1. Bus/Van to Chiang Rai
2. Taxi/Car to Chiang Rai
3. FAQ + Travel Tips + Info
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From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai you can travel by bus/van or taxi.
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- Traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai covers approximately 190 km, taking the quickest route available. You have various transportation options including modern tourist buses, minivans, private taxis, and cars facilitating this journey. Opting for a tourist bus typically spans 3-5 hours, with tickets priced between $7-12/pp, making it the most economical choice. Alternatively, for groups, hiring a private taxi or minivan is feasible albeit slightly pricier, costing around $95-230 for the entire vehicle. Transfer duration remains consistent at 3-5 hours.
- Given the absence of a railway connection or flights between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, road travel remains the sole viable option. Booking bus tickets or arranging private transportation to Chiang Rai can be conveniently accomplished online. And transport by bus is a cheap option. Upon reaching Chiang Rai, further travel options extend to Bangkok via plane, bus + train combo, or private taxi. Ensure to acquaint yourself with the local weather conditions by referring to this informative guide: Weather in Chiang Rai.
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- Chiang Rai holds its place as a captivating city in northern Thailand, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, cultural richness, and historical significance. As the capital of the Chiang Rai Province, it resides in the heart of the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge. With a populace of approximately 200,000, it stands as Thailand’s northernmost major urban center. Drawing tourists with its breathtaking natural beauty comprising mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, Chiang Rai also boasts several iconic Buddhist temples.
- Among these are the renowned Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha statue once situated in Chiang Mai. The primary mode of transportation remains land-based, utilizing buses, taxis, or for the adventurous, motorbikes. However, a direct flight connects Chiang Rai to the Thai capital, Bangkok. Opting for a modern tourist bus presents the most cost-effective means of traveling to Chiang Rai, though private car, taxi, or motorbike options are also available from Chiang Mai, extending to destinations such as Nan or Phayao. Navigate your journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with ease by following the instructions outlined in this article and conveniently booking your preferred mode of transportation online.
| Transfer Mode – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Minibus | 3-5 hours | $8-12/pp |
| Private Car | 3-5 hours | $95-230 (vehicle) |
| Motorbike | 5-7 hours | $10-15/pp |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
1. BUS from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The most used and cheapest option of transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for most travelers will be a transfer by tourist bus. As there is no railway here, you will have to use the bus service.
Some buses go to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, and mainly also the sought-after air-conditioned buses of the Greenbus company. These modern seater buses are fully sufficient for all solo travelers even for this route in Northern Thailand.
The connections of these buses are operated to Chiang Rai and back to Chiang Mai. Bus travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes approximately 3-4 hours and bus tickets are cheap, averaging $7-12/pp. Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrive at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 or Mae Sai.
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It is advisable to arrive at the bus terminal in Chiang Mai well in advance, for example 30 minutes before the departure of the bus. You can easily search and book bus tickets to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai online.
Always read carefully all supplementary information relating to these bus tickets and transfers. Bus transport is mostly problem-free, Greenbus is a proven and well-rated company with modern buses.
However, please be aware that sometimes there may be minor delays, for example during departure and arrival, unfortunately this sometimes happens in Thailand.
2. TAXI / MINIVAN from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The most convenient, fast, but at the same time more expensive option of transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by private taxi/car. This is therefore not a suitable transport option for those who travel in Thailand in a low-cost style and try to save their travel budget.
On this route, you can take advantage of the offers of several well-rated private transport companies that offer tourists modern and comfortable cars, SUVs, Jeeps and even minivans and minibuses for more people.
Some of the companies that drive between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are Jed Yord, Kim Transfers Thailand, Lanna Expert Driver, Bangkok Taxi 24, GB Limousine, Smart En Plus, Glassflower, Jed Yord, Firstplan Transport Services.
So if you want to go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in a group of several people, you can use the offer of a minivan with a driver. These minivans can be, for example, for 9-16 passengers in the vehicle, the price of the fare is then calculated per individual, so sometimes this transport option can also pay off.
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Minivans are usually the most expensive compared to smaller vehicles. Transportation by private taxi/car to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai costs $95-230 on average, depending on the car you choose and where you are going from and to.
These private cars / taxi are usually available from the city center of Chiang Mai or you can go directly from your hotel and return to your accommodation in Chiang Rai, for example. There are also cars on offer that you can use for a transfer directly from Chiang Mai Airport to Chiang Rai.
The travel time to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai can therefore vary a little, but it usually ranges between 3-5 hours. Private cars and chauffeured cars to Chiang Rai from the above-mentioned companies can be easily searched and booked online, even in advance, and you can specify your departure and arrival point.
When booking your car to Chiang Rai, always read carefully all the instructions regarding the transfer. A private car will be the most convenient option for you to travel to Chiang Rai, if the budget for the trip is not important to you, definitely use this option.
3. Book a Private Tour + Tickets in Chiang Rai
Another way to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai is to take a private tour/trip. In Chiang Mai, some agencies offer, for example, sightseeing trips to this area, and some of them offer their services, for example, on the Klook platform. On this platform, you can search and book various trips or activities in Thailand, in various popular places, even in Chiang Rai.
The advantage is that there are also reviews of other travelers on specific activities and trips. So you also have trips available here, e.g. in the city of Chiang Rai and its surroundings, or you can buy tickets to interesting places and other tourist attractions here.
In most cases, these trips are also organized with a guide with whom you can communicate in English. This option, i.e. booking a private trip, is suitable for those who do not want to deal with transport, tickets and other things connected with the trip. Some agencies also offer, for example, less visited places in Chiang Rai, hidden treasures and the like.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai:
1. How to book bus tickets or private taxi/car from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- You can search and book tickets + taxi from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai online with 12go.asia ➜.
- Carefully read all additional information about the transport, it is recommended to print the ticket
2. What is the travel time from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- Travel by tourist bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about 3-5 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/minivan, car from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about 3-5 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- Travel distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is about 190 km by road (the fastest route).
4. How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- Travel by tourist bus to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai costs about $8-12/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/minivan, car to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai costs about $95-190 (vehicle).
5. What are the possibilities of private transfer?
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- Traveling by private car, taxi or minivan for more people is the most comfortable but the most expensive way how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. There are various new modern minivans, minibuses or modern new cars or SUVs. You can book these cars online.
6. Is it possible to travel by train from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai because there is no railway between these cities.
7. Is there a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
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- No, even if both cities have airports, there are no domestic direct flights. The only option is to travel by road. There are direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
8. Where you can also travel from Chiang Mai?
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- From Chiang Mai you can travel by bus, car or motorbike to Pai or Nan and you can visit Mae Hong Son. There are no trains to these sites, you have to travel by bus/minivan, taxi or motorbike.
9. Is there a private taxi from Chiang Mai to Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai?
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- Yes, there are some private taxi companies and you can use their modern cars from Chiang Mai to Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai Province. Travel time by private car/taxi from Chiang Mai to Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai is about 6 hours. You can use Jed Yor private taxi company.
10. Where to rent a motorbike in Chiang Rai?
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- You can search and book your motorbike in Chiang Rai online with Bikesbooking.
11. How to travel from Chiang Rai to Bangkok?
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- The best and fastest option to travel back to Bangkok from Chiang Rai is to travel by plane – there are direct flights. Traveling by plane from Chiang Rai to Bangkok takes about 1 hour. If you would like to take the train to Bangkok – you have to go back to Chiang Mai and from Chiang Mai you can take a train to Bangkok. You can also travel by tourist buses as well as private cars and taxi.
12. Where to stay and how to book hotel / resort in Chiang Rai?
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- Chiang Rai is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the north and therefore offers many accommodation facilities. Cheap hotels, guest houses or hostels for travelers but also accommodation in bungalows or cottages in the countryside. Check out the best deals > The best hotels / resorts in Chiang Rai.
13. What are the most interesting things and facts about Thailand?
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- In summary, Thailand is a multifaceted gem that captivates visitors with its unique blend of cultural heritage, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality. From the enchanting traditions of its classical arts like Khon to the exhilarating water festivities of Songkran, the country offers a sensory feast. Thailand’s diverse landscapes, ranging from tropical islands to mountainous regions, contribute to its allure, making it a destination that seamlessly combines ancient traditions with modern vibrancy. The symphony of flavors in Thai cuisine and the welcoming smiles of its people further enrich the tapestry of experiences. Read this article: 15 Interesting Things of Thailand.
14. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?
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- Weather in Thailand varies across three main seasons, creating a tropical climate. The hot season typically spans from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). During this period, the weather is characterized by intense heat and occasional brief showers. The rainy season occurs from July to October, bringing heavy monsoon rains and increased humidity. Average temperatures remain high, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The cool season, from November to February, is marked by milder temperatures and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 64°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C), making it a popular time for tourism.
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🚍 Bus Schedule / Timetable – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai + Bus Tickets:
Bus Schedule - Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai | Departs in Chiang Mai | Arrival in Chiang Rai | Bus Ticket - Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Greenbus | 07:15 | 10:50 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 08:00 | 13:30 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 08:15 | 11:25 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 09:15 | 12:55 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 10:30 | 13:40 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 12:00 | 17:25 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 12:30 | 16:10 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 13:00 | 16:10 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 14:15 | 17:50 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 15:00 | 18:35 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 15:45 | 18:55 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 17:30 | 21:10 | From $6-11 |
Greenbus | 18:00 | 21:10 | From $6-11 |
🚕 Taxi Schedule / Timetable – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai + Prices:
Taxi Schedule - Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai | Travel time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
Jed Yord | 03:00 | From $119.00 |
Jed Yord | 03:00 | From $141.00 |
Jed Yord | 05:00 | From $133.00 |
Jed Yord | 06:00 | From $141.00 |
Jed Yord | 06:00 | From $160.00 |
Jed Yord | 06:00 | From $178.00 |
Jed Yord | 04:00 | From $170.00 |
Smart En Plus | 03:30 | From $122.00 |
Smart En Plus | 05:00 | From $143.00 |
Smart En Plus | 05:00 | From $155.00 |
Glassflower | 03:30 | From $131.00 |
Glassflower | 03:00 | From $183.00 |
Firstplan Transport | 05:00 | From $125.00 |
Firstplan Transport | 03:30 | From $95.00 |
Kim Transfers | 03:30 | From $95.00 |
Kim Transfers | 05:50 | From $127.00 |
Lanna Expert | 04:30 | From $144.00 |
Lanna Expert | 03:00 | From $104.00 |
Bangkok Taxi 24 | 03:30 | From $104.00 |
Bangkok Taxi 24 | 05:00 | From $119.00 |
GB Limousine | 03:30 | From $134.00 |
GB Limousine | 04:30 | From $149.00 |