Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

Preziosa

The bus left in time, the driver was friendly and drove carefully, it was well air-conditioned, the seats are large. We’re arrived in Chiang Mai some minutes later. You‘re not able to charge your phone, but we would travel with the Green Bus VIP again!

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 29, 2026

Miriam

Very bad. It was a fraud. I would not recommend using this app to arrange a trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. I was told the 3h trip would be either in a van or a bus which should pick us up in our hotel and take us to our hotel in Chiang Mai. I contacted the driver the previous day, I was informed that the van was no longer available. It was not a problem for us but the driver told us that he would pick us up from the hotel and take us to Chiang Rai bus station to take a regional bus not a private one that would carry us to our hotel. The trip was scheduled for 9am. Nevertheless, with the changes, the driver arranged our bus tickets departure for 10:35 am. More than one hour and a half delayed!!!! We tried to negotiate with the driver but he did not change his opinion. We spent so many time waiting and It fucked us up since we had some activities already scheduled in Chiang Mai and we had to rearrange and plan them again. It was a lose of time. We would like a recompense for all the inconveniences caused.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Aug 28, 2026

Elena

Very comfortable on time clean

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 26, 2026

Vasco J

Great experience!

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 23, 2026

Aldric M

The VIP bus is very comfortable, with plenty of legroom and some space for a small bag. The journey went very smoothly, and we had no delays (we actually arrived early). The company’s ticket counter at Chiang Rai bus station tells you which platform to go to. When the bus arrives, the driver puts a label on your luggage with the departure time and destination, which is very convenient.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 20, 2026

Valeria S

Nice and smooth trip in a comfortable van

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Aug 20, 2026

Cesar Z

On tome

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Aug 19, 2026

Ann

Very comfy and clear vehicle. Temp of air con just nice. Curtain is neat and clean. Driver is polite and drives carefully. Some delays before arrival. That’s the traffic between CM and CR.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 19, 2026

Anderson D

It was very decent, very good service, fast

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Van, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Aug 18, 2026

Eugenio D

Driver spoke english and this is good but he was not so focused on driving. He used the electronical device during the drive

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, taxi SUV 4pax, Torch (ทอช), Aug 17, 2026

4.4

4260 customer reviews

59%

26%

10%

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Taxi	Torch	Economy 3pax	Any time	+3h 30m	$70.59	5.0
Van	Yortdoy Travel	Sedan + Minivan	05:00	09:00	$18.10
Bus	GreenBus	Express	07:30	11:15	$8.60	4.2
Bus	GreenBus	VIP	08:00	11:20	$13.03	4.5
Flight	Thai Vietjet	Economy	08:25	22:50	$117.21
Bus	GreenBus	Express	08:45	12:30	$7.99	4.3
Flight	Nok Air	Economy	09:20	14:00	$88.63
Bus	GreenBus	Express	09:45	13:35	$6.24	4.0
Flight	Thai Airways	Economy	10:10	00:30	$136.14
Bus	GreenBus	Express	10:30	14:15	$7.99	4.2
Flight	Thai Vietjet	Economy	10:50	10:15	$57.93
Bus	GreenBus	Express	11:15	15:05	$6.24	4.0
Bus	GreenBus	Express	11:45	15:30	$7.99	4.3
Bus	GreenBus	Express	12:15	16:00	$7.99	4.2
Flight	Thai Lion Air	Economy	12:35	12:00	$64.50
Flight	Nok Air	Economy	12:55	17:40	$78.40
Bus	GreenBus	Express	13:15	17:00	$7.99	4.2
Flight	Thai Airways	Economy	13:40	23:15	$95.01
Flight	Thai Airways	Economy	14:25	23:35	$150.04
Bus	GreenBus	Express	14:45	18:30	$7.99	4.2

Drinking tap water in Chiang Mai is not recommended due to potential contamination and varying water treatment standards. Most locals and visitors rely on bottled or filtered water, which is widely available and affordable. To reduce waste, consider using refill stations found throughout the city for purified water. In restaurants, always confirm whether the water provided is safe for drinking. Boiling tap water can make it safe, but it may still have a taste that some find unpleasant. Additionally, when brushing teeth or washing fruits and vegetables, many prefer to use bottled or filtered water to minimize risks. Staying hydrated is important in Chiang Mai’s tropical climate, so keep clean water accessible at all times.

Choosing between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai depends on your travel preferences, as each offers unique attractions.

Chiang Mai: Known for its bustling city vibe, it features famous temples like Wat Phra Singh, markets, and a mix of historical and modern attractions. The city also serves as a hub for trekking and cultural activities like cooking classes.
Chiang Rai: A quieter destination, it boasts iconic landmarks such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple, alongside a serene atmosphere. It’s ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience or nature-focused trips.

Both cities provide rich cultural experiences, but Chiang Mai is better suited for diverse activities, while Chiang Rai offers tranquility and unique artistic landmarks.

Yes, Chiang Mai is enjoyable for non-drinkers due to its wide range of activities beyond nightlife. Explore historical sites like Wat Chedi Luang and Doi Suthep, or immerse yourself in local culture at cooking classes and handicraft workshops. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit Elephant Nature Park or trek in the surrounding mountains. The city’s numerous cafes and tea houses provide cozy spaces for relaxation and socializing, while night markets like the Sunday Walking Street offer shopping and street food experiences. Chiang Mai’s festivals, such as Yi Peng (Lantern Festival), are also highlights that don’t involve alcohol. For wellness seekers, yoga studios, meditation retreats, and spa treatments abound. Whether you prefer cultural, nature-based, or wellness activities, the city caters to a variety of interests.

How to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

When you want to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

Flight
Bus
Van
Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Taxi. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 241.48. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 16.51.

How far is Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Your trip will be a total of 125 miles (200 km). The flying distance is 125 miles (200 km).

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The travel time from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4 to 9 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)): travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 16.51 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 241.48.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:

Bus tickets - USD 16.49 to USD 25.32;
Bus+taxi price: USD 23.89. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
taxi+Van price: USD 23.89. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
Van price : USD 25.72 - USD 31.04;
Bus+Van price: USD 32.87. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control until 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control
flight price: USD 147.69 - USD 272.95. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:30 Chiang Rai Airport until 14:00 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 125.99 to USD 241.48.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

Buses start plying the route from 09:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 10:30. There are 3 available bus trips every day.
Vans from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai depart during the day - there are approximately 2 departures a day.
1 by Bus+Van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control until 09:00 Chiang Khong Border Control
Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 125.99.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

92% decided to go for a bus.
2% chosen Bus+taxi
2% chosen taxi+Van
1% Other

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Buses

$ 16.35
Flights

$ 146.39
Taxis

$ 23.68
Vans

$ 23.68
Trains are not available
Ferries are not available

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport	$17
Fastest Transport	4h
Earliest Departure	5:00 AM
Latest Departure	4:00 PM
Departures per day	34
Distance	200 kilometers
Transport Companies	BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, Mekong Transfer, Smart En Plus, So Good Airline Service and Travel, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Yortdoy Travel

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

Can you drink the water in Chiang Mai?

Is Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai better for tourists?

Is Chiang Mai fun for non drinkers?