A beautiful view from within central Chiang Rai-mobile

How to get from
Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Trip Overview

Distance682 km (426.3 miles)
Price range$21-$238
Ride Duration Range1h 20m-16h
Earliest Departure23:30
Latest Departure23:55

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Bangkok to Chiang Rai



























































































Taking a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Fastest bus: 11h

Cheapest bus: $21

The fastest: 11h

The cheapest: $21

Pros

Luggage allowance

Possible overnight accommodation replacement

Reclining seats

Affordable ticket price

Meal provided

Cons

Non refundable

No other transport options

Possibly cramped conditions

Very cold on board (bring a sweater)

No return journeys available

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

Blanket

WC

Food

Wifi

TV

Charger

English Speaking Staff

The fastest: 1h 20m

The cheapest: $52

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

WC

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Chiang Rai

About the ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

 

Once you've had your fill of brash and busy Bangkok, it's time to head north to the far more peaceful confines of Chiang Rai. Set against the backdrop of the mighty Mekong river, on the confluence of Laos and Myanmar, prepare for a bit of culture shock in the best way possible. Ready? Let's go!

The Bangkok to Chiang Rai distance is 681 kilometers (423 miles) which means there’s a lot of ground to cover to get to the Golden Triangle. But fear not, you’ve got options: bus, flight, or train.

First, there's a tourist bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai that's very comfortable. In fact, several tourist buses travel in this direction daily. Bus types range from an Economy bus run by Khao San Tara Tour to a VIP 32 Seats bus, organized by Sombat Tour.

Traveling by bus can be as simple as turning up at the nearest ticket office on Koh San Road and handing over your Thai Baht. However, finding out how much you should be paying in advance is best practice when it comes to savvy traveling – you don’t want to waste your funds, right?

Sleeper bus tickets start from US$23 for the Express bus service by The Transport Company Ltd. These buses are comfortable with semi-reclining seats, air-conditioning, bathrooms and food and drinks included in the price.

Even the super-duper comfortable VIP 32 Seats bus run by Bangkok Buslines only costs US$29. It includes a TV, USB charger and Wifi access! So no matter which way you slice it, the Bangkok to Chiang Rai bus is the most affordable option.

The journey north usually takes just over 12 hours. Buses tend to ride through the night, so most passengers choose to either get some sleep or chat to newfound friends over a few games of cards. It's a sociable trip, so bring earplugs if you really want to get some rest. If you choose to take the bus, make sure you stock up on lots of street food snacks before you go – although nothing too spicy, perhaps!

The second and much quicker way to travel is by air. This will literally have you up in the air and down again before you get too comfortable. Although it's not the best way to see the countryside, flying is the best way to save you time and ensure you get more time exploring.

The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is one hour and 30 minutes. Six airlines regularly make the route with a total of 15 daily departures. Ticket prices are very affordable, too, and start from as little as US$44 with Thai Viet Jet.

And lastly, the train. Although there's no direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, it is possible if you don’t mind connections and transfers. You’ll have to stop at Chiang Mai and find transportation from there to Chiang Rai. It’s a fun and friendly way to travel but can be time-consuming if connecting timetables don’t sync. The other two options make better sense.

 

What to see when traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

 

What you’ll see from your plane, bus or train window will depend on which time of day you’re departing. You might catch the sunrise or sunset; you might see night markets festooned in fairy lights; or you might see absolutely nothing at all because it’s pitch black – that’s the time to sleep, my friends.

If you're taking the train or bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, you're going to see plenty from your window. You'll be driving in daylight hours and during the night. This gives you a chance to see the sun go down and come up against a variety of landscapes.

During the day, keep your eyes peeled for the smaller towns and roadside villages that you'll pass on the outskirts of the capital. Bangkok has grown massively over the years, and some of the city suburbs stretch for absolutely miles.

If you're taking a Bangkok to Chiang Rai flight, you won't see too much, but who cares when you're there in a jiffy?

Choosing whether to take a plane or bus can be as simple as assessing how much you’ve got in your budget. Do you fancy splashing out on a speedy plane, so you can spend more time on the ground? Or do you want to save money by taking the bus and enjoying a classic travel adventure?

 

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

 

Taking a bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai 

Sleeper buses are a classic Southeast Asia travel experience, and you'll get to meet lots of fellow travelers along the way. You’ll also get to see much more of the countryside you'd otherwise miss if you traveled by plane. 

Taking the bus is very straightforward. You basically board in Bangkok’s city center and drive for 12 hours until you reach the Mekong River on the Thai side of the border with Laos and Myanmar. It’s what most backpackers would go for if you asked them how to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

Buses are comfortable and affordable. You're looking at ticket prices from US$23 for an Economy bus service. Buses will still stop along the way so passengers, and drivers, can stretch their legs and buy some food and drink.

 

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Rai 

Planes regularly fly this route. They're comfortable, convenient and a great way to save you time if you simply have to head north in a hurry. 

If price is no object or you're short on time, the Bangkok to Chiang Rai flight time makes the experience infinitely easier and much more efficient.

Ticket prices start from as little as US$44 one way. This is a very speedy option – you'll be up and down in under two hours – however, don't forget to add a couple of hours at the airport pre-departure.

Companies Operating from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Average time

1h 20m

Average price

$61 - $75

(7)

Average time

1h 20m - 1h 30m

Average price

$59 - $85

(16)

Average time

1h 25m

Average price

$52 - $67

(9)

Average time

11h - 12h 50m

Average price

$23 - $36

(700)

Popular stations and stops in Bangkok and Chiang Rai

Departure stations in Bangkok

Khao San Tara Travel office

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

Sombat Tour Office (Vibhavadi Rangsit Road)

Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak - Mochit)

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Arrival stations in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)

Bus Terminal 2 Chiang Rai

Chiang Khong (Sombat Tour Office)

Mae Fah Luang

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