The tuk tuk Phuket is a popular way of getting around and is fairly cheap compared to other transportation methods. This three-wheeled vehicle has an unusual design and many tuktuk Phuket drivers like to make their vehicle stand out by decorating it with trinkets, posters and adding flashing lights.
The tuktuk was originally invented in Japan by the Daihatsu company. The model was an evolution on the tradition rickshaw that was used for many years in Asian countries such as India, China, Japan and Thailand. Around 50 years ago tukstuks started to be developed in Thailand and they took their name from the rough sound that the early models made.
There are currently around six different manufacturers of tuktuks in Thailand and a brand new tuktuk costs between 95,000 and 150,000 Baht. The vehicles feature two-cycle engines and have the capacity to seat four to five people. Tuktuks are exclusively used as a means of public transportation in the same way as more modern metered taxis and phuket tuk tuk drivers have to apply for a special license so that they can drive these vehicles and carry passengers. As a result, tuktuks are exclusively driven by Thai people, who are usually men.
The tuktuk has undergone a series of transformations over the years and some models feature foot rests and bars on one side to help prevent passengers from falling out. Other tuktuks are completely open at both sides, which makes it quick and easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Taking a tuktuk is a convenient option if you have a lot of bags with you. Their small design also makes it easy to nip in and out of traffic queues and run down narrow alleys.
Since the introduction of modern air-conditioned taxis, tuktuks have become less popular in Thailand. However, they remain a firm favourite among many travellers due to their unusual design and novelty value.
The tuktuk was originally invented in Japan by the Daihatsu company. The model was an evolution on the tradition rickshaw that was used for many years in Asian countries such as India, China, Japan and Thailand. Around 50 years ago tukstuks started to be developed in Thailand and they took their name from the rough sound that the early models made.
There are currently around six different manufacturers of tuktuks in Thailand and a brand new tuktuk costs between 95,000 and 150,000 Baht. The vehicles feature two-cycle engines and have the capacity to seat four to five people. Tuktuks are exclusively used as a means of public transportation in the same way as more modern metered taxis and phuket tuk tuk drivers have to apply for a special license so that they can drive these vehicles and carry passengers. As a result, tuktuks are exclusively driven by Thai people, who are usually men.
The tuktuk has undergone a series of transformations over the years and some models feature foot rests and bars on one side to help prevent passengers from falling out. Other tuktuks are completely open at both sides, which makes it quick and easy to get in and out of the vehicle. Taking a tuktuk is a convenient option if you have a lot of bags with you. Their small design also makes it easy to nip in and out of traffic queues and run down narrow alleys.
Since the introduction of modern air-conditioned taxis, tuktuks have become less popular in Thailand. However, they remain a firm favourite among many travellers due to their unusual design and novelty value.