Bangkok to Chiang Mai tickets

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Nestled in the hills 700 km (435 miles) north of Thailand's capital lies Chiang Mai, a magical town that should be on everyone's travel bucket list. 

Since it is firmly planted on the tourist trail, there are plenty of options to get you from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. There are daily buses, flights, trains, and shuttles to choose from, so you can easily plan your trip based on your unique travel style and budget.

Buses tend to be the most popular option. They are the most affordable and can help you save on a night's accommodation if you opt to take an overnight route. 

If you want to see more of Thailand in a hurry, take a flight. It's only an hour and 15 minutes! 

Thai trains are a unique way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and you can see more of the stunning landscape along the way. 

You can also always take a private car to get to Chiang Mai on your own time.

Chiang Mai is the hub in the north, as it is home to an international airport. This means you can typically find cheaper transportation options if you arrive here first and then carry on to other epic destinations nearby. You can also use the route to break up a longer trip to the northern region of Thailand. Traveling from Bangkok to Pai, for example, would take almost 20 hours!

Things to do in Chiang Mai

• Old Town: Once you arrive in Chiang Mai, you must check out the UNESCO Old Town. Its ancient walls were designed to protect the main temples. Enter through one of four main gates to pay respects at Wat Phra Singh Woramahawihan, Wat Chedi Luang, or Wat Phantao. 

• Markets: There are plenty of street markets and night markets selling everything from delicious local food to souvenirs to bring home. Talat Warorot Market, located just east of Old Town, is the largest in the entire city. It isn't a tourist market, so head there for an authentic experience.

• Nightlife: After exploring the area, relax at one of the lively bars or restaurants.

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

The quickest option is to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The trip takes about an hour and 15 minutes, and you can fly out of either Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Airlines like Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, and Nok Air offer several daily direct flights at a reasonable price. 

If you are looking for a budget option, take the bus. There is an express bus that takes 9.5 hours and a standard bus that takes 12.5 hours. 

Your third option is to take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The ride will take approximately 12 hours, and you can book one of three different seating types (First Class, Second Class, or Third Class.) While some options are more comfortable than others, each train is safe and reliable.

Finally, you can opt for private transportation to get you up north. One choice is a minivan, which seats up to 9 passengers. Another is a car, which seats three people besides the driver. Both of these options take about nine hours door-to-door and are a great choice if you are traveling with a group or want a bit more privacy during your journey. Just keep in mind that this is on the pricier side. 

About the ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Flights:

If you travel by air, the ride is quick and relatively painless. Nok Air, Thai VietJet, and Thai AirAsia are all budget airlines, and you really don't need much luxury for a trip that only lasts an hour and 15 minutes. Just be sure to download a podcast or show or bring a book on the flight; don't expect any inflight entertainment or WiFi. 

Buses:

Many bus options are overnight journeys, so there's not much of a view along the way. 

However, as you approach Chiang Mai, you will be treated to an epic sunrise. If you're awake, be sure to gaze out the window so you can spot all of the impressive temples and markets that dot the countryside. 

There are a few different buses to choose from.

• Express Bus:

The ride takes between 9.5 and 10.5 hours, and the bus has AC and bathrooms on board. The seats are pretty comfortable and recline, so you can get some rest. You'll see one daytime departure and several nighttime options, as this is more popular with travelers. 

• Standard Bus:

A standard bus journey takes 12.5 hours and typically departs Bangkok around 6 p.m. Seats are fairly comfortable and recline, so you can get some shut-eye during the journey. Buses are equipped with AC and bathrooms, plus the driver will stop for a stretch break. 

• VIP Bus:

The VIP Bus is direct and takes about 9.5 hours. The seats are set up like an airplane, but you'll have way more legroom! The operator will also provide water, small snacks, and a blanket. 

Trains:

The train is operated by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and has options when it comes to your seats. Here's what to expect for each:

• Third Class

Third-class seats are the most budget-friendly option. They are cheap for a reason. They're in cars with no A/C, and the seats are typically benches, with two people sharing. They aren't comfortable, especially if you're traveling for 10+ hours. 

There won't be charging ports or entertainment here. Come prepared with a book or podcast and an extra battery pack. 

• Second Class

A second-class seat ticket gets you an individual seat on the train. Seats have padding and are pretty comfy. There are options for a car with AC or without, but you can open the windows if you need to. 

Another bonus is that it is only a few dollars more than a third-class ticket.

A second-class sleeper ticket will give you a bunk in a shared cabin. Choose the top bunk if you want more privacy or the bottom bunk if you want easier access to your space.

• First Class

First-class tickets are only available on night trains. 

The first-class sleeper ticket provides a private cabin with a TV and a private wash basin. The beds are also larger, and you can choose to share the cabin with another person or book the entire thing for yourself. 

All ticket holders will share a bathroom, but they are pretty clean. Trains are modern and reliable, so this is a great option if you have the time to travel slowly. 

Private Transfers:

Private transport is great because you can control your schedule and have more room to spread out unless you pack the car or minivan full of people and luggage. An experienced driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Bangkok and drop you off at your next hotel in Chiang Mai. 

Your transport will have AC, and you can ask the driver to stop for breaks (and snacks!) whenever you need. 

Best time to visit Chiang Mai

It is important to know that Chiang Mai's weather is a little different from Bangkok's. 

The rainy season in the mountains lasts from May to October, which is longer than in the south. 

Even though this isn't a beach destination, you'll still want to consider the weather when planning your trip.

The best time to visit is from October through April. Once the rains end, it is less humid, and temperatures are mild.

If you're planning many outdoor activities, November through February has the best weather. 

You can also attend the Loi Krathong Festival (Festival of Lights) in November or the Flower Festival in February. 

Where to Go Next

When you're in Northern Thailand, you have to be sure to visit Chiang Rai and Pai.  

If you're feeling adventurous, you can ride the Mae Hong Son Loop, a popular motorcycle trail that starts in Chiang Mai and includes Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang, and Don Inthanon National Park.

Chiang Rai is home to the famous Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. This is one of the most unique temples in Asia and cannot be missed!  

Pai is another amazing spot in Northern Thailand. Known for its Bohemian vibes and awe-inspiring nature, this little town is a hidden gem in the region. 

All these locations are worth adding to your list of places to stop and explore during your trip.