Many tourists who are going to rest in Thailand, would like to know what "tuktuk" is?
Despite the intriguing sounding name, the tuk-tuk in Thailand is a ubiquitous mode of transport, a cross between a moped and a car. Tuk-tuk performs a taxi function in Thailand, and is mainly used to transport passengers, but in some cases it can be used for carrying not very heavy loads. In essence, tuk-tuk is an example of the improvement of the old type of Asian transport - rickshaw, the draft force in which was a man.
What does the tuk-tuk look like?
Tuk-tuk is similar to a small three-wheeled pickup truck with a roof awning above the body and two benches for passengers. Mounted tuk-tuk from scooters are often already in use. The characteristic sound of the motor reminds the Thai of the combination of "tuk-tuk", and it served as the name for the vehicle. Although in local dialects the tuk-tuk is called otherwise, for example in Pattaya its name is "singteo". All mototaxes on the same route usually have the same color and design.
Due to good maneuverability, the harsh taxi moves without difficulty in the streets of cities, and even if the roadway is very busy. A small mototaxi accommodates four passengers of average fatness, so the corpulent Europeans and Americans usually travel in a miniature cabin by two. Due to the low speed of movement (not higher than 40 - 50 km / h), most often tuk-tuk plying in the resorts of Thailand - Pattaya , Phuket, etc.
How to ride a tuk-tuk?
Usually tourists go by tuk-tuk, local residents rarely use this type of transport. Drivers easily identify newcomers in appearance, and in order to stop mototaxi tourists just raise their hand - to vote as on any road. If the tuk-tuk rides on a certain route, then you can simply take up space in the booth. If there is a need to leave the taxi, then click on the special button located at the top.
Safety of tuk-tuk
Due to low speed, compact size and good maneuverability, accidents involving tuk-tuk are very rare, so taxi trips are safe. Another thing is that due to the insecurity of the cabin, it is possible to hit the passengers with splashes of dirt during the rain, pebbles from under the wheels, etc.
Fare for tuk-tuk
Unfortunately, the tuk-tuki are not equipped with taximeters. Prices for tuk-tuk in Thailand differ depending on the city and the distance to which the trip is planned. Especially convenient for tourists is that tuk-tuk is used not only as a taxi, but excursion transport. Experienced tourists recommend in this case to stipulate not only the fare, but also the route. This is especially important if a shopping trip is taking place, because the driver can bring visitors only to those stores that pay him extra for potential buyers, while the range and quality of goods here may be lower than in other outlets. Approximate fee for the cost of transportation services: a trip to mototaxi
It should be borne in mind that in the evening and at night, all tuk-tuki, even route, function as a traditional taxi, so they immediately agree on how much the delivery will cost to the right place, and bargaining is not forbidden. Sometimes on arrival at the destination the driver changes the price, experienced tourists advise not to wrangle, but to give, in silence, a pre-agreed amount. Usually the incident is thus exhausted.