How to go → SAIGON to CHIANG RAI? ☀️

ho-chi-minh-city-chiang-rai-thailand
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai? You can travel to Chiang Rai by plane or bus/train / car via Cambodia and Thailand.

1. Flights to Chiang Rai
2. By land to Chiang Rai
3. Bangkok to Chiang Rai
4. Questions + Travel Tips

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province in northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai City and the province of the same name is about 800 km north of Bangkok. Chiang Rai is not so large city like another cities in Thailand, but it is very good place if you want to continue to Myanmar (Mae Sai border checkpoint) or Laos (Huay Xai). Check with your Immigration Bureau whether there is still a crossing for foreigners open. You can visit there the Golden Triangle Park (Sob Ruak), about 70 km from Chiang Rai City – it is a point where 3 borders meet. You can arrive to Chiang Rai also from Chiang Mai by tourist bus, it is about 200 km, the most visited place in the north of Thailand. Chiang Rai has also an international airport and another airports is in Chiang Mai. This place offers various nice nature locations and it is worth a visit. Before you arrive to Chiang Rai, read carefully also this article: Weather in Chiang Rai.


From Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai you can travel by various ways.

Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Chiang Rai is about 1700 by land. There is also an airport in Chiang Rai and travel by plane is the fastest way. There are no direct flights, but you can take a flight to Chiang Mai (about 200 km from Chiang Rai) or flight to Bangkok. From Chiang Mai you can travel by bus or private car to Chiang Rai. There are also various direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai or you can travel by bus or train+bus via Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is also easily accesible by tourist bus. If you want to travel by road, you can take a bus from Saigon to Bangkok (via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia) and from Bangkok you can travel by tourist bus to Chiang Rai. The best and fastest way of transfer to Chiang Rai is to travel by plane via Bangkok or Chiang Mai. You can search and book flights or bus+train tickets to from Saigon to Chiang Rai online. From Chiang Rai you can travel to Bangkok or via Bangkok to Krabi.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chiang Rai


How to go from Saigon to Chiang Rai?


1. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai

– there are flights with stopover in Bangkok or Chiang Mai in Thailand
– the fastest and most comfortable way how to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai
– airlines: Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific, VietJet Air, Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air
– flight time is approximately 5-10 hours (depends on the stopover in Bangkok)
– the price of one-way low-cost flight is about $40-150/pp
– airport in Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport
– airports in Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang Airport
– airport in Chiang Rai – Chiang Rai International Airport
– the plane is the fastest but sometimes can be the most expensive way of the transfer
Book and buy flights from Saigon to Chiang Rai online on 12go.asia ➜


2. From Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai by land

A) From Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh)
B) From Cambodia or Vietnam to Thailand (Bangkok)

C) From Bangkok to Chiang Rai (bus, flight)

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The buddhist temple in Bangkok in Thailand.


How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?


1. BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

– several buses run in the evenings on this route from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
– travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is 800 km
– bus travel takes about 12-13 hours, comfortable, modern and air-conditioned buses
– bus companies: Bangkok Busline, Siam First, Transport CO, Budsarakham Tour…
– price of the one-way bus ticket is about $19-27/pp
– buses go from the Morchit Bus Terminal or Sombat Tour Viphavadee 13 in Bangkok
Book and buy bus tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Rai online on 12go.asia ➜

2. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

– lots of airline companies operate on this route from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
– companies: Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air, Thai Smile
– price of the one-way flight is about $30-70/pp
– flight takes about 1,5 hours
– planes fly from Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
– airport in Chiang Rai – Chiang Rai International Airport
Book and buy flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai online on 12go.asia ➜


How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?


1. BUS or TAXI from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

– Chiang Mai is about 200 km from Chiang Rai (Road 118)
– travel time by bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes about 3 hours
– comfortable, modern and air-conditioned buses
– bus company to Chiang Rai: Greenbus
– price of the one-way bus ticket is about $7-10/pp
– buses of Greenbus company go from the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
– Book and buy bus tickets from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai online on
12go.asia ➜
– you can also search and book private car or taxi to Chiang Rai

wat-rong-khun-white-temple-chiang-rai2
Wat Rong Khun – The White temple in Chiang Rai.

12go.asia – search, book, buy tickets + flights

– 12go.asia sells the train, bus, ferry tickets, flights mainly for Thailand (also tickets for Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Cambodia)
– bus tickets for Vietnam, Thailand… (eg. Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinhTourist, Hung Thanh, Futabus…)
– ferry/boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, Koh Lanta
– tickets for the main routes in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to KrabiBangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket
– you can not use an online train e-ticket in Thailand, you have to print it (12go deliver these train tickets)
– you can use an online train ticket in Vietnam in your mobile phone
– you can choose a seat or berth in the train in Vietnam, more information about trains in Thailand
– if you buy a train ticket in Baolau or 12go for tourist trains in Vietnam to Lao Cai (Orient Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
– if you buy train tickets in Thailand on 12go.asia, you have to pick them in the office: Bangkok (DOB building) or Chiang Mai (Bossotel)
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam

best-cheap-hostels-chiang-rai
Mercy Hostel in Chiang Rai (photo: Agoda). 10 best cheap hostels in Chiang Rai.
best-cheap-hotels-chiang-rai
Goodtime Resort Chiangrai (photo: Agoda). 15 best cheap hotels + resorts in Chiang Rai.
best-luxury-hotels-chiang-rai
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa in Chiang Rai (photo: Agoda). 10 best luxury hotels + resorts in Chiang Rai.


FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai:

1. How to book tickets or flights from Ho Chi Minh to Chiang Rai?

    • You can book tickets and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai on 12go.asia or Baolau.
    • You can also book another tickets or flights, Ho Chi Minh > Bangkok, Bangkok > Chiang Rai…

2. How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai takes about 5-10 hours with stopover.
    • Travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai (via Cambodia, Thailand) takes about 40 hours.
    • Travel by bus + train from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai (via Cambodia, Bangkok) takes about 35-45 hours.

3. How far is Chiang Rai from Ho Chi Minh City?

    • Travel distance from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai is about 1400 by plane and about 1650 km by road.

4. How much does it cost to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • Travel by bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai (via Phnom Penh, Bangkok) costs about $40+/pp.
    • Travel by bus+train from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai (via Phnom Penh, Bangkok) costs about $40-60/pp
    • Travel by plane from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai costs about $50-150/pp.

5. What is the best way of travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • The best and fastest option of getting from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai in Thailand is to travel by plane. There are flights with stopover in Bangkok or another city of Thailand.

6. What is the most cheapest way of travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • The most cheapest way of travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai in Thailand is to travel by bus, but the flights are sometimes also very cheap.

7. Is there a direct tourist bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • No, there is no direct tourist bus from Saigon to Chiang Rai. You can travel by bus from Saigon to Phnom Penh, from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, it has totally 3 steps.

8. Is there a train from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai?

    • No, there is no direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Rai in Thailand.

9. How to book a tour or another acitvity to Thailand?

    • You can search and book your tour to Thailand or other country in Asia easily online. You can search and book various tours in Thailand with KLOOK.

10. How to travel from Chiang Rai to Bangkok?

11. How to move and explore Thailand?

    • In Thailand you can use various tourist buses / minivans, trains, private cars / taxi, boats and ferries or you can rent a motorbike or bicycle. Read this article: Transportation in Thailand.

12. What are the most interesting things and facts about Thailand?

    • 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.

13. What are the most beautiful beaches in Thailand?

    • Thailand’s coastline is adorned with an exquisite tapestry of beaches, each possessing its own allure, whether it’s the dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters of Railay Beach, the vibrant nightlife and golden sands of Patong Beach, Ao Nang area and Koh Phi Phi Archipelago in Krabi District, or the tranquil, coconut palm-fringed shores of Koh Samui, collectively creating a symphony of natural beauty that beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the unparalleled charm of this tropical paradise. Read this article: 20 Most Beuatiful Beaches in Thailand.

14. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?

    • 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.

15. What you can buy and bring home from Thailand?

    • From Thailand, you can bring home a variety of souvenirs such as traditional Thai jewelry, packaged herbal teas, handcrafted Thai puppets, exotic spices and sauces, artistic ceramics, quality Thai soap and cosmetics, traditional musical instruments, fine Thai silk products, herbal oils and balms, and traditional playing cards and board games. These items reflect Thailand’s rich culture, craftsmanship, and diverse offerings, making them unique and memorable souvenirs. Read this article: What to bring from Thailand?

16. Is traveling and living in Thailand cheap or expensive?

    • The cost of traveling and living in Thailand can vary depending on various factors such as lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. Generally, Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, attracting travelers seeking affordable adventures. While Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, costs can vary depending on whether you choose to live in popular tourist areas or less-explored regions. Overall, many people find that the cost of living in Thailand offers good value for money.

BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chiang Rai

book-tour-tickets-chiang-rai


🎫 Book your bus/train tickets or flights from Ho Chi Minh to Chiang Rai:

(You can change your departure or arrival place, eg. Ho Chi Minh > Phnom Penh, Bangkok > Chiang Rai…)

Trains + Tickets in Vietnam ➔

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