It is one of the most appropriate and common modes of transportation that fascinates locals and tourists alike.

Tuk-Tuk or Sam Lor, which roughly translates to a three-wheeled vehicle, is a subject of fascination and curiosity for anyone visiting Bangkok. It owes its origin to the old-fashioned rickshaws. Someone thought of modernizing those rickshaws with the fitting of the two-stroke engine, and thus the motorized and powerful rickshaw or Tuk-Tuk is born. The word Tuk-Tuk comes from the coughing and spluttering noise that came from the earliest engine used in Sam Lor. Moreover, they are very practical and convenient in the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, where traffic is one of the biggest problems of the city. Here are some of the things you must keep in mind while riding Tuk-Tuk in Bangkok.

Find the one that suits you.

It totally depends on for what purpose you are hiring a Tuk-Tuk. If you are riding it to satisfy the spirit of a tourist and would not mind a city tour, then go and take one near the famous tourist spots where the driver would be more than happy to oblige and take you on a detailed trip of the city. But if you don’t want to go to a souvenir shop or city tour, then go and find Tuk-Tuk yourself rather than waiting and explain where you wish to go.

Don’t be shy about bargaining and the destination.

When you have hired Tuk-Tuk, then the next important thing is bargaining the price of a trip, and yes, be extremely firm about the destination. Tuk-Tuk drivers can also scam you by taking you on a city tour and charging double the amount. They would even try to bring you to various gem stores, tailor shops and ticket offices in exchange for fuel tokens. Also, try to negotiate fare as a driver can easily scam you. Get a rough idea about the fare from locals or hotel reception where you are currently staying and negotiate on those lines.

Keeping few things in mind while enjoying a trip in a Tuk-Tuk.

Keep some of these tips in mind while riding the Tuk-Tuk.

Try to avoid riding a Tuk-Tuk during the rush hours, which are 7 am to 9 am in the morning and 5 pm to 7 or 8 pm in the evenings.

It is best to hire Tuk-Tuk for shorter distances. And sometimes it may happen that a cab would cost you the same as Tuk-Tuk, but the novelty and its ability to manoeuvre traffic can be good for you.

Keep these things in mind and have an enjoyable ride on Tuk-Tuk.