Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Wed, Jan 21
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

MP
I am not the one to complain but honestly we had a very poor experience. I booked the mini van from chiang mai to Chiang rai and not greenbus because it was much faster. But then, they informed me the arrival time would be an hour later than what we booked. Since it was because of work on the road it's ok, it's not their fault but it should have been indicated in the booking. Then our driver stopped 4 times! Once for gas, once for coffee, once she wanted to stop for lunch for 30 minutes but the whole group said no (thankfully). And then a final stop for toilets 25 minutes before arrival... in the end we arrived at 13.30 instead of 11.30. Terrible experience.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Van, Mekong Transfer, Jan 17, 2026
V
Very new and comfortable bus. Free water. A stop along the way. The only downside to my trip, I was travelling solo and the people sat in front of me reclined their seats fully backwards - this reduced my space and I felt squashed in. I could not recline - someone very tall sat behind me and I would never be so rude or selfish. 4 stars because the operators staff could check we are all okay, it was very clear to seeI was squashed in :-( . I did not want to make a fuss
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 17, 2026
RC
The taxi arrived one hour late. The car was not the one specified in the reservation. It was impossible to contact the agency, and after an hour of finally managing to reach them, they provided inaccurate information. Change partners.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, taxi Economy 3pax, Thailand Travel Taxi (ไทยแลนด์ ทราเวล แท็กซี่), Jan 16, 2026
AH
great thank you! just too cold in bus
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 15, 2026
MH
Comfortable seats. Bus was on time and made good time to Chiang Rai. Recommend booking early so you can get a window seat. We did not and the people in those seats closed the curtains so we missed a lot of the scenery. Also, as previously mentioned, it is quite cool in the bus. Also, no USB plugs.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 13, 2026
BB
The tuk tuk was terrifying.....going way too fast ...
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 13, 2026
JG
Excellent transport I recommand the VIP Greenbus .0147305372701E+34;
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 13, 2026
S
“The trip was a bit turbulent, with a rather chaotic guide. In addition, when I asked the driver for some information, he replied in a very rude manner, as if I were bothering him. A bit more kindness wouldn’t hurt. Moreover we have a delay of half an hour.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 12, 2026
JI
Nice bus in scedule. Everything was fine. Could have found a lower price on local buses.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 12, 2026
JT
Left in time, arived in time. All good. Doesn't stop, so no toiletbreaks.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jan 10, 2026
4.4
5663 customer reviews
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56%
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Freedom Tour Taxi Service
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
€83.66
  3.7
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
06:00
09:20
€11.85
  4.5
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:20
€89.00
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
12:40
€173.05
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
12:40
€78.99
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
07:30
10:50
€11.85
  4.5
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
09:35
€94.00
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:15
12:00
€7.27
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
€7.82
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:05
19:25
€57.00
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
09:25
07:55
€102.67
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:45
15:50
€177.93
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
15:35
€85.84
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
15:35
€173.05
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:45
14:35
€5.68
  4.1
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
21:05
€74.00
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:30
15:15
€7.27
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
11:50
19:25
€123.76
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
12:10
18:20
€481.50
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
12:35
19:25
€42.50

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 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 EUR 205.04. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as EUR 9.88.

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 78 miles (125 km). The flying distance is 78 miles (125 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 3 to 11 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 EUR 9.88 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 EUR 205.04.

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

  • Bus tickets - EUR 9.88 to EUR 13.91;
  • Van price : EUR 15.09 - EUR 24.69;
  • Bus+taxi price: EUR 26.33. 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: EUR 32.59. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 09:00 Tha Phae Gate until 09:00 Tha Phae Gate
  • flight price: EUR 124.26 - EUR 168.70. From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from EUR 64.49 to EUR 205.04.

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.

  • 48 by flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 09:30. There are 16 available bus trips every day.
  • Vans from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai depart during the day - there are approximately 8 departures a 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?

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 EUR 64.49.

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:

  • 79% decided to go for a bus.
  • 13% opted for a van.
  • 4% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 3% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Transport€10
Fastest Transport2h 30m
Earliest Departure6:30 오전
Latest Departure10:10 오후
Departures per day125
Distance125 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, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Terminal Green Pai, Thai AirAsia, Thailand Travel Taxi, Torch, Yortdoy Travel