. Found in CM if you speak Thai there really are no major dramas but a bike is still easier to get around.

[TommoPhysicist]

translation for Songtell

The Songtell is gone it seems..HD not mentioned it once...............

......however guys, lets says these 2 are improvements Songthaewos. and songtaoe

Just when Songtell became part of out thai vocabulary; he creates something new.

Songtell(w) would be 'two bisexuals'

Edited November 22, 2012 by TommoPhysicist

[hellodolly]

translation for Songtell

The Songtell is gone it seems..HD not mentioned it once...............

......however guys, lets says these 2 are improvements Songthaewos. and songtaoe

Just when Songtell became part of out thai vocabulary; he creates something new.

Songtell(w) would be 'two bisexuals'

Sorry about not saying songtell I am under cover hiding from the spelling police. I did not want to raise up their vary rightisnous indignation. Truth is I never could catch on to the secret of spelling. There are times when no matter how many ways I try I can not get my spell checker to find the right spelling,

Now I see that I have some suport maybe I will come out of hiding. Not bad only two words mispelled now three. I will let the spelling police find them. with your suport and continuis suport I may be able to come out from under cover. O my goodness gracious now there is six of them.

[NancyL]

Speaking a bit of Thai does seem to earn you "extra credit" with the songthaew drivers. Actually, you don't need to speak Thai -- most of my friends know how to tell a song thaew driver where they live.

But, I sometimes speak a bit more than just "pai Kad Suan Kaew, na ka" and that usually earns me a place in the front seat. Being an older lady with grey hair may help, too, although I think I still look fully capable of climbing into the back of a pick-up truck.

It seems that some of the drivers, especially the older ones are merely bored and want to try to have a conversation with someone different. The questions they ask in Thai are the same ones you're asked by English-speaking Thai people when they first meet you. "Where are you from" "How long do you stay in Chiang Mai" "How old are you" "Are you married?" "How old are your children" "Where do you live in Chiang Mai' I've just given up trying to explain that in my culture you don't ask a woman my age her age and they don't understand when I try to make it into a joke "au-ye yee-sip gaew pee talot weela" (29 years old forever).

So a bit of Thai language ability (and the grey hair, probably) does earn me some nice aircon rides in the front of a songtell.

[Mapguy]

Neve mind the amusing advice about taking a songtao. Just remember to take a shower and brush your teeth yourself before getting on board !! Durian is really a no-no anywhere except in the secluded privacy of your own home (or in a field) !! Songtaos? Hike up your drawers and go for it!

Here's some more cheap counsel, anyway. Twenty baht is the common expected fare per person within the Superhighway. Otherwise, if you are worried about another 10-20 baht, you best walk!! Don't try to use a map!!! Get someone to write down your usual destinations in Thai to show the driver, at least! Even learn to pronounce them !!!!!!!!!!! Learn how to read a map yourself, but absolutely don't expect to use a map effectively with the mass of drivers! It is not their strength nor do they have the time or interest to share your interest in maps of Chiang Mai. Otherwise, they have a dependable local GPS system built in! They, after all, know where they are. You don't !!

To help yourself further, get an Thai-English (or just Thai) map! There are some. Go to a bookstore! Go to UG's place. He probably has some. Come to think of it, no doubt UG would be willing to help you personally! Maybe he can even make a baht by creating an aide for expats with popular destinations (except soapy massage parlors, of course !!) Oh, don;t forget to ask him where the "dirty books" room is in back. He even has D.H. Lawrence !!!!

For traveling beyond the Superhighway, I found this wonderful gift to TV Chiang Mai: http://www.openchian...283.html . It is a beaut!

Happy peregrinations!!!

Edited November 22, 2012 by Mapguy

[Ulysses G.]

So a bit of Thai language ability (and the grey hair, probably) does earn me some nice aircon rides in the front of a songtell.

I hate to be an old grump, but I pretend not to understand when they ask me to sit in the front and immediately go sit in the back. 10 minutes of the driver trying to make inane conversation in English or Thai - on top of the 20 baht fee - is just too much to pay.

[eyecatcher]

So a bit of Thai language ability (and the grey hair, probably) does earn me some nice aircon rides in the front of a songtell.

Even if you are carrying durian?

[Tywais]

I hate to be an old grump, but I pretend not to understand when they ask me to sit in the front and immediately go sit in the back. 10 minutes of the driver trying to make inane conversation in English or Thai - on top of the 20 baht fee - is just too much to pay.

I would say half the time I elect to sit in the front especially on long distances. I just plop myself in the front seat and never a problem. You can get into some pretty interesting and informative conversations when talking with some of the 'masses'. One time I had to go to the US Consulate from CMU and offered an amount to take me non-stop (no pickups on the way). The driver looked just like Carabao with bandana, beard and all. Fascinating to listen to his thoughts and insights to the police, the government, the 'shirts' etc. He wasn't shy about discussing the mess and I learned a bit more about the fundamental Thai and their feeling. Yes, a bit one sided but balanced with discussions with others.

So I would say you are missing out if not trying it. Of course some don't say a single word, some complain about the traffic, weather etc, but still can be an interesting learning experience even then.