Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Quite a few men in Bangkok are employed as motorcycle taxi drivers.
Off every major street in Bangkok are smaller neighborhood streets called “Soi’s.” On every soi is a crew of motorcycle taxi drivers that transport people short distances (Thais don’t really like to walk). Weaving in and out of traffic on a motorcycle is one of the most thrilling things to do in Bangkok!
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This particular street employs the most motorcycle taxi drivers I’ve ever seen, at peak hours there are often over 50 drivers waiting in line and zooming back and forth.
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jaiden
10 years ago
hi
Its quite entertaining reading your blogs.
Im heading to thailand to go to university there for a year.
How well do you think ill cope on 12,000 AUD.
I love thai food and i dont really care wear i live as long as its got a bed and private.
Cheers
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey Jaiden, yah you can definitely stretch that amount for an entire year if you live frugally. I’m not sure if you’ve seen this article: http://migrationology.com/2011/07/cost-of-living-in-bangkok-thailand/
Dana
11 years ago
It’s refreshing reading something on the motorcycle taxis in Bangkok that doesn’t imply (or outright state) that one is crazy for taking them.
I had a blast taking them in Bangkok & Pattaya. All the guys I had were safe drivers. I could tell as a guy who has owned a motorbike back home for a long time.
Mark Wiens
11 years ago
Cool to hear that Dana. Yah, some of them are great drivers and it’s a fast way to get around town.
Dan
12 years ago
Great photo! Do they hustle you for business like they do in China?
Free Volunteering
12 years ago
howcome to I didnt see these when I was there? 🙂
crazy sexy fun traveler
12 years ago
I used the moto taxi a couple of times in Bangkok, but never seen a street so full of them, just next to the bus stops 🙂
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
Yah, there are lot of moto taxis in Bangkok but this street in particular has so many.
Grrrl Traveler| Christine
12 years ago
Beautiful shot, Mark! I’ve taken the motorbike taxis a few times; it’s always been an adventure. Mostly, I love seeing them cart locals around. Those Thai women sure have great balance on them.
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
Hah, you’re right. I can’t believe some of the women winding through traffic sitting side saddle!
iamthewitch
12 years ago
I remember seeing these motorcycle taxis when I was in Bangkok too. It’s quite interesting seeing strangers climbing behind the driver looking like they belong there. I still haven’t got around to taking motorcycle taxi, I’d rather walk if the distance is bearable! 🙂
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
I know quite a few foreigners that take these motorcycle taxis frequently and start getting really lazy, but just like you, I almost always walk – unless I’m very late!
Turkey’s For Life
12 years ago
I’ve never even heard about these motorcycle taxis. Great idea for the shorter distances – for those who don’t enjoy a stroll. Would love to try one.
Julia
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
When you come to Bangkok, you’ll see them all around Julia. They can be thrilling to ride!
Travel Insurance
12 years ago
I was saying the same – I haven’t seen these in Bangkok. I’ve seen them and used them in an unofficial sense, but never seen a set up like the pic above.
Dean
12 years ago
I took a motorcycle taxi in Thailand to get back to Chiang Saen from the Golden Triangle, as I couldn’t find any buses or anything. It was certainly a thrilling ride! Cool photo.
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
Cool Dean!
Traveling Ted
12 years ago
I like to walk, but found it necessary to sometimes take this mode of transportation if the distance was a little bit far. I sometimes got tired of showing up at a place absolutely drenched in sweat from walking even a short distance.
Mark Wiens
12 years ago
Hehe, I understand Ted. Normally I also prefer to walk, but sometimes in a big rush taking a motorcycle taxi in Bangkok is necessary – and the sweat factor.
Free Volunteering
12 years ago
It is relatively cheap to travel around bangkok using boats and buses – you typically don’t have to walk far.