The streets of Thailand and Laos offer visitors a wealth of commuting options.\u00a0 Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, buses and rickshaws are available and in the bigger cities, taxis.\u00a0 In addition to these alternatives, a strange looking vehicle roams around as well.<\/p>\n
The songthaew is an adapted pickup or small truck used as a share taxi.\u00a0 There are two sets of benches on either side of the rear for passengers to sit on, thus garnering the name songthaew (translated into two rows).\u00a0 A roof covering the two rows of seats is usually attached, with plastic sheets or curtains covering the sides, protecting passengers from the rain.\u00a0 During rush hour, it is a common sight to these vehicles crowded with people, with some hanging on by the edges.<\/p>\n
The songthaew in towns and cities have a fixed route, much like a bus.\u00a0 Passengers travelling in the same direction as the vehicle may use the share taxi to get to their destination.\u00a0 After waving their hand, the passenger will tell the driver the destination.\u00a0 The driver will agree to take the passenger there if it is in his route or drop the person off at the nearest possible point.\u00a0 After agreeing to a fee, the passenger rides the songthaew.\u00a0 Inside the vehicle are buttons used to sound a bell or alarm.\u00a0 If commuters want to get off, they will press that button (it helps the driver too because he can\u2019t remember all the stops passengers want to get off at).\u00a0 The person hops off, pays the fare and goes about their day.<\/p>\n
There are also songthaews that run between cities and towns.\u00a0 These will usually have a fixed price and are non-negotiable.\u00a0 Prices are a little high, so this is a disadvantage if someone was travelling alone, but if in a group, the fee can be shared between everybody.<\/p>\n
Thailand and Laos are two fascinating countries to visit.\u00a0 Each presents unique cultures, sights and experiences that is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.\u00a0 Experience the best of both countries with Exotissimo\u2019s Bangkok to Laos, North to South<\/a> tour.\u00a0 Start off in the modern city of Bangkok before whisking away to the laid-back lifestyle of Laos.\u00a0 See our suggested Multi-Country tours<\/a> page for recommended trips into Southeast Asia.\u00a0 You can also contact us<\/a> if you have any questions or if you would like to include a songthaew ride in your itinerary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The streets of Thailand and Laos offer visitors a wealth of commuting options.\u00a0 Tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, buses and rickshaws are available and in the bigger cities, taxis.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"close","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[243],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-laos"],"yoast_head":"\n