Useful advice on driving in Chiang Mai

Posted by admin on January 7th, 2008 filed in tourist tips, Locals, Day trips, Living here

After failing twice I passed the test for my driving licence in the Netherlands. That was 20 years ago and since I have driven many different types of cars. However, driving along the European roads is a total different experience compared with joining motorised traffic in Chiang Mai!

I was never involved in serious accidents and considered myself being a skilled driver. The first thing I’d arranged when I visited Chiang Mai for the first time, was hiring a car. Exploring this beautiful city and the surrounding mountainous areas by car, I assumed, would be a great adventure. OK, probably I had to get used driving on the left side of the road but that would probably only take 30 minutes. Well, let me tell you, I was totally wrong! The first week driving here seemed to be a very hazardous mission and I recommend you first try getting some helpful advice from somebody who’s familiar with driving in Thailand. 

I live in Chiang Mai since April 2001 and because of my negative driving experience before, I decided it was safer to get around by motorcycle. However, annoyed by getting soaked to the bone numerous times, while driving my motorbike during the rain season made me change my mind and I purchased a second-hand pick-up truck in 2005. During the last two years I frequently drove my car across the hectic downtown area and along tricky steep roads in the mountains. So I don’t brag by saying that by now I’ve become an experienced driver, who would like to give you the following tips, which might be helpful in case you have future driving plans. OK! Here we go…

Traffic signals here mainly have a decorating purpose. They are totally useless as nobody obeys the signs and probably the majority of the drivers do not know what the signs are for. The first 10 seconds after a traffic light has changed to red, there are always four or five cars, which at high speeds pass the red light. You should be aware that a just turned green light at an intersection does not mean it is safe to cross the road. Always wait until the first car really stops for the red light!  It is very normal for drivers to unexpectedly, and against the traffic flow, to turn their vehicle.  

I still haven’t figured out the function of the lines on the road. Nobody gives a damn about them! There are chauffeurs driving on, or on the side of the white lines, but I hardly ever noticed a vehicle driving between them. What causes this is that the road’s left side is used by motorcycles so other vehicles move over assuming that using their route will be faster and less crowded. Also the city’s enormous fleet of converted into taxis, red pick-up trucks usually create chaotic traffic situations as they often suddenly switch from the rapid lane to the centre of the two lanes trying to collect more customers. After all, Chiang Mai taxi drivers have to face a harsh competition. The usually reckless drivers of the polluting and extreme noisy tuk-tuks use similar tactics.     

While joining traffic be aware of the tormenting slow moving samlors (three-wheeled cycle). These bicycle taxis are mostly operated by older slim men who have earned their income this way for centuries. Half a century ago this means of transport was probably efficient and fashionable. However, today the remaining three-wheeled bicycle taxis are daily responsible for causing the most dangerous situations on main roads crowded with fast motorbikes and cars. If you observe a few of these samlor cyclists for a while, you come to the conclusion that these people must be suicidal!

Street vendors using their mobile carts, while ‘speeding’ at 2 mph down the middle of a main road are seriously disturbing as well. Neglected dogs often use the road as a cool spot to have a nap on. These animals totally ignore all the traffic and after having used your claxon for several times, they might be willing to slowly clear the road. As soon as you’ve passed they’ll occupy their favourite spot on the road again.

Keeping a safe distance between fast driving cars is another skill, which according to Thai drivers not seems to be necessary. Always expect someone continuously tailgating your car!

Behaviour in Thai society is heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings of being harmonious, respectful, kind and avoiding conflict. Thais will usually never show their true emotions and the famous smile is often being used to hide feelings of anger, jealousy and disappointment. The deeply into Thai society rooted encouragement of not showing your real emotions might explain why many Thai drivers, separated from society by the construction of their car, free from their social environment’s  pressure, let themselves go and suddenly become reckless and extremely intolerant kamikaze drivers. Still interested in driving here? Here’s some useful advice on how to get a Thai Drivers Licence in Chiang Mai. 

 Transportation in Chiang Mai