Distance 153 km (95.6 miles) | |
Price range US$8-US$124 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h-8h 5m | |
Earliest Departure 00:15 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Taking a bus is the easiest and most affordable option for making the 153 km voyage from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Buses depart every hour from the Arcade Bus Station and travel time is typically around three to four hours. Take pictures of Chiang Rai’s beauty and plan on visiting its ancient temples, historic buddha statues, glorious riverbanks, and ethnic villages. Summers can get very hot, so If you want to experience the most pleasant temperatures with slightly cool nights, try and book a trip between October and February.
Fastest bus: 3h 20m
Cheapest bus: US$8
No trip to northern Thailand is complete without visiting Chiang Rai.
This charming mountainous town is 237 km (147 miles) north of Chiang Mai and is the perfect addition to your trip. The city has awe-inspiring temples, fascinating museums, and gorgeous artwork to help you learn more about the country’s rich and exciting history.
You can easily get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and extend your stay in the region. Several buses operate daily routes, and you can organize private transport and stick to your own schedule.
Taking a bus is the more affordable option. However, you can book a private car or minivan if the route times don’t align with your schedule.
Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is the number one place to explore in Chiang Rai. This has to be one of the most unique temples in the entire country. Wat Rong Khun was designed by Thai artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat, who is world-renowned for his Buddhist imagery. The outside of the structure is covered in glittering mirrors, giving it an iridescent, magical feel.
Inside, there are massive murals and gorgeous works of art.
Pro tip: While this is different from pretty much every other temple in Thailand, it is important to remember that it is a religious structure, so you should dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering, showing your respect.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is another must-visit. This captivating collection of stalls is located in the heart of the city and is the perfect place for getting a true sense of the vibe of the area.
You can feast on delicious street food, shop for handicrafts, and simply explore everything vendors have on offer.
Finally, check out Wat Rong Suea Ten, the Blue Temple. This building symbolizes tranquility and purity, two important teachings of Buddhism. It is also a gorgeous structure that is every Instagrammers dream.
There are three options to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: bus, minivan and car.
The bus is the most affordable, and it takes around 3.5 hours.
If you want a private ride, you can hop in a car or a minivan. They are great options if you are traveling with a group or prefer a little more luxury and privacy. Just keep in mind that they are definitely more expensive than public buses. Either choice takes 3-3.5 hours and will take you door-to-door to your accommodations.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty…
The bus is the most popular way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Tickets start at $6.
Buses depart from the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrive at the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
There are several departures each day. The ride is direct and takes about 3.5 hours.
Most buses include:
AC
TVs
Reclining comfortable seats.
You can book a private transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai if you’re traveling in a small group or prefer to set your own schedule.
Private cars can carry up to four passengers, and minivans can take up to nine. You pay for the entire vehicle starting at $115 and $161, respectively, so you can split the costs with your travel companions.
Cars or minivans will collect you at your hotel in Chiang Mai and drop you off at your next accommodation, making stops at your request.
You will be booked with a professional driver, and you can expect comforts such as AC and bathroom breaks. The ride takes between 3-3.5 hours.
If buses aren’t your thing or you’d prefer a smaller transportation option, go for a seat in a shared minivan. Tickets start around $22, so it’s not as cheap as a bus but more convenient. It’ll depart from Cool Muang Coffee in Chiang Mai and drop you off at your hotel in Chiang Rai.
The ride takes about 3.5 hours, has AC, and you get a 15 kg (33 lbs) luggage allowance.
Chiang Rai is located in the northern region of Thailand and has a moderate climate year-round.
November to February has the best weather, with mild temperatures, little humidity, and much less frequent rainfall. November is also when the Loi Krathong and Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival occur.
Loi Krathong is when the city comes alive with cultural performances, and vendors sell everything from local delicacies to handicrafts.
Blooming Mexican Sunflower is when the jaw-dropping sunflower fields are in full bloom.
Traveling during this time is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Thai culture and treat yourself to the beauty of the country.
The rainy season lasts from May to October, so you’ll want to consider this when planning your trip. While you might not be planning to go to the beach when visiting Chiang Rai, you’ll want to consider how precipitation might impact your trip. Northern Thailand is known for hiking, so only visit during the rainy season if you don’t mind getting wet.
When you’re in Northern Thailand, you must visit Pai. It’s known for its laid-back, hippy feel and is the perfect little town to escape the hustle and bustle of bigger cities. You can also plan some fantastic hiking trips from here.
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Looking to head out of Chiang Mai, Thailand for the day? We count down the six best day trips from Chiang Mai.
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