Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Sat, Jul 11
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2 Passengers
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

FS
Florence S
When we booked this trip through 12Go, the journey was clearly advertised as taking 2 hours and 30 minutes, with an expected arrival time of 2:30 PM. This was the main reason we chose this operator and paid a higher price compared to the other available options, as we specifically wanted a faster transfer. Unfortunately, the advertised travel time was not respected at all. Instead of arriving at 2:30 PM as advertised, we only arrived at 4:10 PM, which is 1 hour and 40 minutes later than expected. We specifically paid more for this service because it was advertised as being significantly faster than the other operators. Had we known the actual travel time, we would have booked one of the cheaper alternatives instead. We feel that the service was misleading and that we did not receive what we paid for. We are therefore very disappointed and would appreciate an explanation, as well as appropriate compensation for the difference between the service advertised and the service actually provided.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Jul 8, 2026
KD
Koen D
In the beginning there was a tiny misunderstanding about the itinerary, but that was quite easily fixed bij the host via Whatsapp, who did his utmost best to help us. I would recommend this service, especially since the pick-up is at your hotel, what is very convenient.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Van, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Jul 7, 2026
JG
Jonathan G
Great modern bus but no electrical chargers for phone and the driver didn't explain the number of stops in Chiang rai so I wasn't sure when I was going to get off.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 7, 2026
JP
Jeroen P
Nice and comfortable seats. Lots off space when taking vip bus. Seat 8 is the best
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 27, 2026
GP
Grant P
Very easy to find the bus at the station. Staff confirmed my ticket. Waited 10mins before we were asked to board. Bus left 4mins late. Journey was pleasant no issues with a/c being to cold arrived only a couple of minutes late.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 26, 2026
AR
Amy R
Incredible! Van was clean and comfortable, got there earlier than expected and driver even dropped me off at my hostel! Would absolutely recommend!
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jun 26, 2026
FJ
Frank J
Everything went smoothly
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 25, 2026
C
Chanokporn
I email to change the booking date, they tell me to contact bus terminal by myself. I try to call bus terminal phone number many times but no one response. Until I go to bus terminal and found the phone number on the 12go is wrong.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 24, 2026
KR
Kevin R
We will definitely book with K Star again, the driver was on time, safe, and got us to where we needed to go quickly.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Jun 18, 2026
OB
Or B
The bus left on time, the ride was smooth. We had 10 minutes stop for rest in the middle. The bus was clean and comfortable and had toilet.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jun 15, 2026
4.4
6443 customer reviews
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58%
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28%
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10%
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Freedom Tour Taxi Service
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$91.09
  3.7
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
06:00
09:20
$12.90
  4.5
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:20
$101.57
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
12:40
$188.41
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
12:40
$86.00
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
07:30
10:50
$12.90
  4.5
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
09:35
$107.28
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:15
12:00
$7.91
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.51
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:05
19:25
$65.05
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
09:25
07:55
$117.17
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:45
15:50
$193.73
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
15:35
$93.47
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
15:35
$188.41
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:45
14:35
$6.18
  4.1
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
21:05
$84.45
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:30
15:15
$7.91
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
11:50
19:25
$143.64
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
12:10
18:20
$558.84
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
12:35
19:25
$48.50

Is the art scene in Chiang Rai more vibrant than Chiang Mai?

Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai both have rich art scenes, but they differ in scope and influence. Chiang Mai, as a larger city, offers a broader range of galleries, street art, and cultural events, making it a hub for contemporary and traditional Thai art. However, Chiang Rai has a unique artistic identity centered around visionary works like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), which blend modern and traditional styles. Chiang Rai is also home to renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and his legacy, which attracts art enthusiasts seeking a more focused experience. In summary, Chiang Mai is diverse and dynamic, while Chiang Rai offers a concentrated and distinctive artistic appeal for those seeking something more niche.

Does Chiang Rai use Grab or Uber?

  • Chiang Rai supports Grab, which is widely used for transportation and food delivery services, offering convenience for both locals and tourists.
  • Uber no longer operates in Thailand, as Grab acquired Uber's Southeast Asian operations in 2018.
  • Aside from Grab, traditional transportation options like songthaews (shared trucks) and tuk-tuks remain common, especially for short trips.
  • Travelers should ensure internet connectivity or a local SIM card for using Grab effectively.
In summary, Grab is the go-to app for rides in Chiang Rai, complemented by traditional local transport methods.

Is Chiang Rai a good place to live?

Chiang Rai is considered a peaceful and affordable place to live, ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. The city features cooler weather compared to other parts of Thailand, especially in winter, and offers easy access to nature, including mountains and rivers. While it has modern amenities such as hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, it lacks the urban hustle and nightlife of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. For expatriates, Chiang Rai offers a welcoming community, a low cost of living, and cultural charm, making it suitable for retirees or remote workers. However, those seeking bustling city life or a wide range of job opportunities may find it less ideal.

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

When you want to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 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 Flight. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Bus+taxi 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 223.25. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 11.36.

How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Your trip will be a total of 249 miles (400 km). The flying distance is 397 miles (638 km).

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

The travel time from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 8 hours.

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

The cost of the trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai 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 11.36 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 223.25.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 11.35 to USD 25.24;
  • Van price : USD 15.86 - USD 27.18;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 34.65. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 09:30 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 until 09:30 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
  • Bus+taxi+Van price: USD 35.48. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 09:00 Tha Phae Gate until 09:00 Tha Phae Gate
  • Bus+Van price: USD 35.48. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 09:00 Tha Phae Gate until 09:00 Tha Phae Gate
  • Plane tickets - USD 7,950.54 to USD 7,950.54;

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 70.75 to USD 223.25.

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

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

  • Vans from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai depart during the day - there are approximately 15 departures a day.
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 12:30. There are 14 available bus trips every day.
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Flights

Traveling by plane is the fastest way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. While it’s often the most expensive option, tool, occasionally you can grab promotional tickets for more or less the price of a train or a ferry ticket. Normally, the minimum you need to pay for a Plane ticket is USD 7,950.54.

Things to remember before boarding a plane:

  • It’s recommended to book a ticket in advance and check-in online. This way, you can save over 2 hours at the airport, and if your seat selection is on a first come first served basis you will have more options to choose from.
  • Getting through security checks may take some time - it’s recommended to get to the airport at least 1.5 hours in advance.

Airlines flying from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Siam Scenic

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai 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 Mai to Chiang Rai. 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 70.75.

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 Mai to Chiang Rai. 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 Mai to Chiang Rai.

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 Mai to Chiang Rai

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai? 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:

  • 78% decided to go for a bus.
  • 14% opted for a van.
  • 4% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 2% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
  • 2% chosen Bus+Van

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Transport$12
Fastest Transport45m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure12:30 PM
Departures per day102
Distance400 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAndaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, K Buddy, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Kim Transfers Thailand, Mekong Transfer, Naluangs, North Ride Go, Pai Friendly Tour, Siam Scenic, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, So Good Airline Service and Travel, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Terminal Green Pai, Thailand Travel Taxi, Than Car Service, Torch, Yortdoy Travel