How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
We’ve all been there—planning a trip and trying to make the most of our budget. Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is no exception; you can do it cheap, on your own or splurge on hiring a driver. One thing is for sure, we took the bus, as it was the easiest option; purchased…
We’ve all been there—planning a trip and trying to make the most of our budget. Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is no exception; you can do it cheap, on your own or splurge on hiring a driver.
One thing is for sure, we took the bus, as it was the easiest option; purchased the ticket online in advance and with THB 100 on top upgraded to the VIP service with GreenBus.
Something you might not know is that Chiang Rai is a popular day trip from Chiang Mai, so not that far away? Isn’t it?
This guide will help you plan the journey, make the wisest budget choices, and find bargains.
This post may contain affiliate links or Sponsored Links (read our Cookie Policy), and useful experiences that we love to suggest to you. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are really grateful) at no extra cost to you. Click on it will help us run this website for you, for FREE, funding our project and continuing to travel, informing curious explorers.
Like our blog? Support us on the Social Media
Quick Guide | Transport between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
If you are short on time, this is our quick snippet on what you need to know about planning the journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Standard Bus: Get the Standard ticket with Greenbus (THB 300); it takes about 3 to 4 hours. There are 10 buses throughout the day, with the first at 7AM and the last at 5PM. Book the tickets here.
VIP BUS: Another option offered by Greenbus, tickets cost THB 400 but are very popular (Book in advance here). There are four VIP buses in a day: breakfast, lunch, midday, and evening.
The first VIP Bus from Chiang Mai departs at 7.30 AM and arrives at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal at 10.50 AM. The last VIP service is at 6 PM. It takes 3 hours and 20 minutes to get to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Day Trip from Chiang Mai: If you’re a budget traveller, the day trip is the most convenient option. For just THB 1,200 ($35 | £28 | €33), you can enjoy a 13-hour adventure visiting the White and Blue Temple, long neck Karen Village, and hot springs. It’s a bargain and a stress-free way to explore Chiang Rai. BOOK IT HERE!
Hire a Driver or Taxi: This is the most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but it is ideal for groups or families. Booking a taxi through Bolt on your mobile costs about 1,500.
Rent a scooter: If you are confident of driving on Thai high-speed roads, it’s the best way to get around. Renting a scooter in Chiang Mai costs about THB 200 to 400 per day. However, ensure you have the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, and be cautious of the local traffic rules. It takes approximately 4 hours to get by motorbike to Chiang Rai.
Our Journey: A Local Bus Adventure
Let’s start with our journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, so it can light up what you should expect. After spending over a month in Chiang Mai, we were ready for another adventure further north. We decided to take the local bus from Chiang Mai’s bus terminal, opting for the cheapest option available online.
The route is quite popular, so we had to act fast to secure tickets. We use 12Go Asia for every trip, as they act as a local agent, purchasing the tickets for you and charging a very little amount on top.
We learnt that booking online and paying a few cents more is the best, and we did that the hard way after having to adjust our plans in Pai due to sold-out van tickets.
The journey was smooth but long, with roads becoming less maintained once we left Chiang Mai’s city limits. We passed through picturesque rural villages, and the bus made several stops along the way. We went for the VIP bus, which was very comfortable.
4 Options to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus (Standard and VIP)
- Get a taxi (Very expensive)
- Book a day trip
- Hire a motorbike
Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is a top choice for budget-conscious travellers. It is one of the most popular ways to get in between the two main cities in the north. There are about 18 buses per day, running frequently.
The journey typically takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus you choose. To be honest, the difference between the two buses in terms of money is very minimal, about 1/2 dollars, which is worth it in our opinion.
- Standard Buses: These are the cheapest option, costing around 300 THB. They’re perfect if you’re on a tight budget, but keep in mind they might not offer as much comfort as the VIP buses.
- VIP Buses: For a bit more comfort, VIP buses are available. They cost slightly more, around 400 THB, but offer more legroom and sometimes even air conditioning.
Standard Bus Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The first bus buses start at 7 AM, by Greenbus, takes 3 hours and 45 minutes and costs about THB 250 ($7.50 | £5.90 | €7). While the last standard bus to leave Chiang Mai is at 5PM making it to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 at 8.45PM, costing THB 300 ($9 | £7 | €8.50).
We had many trips starting from Chiang Mai bus station Arcade 3, and while it might sound cheaper to take tickets on the spot, it is often not worth it. You’ll get the least seats, the last remaining ticket, if any, and also have to drive there, which adds to the costs.
We found that booking online only charges a few bucks more and takes off hassles. Check the best rates in advance on 12Go Asia.
VIP Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai; Is it Worth it?
Green Bus company runs many bus options in Chiang Mai, and the premium service, the VIP, costs THB 400 ($12 | £9.50 | €11.30). When we did the route, it was THB 300, so better check the price here.
We went for the VIP Bus, as it is only slightly pricier than the regular one, and already coming from a journey from Pai by minivan. Check the prices and availability.
The VIP bus offers a pampering experience. The seats are plush and comfortable, the service is impeccable, and you’re provided with fresh bottles of water and snacks.
Plus, the journey is half an hour shorter than the regular service due to fewer stops, making it a luxurious and time-efficient option.
Day Trips from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The most popular option to visit Chiang Rai is booking a day trip from Chiang Mai. The journey is very short and can be done within the day, starting early.
Several tours run in Chiang Rai and let you explore the main sights with relative ease. Spending one day in Chiang Rai, you can visit the White Temple and the Blue Temple, eat at local places, and maybe witness the sunset from the Lady Buddha Temple.
Suggested day trips to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai:
Hire a driver or get a taxi
The most expensive way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is to hire a driver or take a taxi.
Taking into consideration local fares, the Taxi on Bolt (the cheapest taxi app in Thailand) costs about THB 1500 ($44 | £35 | €42). Travelling on a budget isn’t the best option, but sharing with a group of friends might be worth it.
Motorbike
Hiring a motorbike and driving the 186 km (115 Miles) will be a one-of-a-kind journey. To be honest, we didn’t consider it, as we had plans for Laos after Chiang Rai, but looking back, it is possible.
The roads connecting Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are well-maintained and fast lanes. Back in the day, we were neither that accustomed to driving in Thailand, but after about 10 visits to the country for several months, we can do that.
If you feel confident, too, go for it and enjoy the journey, with scenic spots and the freedom to stop everywhere you want. Read our guide to renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai for more.
