The city centre is compact and walkable. Tuk-tuks are plentiful for short hops and will negotiate; songthaews (shared red pickup trucks) run fixed routes and are the cheapest way to get around. For the temples outside town — the White Temple, Blue Temple, and others — a tuk-tuk for a half-day circuit is a reasonable option, and drivers are used to the standard temple tour.
For day trips further afield — the Golden Triangle, Doi Mae Salong, Chiang Saen — renting a motorbike gives you the most flexibility. Roads in the province are generally good, and the mountain roads north are part of the appeal. Alternatively, hiring a songthaew or car with driver for a full day is straightforward to arrange through your guesthouse. A day hire typically costs 1,500–2,500 baht depending on the distance.