Drive your own tuk tuk in Thailand: 11 steps to an unforgettable experience

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Tuk tuks are not only one of the most used means of transportation in Thailand's cities, the small three-wheeled vehicles also let you explore the area in a close and unique way. Find out how to drive the Thai vehicles and what to watch out for in our Tuk Tuk Guide.

What exactly are tuk tuks

A tuk tuk is a motorized, covered tricycle that usually has room for one driver in the front and two or three passengers in the back. In Thailand, they are one of the normal means of transportation and characterize the road traffic. They are part of the culture and can be used to meander through Thai traffic.

A tuk tuk that drives with a cab sign can be stopped like a normal cab. To do this, you give a sign, at best at stomach level, that makes the driver stop. Wildly waving your arms above your head is neither necessary nor welcome.

This way you can get to know Thailand's streets in a very direct way: right in the middle of the action, not isolated in an air-conditioned car. A special adventure, however, is to get behind the wheel of a tuk tuktuk. 

A Typical Tuktuk In Thailand

Put yourself at the tuk tuk wheel

In some places in Thailand there is a possibility to experience tuk tuk driving by yourself. After a small course you are ready to prove your own driving skills. However, since traffic in big cities like Bangkok is not always like on European roads and the driving styles of other road users can quickly become dangerous for inexperienced travelers, it is better to try driving in rural areas. 

Also important to note: In Thailand you have to drive on the left side! So always drive on the left side and make sure that you do not accidentally switch back to the right side after intersections and turns. After a short time you should get used to driving on the other side.

Here we go: How to start the vehicle

  1. The vehicles can be started like older cars: You insert the key into the ignition lock provided next to the handlebars and turn it two positions. The lights come on and the vehicle is ready to start. 
  2. Find the neutral gear: If the vehicle is not yet in neutral gear, you must first put it in neutral gear. To do this, pull the lever on one side of the handlebar to the handle and turn the handle until a green light signals that the tuk tuk is in neutral gear. 
  3. Turn the key further and start the vehicle: Just like with a car, you can now start the engine using the key.
  4. Pull the brake and engage the gear: You brake with your foot as you would when driving a car. Apply the brake and then shift into first gear using the gearshift. To do this, move the handle as you would when setting the neutral gear. 
  5. Releasing the handbrake: To get started, you also need to release your handbrake. This is located next to you on the floor of the vehicle.
  6. Release the brake: Now you can release the brake and let the clutch come slowly by releasing your hand with feeling: the Tuk Tuk starts to move and you can start the most exciting road trip ever.
  7. Accelerate: With the other handle, you give gas like riding a motorcycle. You turn it to get faster.
  8. Change gear: As you speed up, you'll also need to shift up a gear: As with engaging first gear, you can also get into higher gears by pulling the lever on the handle and turning it down. To get back to a lower gear, pull the lever and turn the handle up.
  9. During the ride: Don't forget the traffic rules because of all the excitement: Use the buttons on the handlebars to set the turn signal, honk the horn, turn on the lights and even activate the windshield wiper. Before you start driving, have the specifics of Thai traffic rules explained to you.
  10. The end of your tuk tuk ride: Even the most beautiful road trip must come to an end at some point. To do this, brake with your foot and after parking, don't forget to put the handbrake back on before releasing the footbrake. Remove the key from the ignition and return it to the tuk tuk rental company.
  11. Congratulations! You have completed your first tuk tuk ride and got to know Thailand in a very special way.
The driver of a tuk tuks
Red: Gear shift
Blue: turn signal and light
White: ignition lock
Green: Fuel gauge and green light for "neutral
Yellow: horn and wipers
Orange: Gas

Safety during the ride

Tuk tuks are an exciting way to get around and a unique experience, but they are less safe than modern cars. Therefore, enjoy them with caution. Have the tuk tuk you are riding with explained to you in detail before the ride. It is especially important, in addition to obeying the traffic rules, to drive attentively and not too fast. Especially in curves, the three-wheeled vehicle can become unstable at excessive speed. As a beginner, also avoid busy roads and city centers.

Do not rely on other road users to always obey the rules. Only drive if you have a driver's license and, in addition to your driver's license, also have an international driver's license according to the Vienna Convention. Since two different international driver's license versions are available at German offices, inform yourself about your version. 

Instead, you can also take a tuk tuk driving license in Thailand. Or you can take a course in tuk tuk driving, which does not have the goal of a driver's license, but rather helps the skill of driving. If you drive attentively, however, the ride can be a lot of fun and is definitely an unforgettable experience.

Tuk Tuk Self Drive Instruction

New developments: Sustainable e-vehicles

Motorized three-wheelers have dominated Thailand's roads for a long time. But here, too, the development of the times has not left no trace. More sustainable than combustion engines are the new electrified variants. In big cities like Bangkok, they are even used for convenient ridepooling services that you can Book via app and with fixed prices.

Now it's time for you to get behind the wheel yourself. Travel to Thailand and get behind the wheel of the iconic vehicles. At TripLegend Thailand Adventure you will learn on the spot how to drive the vehicle and explore the exciting areas around Chiang Mai, driving past temples, through nature and across small villages. After five hours of driving in the auto rickshaw, you'll have plenty to talk about when you get home. Check out our Instagram highlight (Story 49) on how our Ambassador Sophia and Madeleine dare to go on the wild ride.

Your advantages of TripLegend
Your adventure in Thailand

Drive yourself with a TukTuk through Thailand, marvel at the unreal coasts with your own eyes and get to know the Thai culture. Click on the link and learn more about the TripLegend Thailand adventure now.

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