Tuk-tuks are those charismatic little three-wheelers with a padded bench for two in the semi-open rear. They are two-stroke vehicles, named onomatopoically for the sound made by their engines, which belch out at high volume noxious fumes to pollute even further a city already swimming in carbon monoxide and pummeled by noise.

Fares in tuk-tuks are negotiable, which is not to be misinterpreted as meaning that they are cheap. Since customers seem to prefer the comfort and fixed fares of metered taxis these days, it has become even harder to bargain for a reasonable price in a tuk-tuk. The shortest journeys will cost about Bt30, and that will cover only about two kilometres.

In general they are no cheaper than metered taxis, although more colourful. If using one, be careful with possessions. Since the rear is only partially enclosed, anything on the extremity of the seat is vulnerable to the hand of a passing motor-cyclist, for example.