Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Sat, Aug 2
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

CE
the bathroom smelled of piss
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 29, 2025
SA
Places 1C 1D tooi much air conditionning at 12degrees We were really cold. Waited 1h1/2 to change of places and be warmer….
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 26, 2025
LR
We were quite delayed, but as is that was the day when extreme weather warning was issued, it is acceptable.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 25, 2025
P
All good, turned up and left on time. Comfy bus for 3 hour ride
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 24, 2025
SS
Good and prident driver
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 13, 2025
AD
Bus in time. Perfect.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 11, 2025
JS
Babies should not by allowed in VIP buses. We pay more to be confortable and sleep, but there was a baby screaming all the way next to me, so I couldn’t sleep.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP combo, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 11, 2025
SG
The staff was very kind. The Vip bus was very comfortable. The toilet was very small but clean and came in handy. We left on time and arrivedon time. I definitely recommend using this company and type of bus.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 11, 2025
BB
Top
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, taxi VIP Van 9pax, Smart En Plus (สมาร์ท เอ็น พลัส), Jul 11, 2025
A
The bus is not the better and timing was more than the schedule
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Jul 10, 2025
4.4
2873 customer reviews
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Firstplan Transport Services
Economy 3pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$92.89
  5.0
Van
Yortdoy Travel
Sedan + Minivan
05:00
09:00
$18.36
Bus
GreenBus
Express
07:30
11:15
$8.11
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
08:00
11:20
$12.61
  4.5
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
08:25
22:50
$117.21
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.11
  4.3
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
09:20
14:00
$91.39
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
10:00
13:20
$12.61
  4.5
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
10:20
16:25
$112.41
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
10:45
14:05
$12.61
  4.5
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
11:15
17:15
$190.74
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:45
15:30
$8.11
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
12:15
16:00
$8.11
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
12:45
16:30
$8.11
  4.2
Bus
GreenBus
Express Combo
13:10
16:10
$6.61
  4.0
Bus
GreenBus
Express
13:30
17:15
$8.11
  4.3
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
13:50
14:50
$169.35
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
14:25
23:15
$146.83
Bus
GreenBus
Express
14:45
18:30
$8.11
  4.2
Bus
GreenBus
Express
15:15
19:05
$6.33
  4.0

Can you drink the water in Chiang Mai?

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.

Is Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai better for tourists?

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.

Is Chiang Mai fun for non drinkers?

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.

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport3h
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure9:40 PM
Departures per day66
Distance150 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Than Car Service, Torch, Yortdoy Travel

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 flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 181.51. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 10.50.

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 94 miles (150 km). The flying distance is 94 miles (150 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 3 to 16 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 10.50 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as USD 181.51.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 10.50 to USD 15.04;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 23.16. 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 23.16. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • flight price: USD 67.11 - USD 181.51. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:25 Chiang Rai Airport until 15:30 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 81.69 to USD 181.14.

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.

  • 28 by flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:25 Chiang Rai Airport until 15:30 Chiang Rai Airport
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 18:00. There are 11 available bus trips every day.
  • 1 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 1 by taxi+Van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 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 81.69.

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

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:

  • 91% decided to go for a bus.
  • 3% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 3% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 3% chosen taxi+Van