Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Fri, Oct 3
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Destination Reviews

YS
The one stop on the way to Chiang Mai. The paid Toilette were disgusting and since there was mo restroom on the bus, it was a much needed stop.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Sep 30, 2025
SC
Yo, my driver, was excellent from start to finish. She arrived and was waiting for me when I came down. Immediately took charge and got me into the car and took care of all the luggage. Yo is a very safe driver, focused on the road and professional. Yo was so kind to me. There was water available, a wonderful arm rest in the back, and the car was immaculate.. I felt completely safe and cared for. Yo is a big reason why I would not hesitate to use this service again. Thsnk you Yo.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, taxi Comfort 3pax, Go2Trip (Go2Trip), Sep 27, 2025
MM
Very Punctual and medium comfortable, seat are a bit old and short space for legs
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Sep 25, 2025
EV
My experience was incredible, unbeatable. A driver came to pick us up at the hotel and took us directly to our hotel in Chiang Mai! No need to take a bus, the car was super comfortable, and the driver was very friendly and attentive. My experience is a 10!
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Minivan + Bus, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล), Sep 24, 2025
AC
Comgortable and vlean
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Sep 23, 2025
A
Great journey - massive seats and a toilet on board too!
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Sep 18, 2025
PO
Smooth trip.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Sep 7, 2025
M
Driver very friendly. Diver came 15 min earlier. Driver have cold water for Guest.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, taxi Economy 3pax, Torch, Sep 7, 2025
LC
It was all perfect.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Van Sedan + Minivan, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล), Sep 1, 2025
MR
Delayed 45 min, The seat was broken and it sinks you down.The belts are too tight and really uncomfortable.The lever to recline the seat did not work The road was not in very good condition and did not help to have a good trip.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Aug 29, 2025
4.4
3049 customer reviews
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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Torch
Economy 3pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$72.64
  5.0
Van
Yortdoy Travel
Sedan + Minivan
05:00
09:00
$18.63
Bus
GreenBus
Express
07:30
11:15
$8.85
  4.2
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
08:00
11:20
$13.41
  4.5
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
08:25
22:50
$117.21
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.23
  4.3
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
09:20
14:00
$89.70
Bus
GreenBus
Express
09:45
13:35
$6.43
  4.0
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
10:10
00:30
$137.78
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:30
14:15
$8.23
  4.2
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
10:50
10:15
$58.63
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:15
15:05
$6.43
  4.0
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:45
15:30
$8.23
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
12:15
16:00
$8.23
  4.2
Flight
Thai Lion Air
Economy
12:35
12:00
$65.28
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
12:55
17:40
$79.35
Bus
GreenBus
Express
13:15
17:00
$8.23
  4.2
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
13:40
23:15
$96.15
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
14:25
23:35
$151.85
Bus
GreenBus
Express
14:45
18:30
$8.23
  4.2

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$12
Fastest Transport2h 55m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure7:20 PM
Departures per day104
Distance146 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, LaoLuang Travel, Mekong Transfer, North Ride Go, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, 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 404.42. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 11.18.

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 91 miles (146 km). The flying distance is 91 miles (146 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 26 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 11.18 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 404.42.

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

  • Bus tickets - USD 11.18 to USD 35.39;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 23.28. 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 23.28. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • flight price: USD 83.48 - USD 404.43. From Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:35 Chiang Rai Airport until 19:20 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 77.58 to USD 182.07.

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.

  • 43 by flight from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai starting from 08:35 Chiang Rai Airport until 19:20 Chiang Rai Airport
  • Buses start plying the route from 07:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 18:30. There are 13 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 77.58.

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.
  • 4% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 4% chosen taxi+Van
  • 1% Other