This guide on how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai It will help you prepare your visit to one of the most fashionable and amazing cities in Thailand.
This city, which has nothing to envy its famous neighbor Chiang Mai, is perfect for putting the icing on a route from Bangkok to Northern Thailand, passing through the historic cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
We recommend investing at least one full day to get to know its most impressive temples such as the White Temple, the Blue Temple and the Black House and if you have more time, take an excursion to the one known as the Golden Triangle or the mountainous population of Mae Salong.
Based on the experience of the four days we spent in the city, during which we wrote this travel guide to Thailand, we show you all the options for to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. We start!
How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus
The cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is to take the bus of the Green Bus company that leaves every hour from the main station Arcade Bus Station.
Keep in mind that there are two bus stations in Chiang Mai, the one that makes the transfers to Chiang Rai is identified on Google Maps as Terminal 3 and is 4 kilometers from the historic city center on Kaew Nawarat Street. The best way to get to this station is by taxi or Grab for about 100 baths (3 euros) or in songthaew (red shared vans) for about 30 or 40 baths (1 euro).
The time it takes for the bus to travel the 190 kilometers that separate the two cities is just over 3 hours with a 10-minute stop midway.
The bus has two stops in Chiang Rai, the last one is next to the night market, right in the center of the city.
The price of the bus depends on the class you choose:
- Second class: air-conditioned bus that takes 3 hours and costs about 4 euros (130 baths).
- First class: more comfortable bus with air conditioning that takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and costs about 5 euros (166 baths).
- VIP class: Bus with ample seats that takes 3 hours (without stops) and costs about 8 euros (260 baths).
We made the journey in first class by having more departures than the other two classes and having little difference in time and comfort with the VIP.
Remember that it is very important to book tickets in advance, especially if you travel in high season or on weekends. You can check the schedules and make the reservation here.
Chiang Rai Station
How to get to Chiang Mai on excursion
Other most comfortable way to go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai It is to book this excursion that includes the Golden Triangle, pick up at the hotel and guide in Spanish.
It is an interesting option if you only have one day and it can be profitable if you are a group. For example, for a group of nine, the excursion would cost about 30 euros per person.
In addition to comfort, by having a guide in Spanish you will learn more about the history and the main temples of the city.
This excursion also allows you to know the area of the Golden Triangle, where you will see the mythical Mekong River that borders three countries: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
Another good option is to book this tour with a guide in Spanish that focuses on visiting all the essentials of Chiang Rai.
White Temple
Tips for visiting Chiang Rai
Once you are clear how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai We recommend you, if you plan to spend the night in the city, look for a good hotel.
We stayed at the Nakaraj Princess Chiang Rai, located near the center, in a quiet area. In addition to its magnificent location, this hotel surprises with its decoration dominated by gold and ornate furniture.
To get around the city and complete this list of places to see in Chiang Rai you can use the taxi, Grab (the Uber of Asia) or the buses, the cheapest transport that leaves from the bus station.
Another great option to not depend on anyone is to rent a motorcycle, you have to take into account that the most important places such as the White Temple, the Blue, the Black House or the Wat Huay Pla Kung, are located on the outskirts of the city.
In addition to all the temples and more cultural visits, do not leave the city without trying dishes like the khao soi a delightful gastronomy.
Among our favorite Chiang Mai restaurants are: Kunda Vegan Vegetarian, Oak & Awe Coffee House, Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House and the Jatujak Gallery.
