What is GetVanGo?

GetVanGo helps travellers to connect directly with independent minivan drivers.

What are minivans / minibuses?

The minivans in Thailand are typically made by Toyota (though there are also Hyundai and Nissan vehicles on the road). They're designed for carrying small groups of people (maximum 6-10) and their luggage, and offer a good degree of comfort. They are normally hired privately by the day complete with driver.

Why are minivans / minibuses a good way to get around Thailand?

Like hiring a self-drive vehicle, hiring a minivan with driver gives you the freedom to go where you want when you want, and to change your plan at will. Unlike self-drive, though, you don't have to worry about doing the driving - route-finding, parking, traffic regulations, accidents are no longer your problem. Instead you're free to relax as you move. (And you don't need to worry about that extra drink with lunch, either).

The drivers are locals who drive professionally - they have the local knowledge to help ensure you have a safe and comfortable journey. You'll probably find you can get a lot more done each day - whether it be tourism or business - than if you were driving yourself.

Finally, with a fairly low fixed cost (not much more than a mid-range car), this is one of the best deals in Thai travel. Especially as a group grows.

What area does GetVanGo service?

GetVanGo is based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. For now, we are operating our service here. Pickups can be arranged in and around Chiang Mai city, and you can travel anywhere in North and North-Central Thailand.

Can you take us to Bangkok / Phuket?

No. Our service covers North Thailand, We can take you to provinces around North Thailand, but we cannot take you to Bangkok (Central Thailand) or Phuket (the South) at this time.

How do I book?

Fill in the booking form on our website. You'll tell us how many vans you want and for how many days, along with the time and place you wish to be picked up. You can also add any special requests you might have.

Be sure to give us valid contact details (email / phone) so we can keep you updated about your booking.

We're only 2 or 3 people? Is this good for us? Isn't a van too big for a couple or small family?

This service is great even for a small group. It's not unusual for couples (even individuals with lots of luggage) to rent minivans. You'll have plenty of space to spread out, so should have a very comfortable journey.

Can I use this for a one-way trip from Chiang Mai to Pai? How does the fuel surcharge work for that?

Yes, you can use our service to get from Chiang Mai to Pai - the driver will take you there and then return to Chiang Mai alone. Simply book a van for one day. When you get to Pai, the driver will refuel. You'll pay two times the fuel cost - to cover the fuel used on the journey there and the fuel for the driver's trip back to Chiang Mai. Costs vary, but you should expect the fuel to be no more than 1,750 - 2,500 Baht.

Fuel for one-way trips: regardless of where your trip starts and ends, the van will originate in Chiang Mai with a full tank of fuel, and the tank must again be full when the van returns to Chiang Mai after service.

Can you provide an airport transfer at the start/end of my trip? Can you pick us up at the airport?

We can pick you up from or drop you off at the airport as part of our full day service. We can also provide transfer services if required. Please state requirements when booking, or email us for more details.

What happens after I book?

Once you book, we'll assign your booking to an operator who will match you with an available driver to service your trip.

We'll contact you with confirmation of your booking, along with any further questions we may have to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible.

A few days before your pickup, we'll email you a reminder about your pickup details.

When do I pay?

You'll pay the base rate for your booking to your driver at the beginning of your trip in cash.

Extras (petrol/gasoline, driver-overtime) should be paid directly to the driver at the end of the trip (or as agreed during the trip).

For some higher value bookings (multi-day trips at busy times, or multi-van bookings) we may request a deposit in advance to secure your booking.

How much does fuel cost?

You will pay the actual cost of the fuel used. If your trip ends in another city (for example Pai or Chiang Rai), you'll also need to cover the cost of fuel to get the van back to Chiang Mai.

How much you can expect to pay depends on how far you go, how hilly the journey is, and how much load is in the van. As a rough guideline, and to help you budget, we've prepared a table listing typical fuel prices for journeys around Northern Thailand.

How do I communicate with the driver without a guide to help? Do the drivers speak English?

We don't make any guarantees about the foreign language abilities of the drivers. But as full-time professional drivers, they are very familiar with servicing visitors from all over the world. They typically have at least some basic English skills, but more importantly they are very familiar with all the places you are likely to visit and the routes you will take. So you don't need to worry too much about communicating your plans.

Can you provide us with a guide?

If you prefer to travel with a guide, we can likely provide one for an extra charge. Let us know your preference when booking, or contact us for more details.

Can I get the driver's phone number?

In case you need to get in touch with your driver, we can provide you with his number 1 day before your trip starts.

What happens if no driver accepts my booking?

While we do our best to facilitate finding you a driver it can't always work out. If no driver can be found by 24 hours before departure we'll let you know and cancel your booking.

Can I cancel?

You may cancel your booking with no charge up to 5 days before your pickup time. You can cancel via email. Any deposits paid will not be returned in case of such cancellation.

Can I get a quotation and/or invoice?

Sure. We can provide quotations/invoices on request. Please mention this when booking, or email us with your requirements.

Do you have terms of service?

Yes. Our terms of service and booking conditions are available here.