A beautiful view from within central Kanchanaburi-mobile

How to get from
Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi Trip Overview

Distance534 km (333.8 miles)
Price range$19-$30
Ride Duration Range11h-11h 30m
Earliest Departure00:00
Latest Departure12:00

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

Travel Schedule Options from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi



























































































Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

Fastest bus: 11h

Cheapest bus: $19

The fastest: 11h

The cheapest: $19

Pros

Makes rest stops

Possible overnight accommodation replacement

WiFi on board

Affordable ticket price

Cons

Long journey

Non refundable

No personal pick ups/drop offs

Irregular WiFi connection

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Reclining Seats

Food

TV

A beautiful view from within central Kanchanaburi

How to get from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

To go from (arguably) the coolest city in Thailand, Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi (arguably) one of the most historical and adventurous cities in Thailand, you can take a bus, which will pick you up at Chiang Mai Bus Station (Terminal 3) and drop you off at Kanchanaburi Bus Station. It’s a 12 hour journey (688 kms/428 miles), with 3 departure times, starting in the morning and ending in the evening. 

We’d recommend taking the last bus which leaves Chiang Mai at 8pm, and will get you to Kanchanaburi at 8am, the perfect time to check in to your accommodation, get some breakfast, and start exploring. 

The coach is comfortable, most have air conditioning and a bathroom onboard, and there will of course be breaks, to get some food and stretch your legs, plus a complimentary blanket to keep you cozy throughout the journey. 

You can choose from Tourist or VIP class, with the VIP option being more expensive, but giving you bigger and more comfortable seats, and also making it easier to stay connected during the journey as it offers WiFi and you can also charge your phone on the bus (USB charging capabilities).

Chiang Mai is a must-visit while you’re in Thailand, with everything from elephant sanctuaries to the coolest coffee shops, yoga, and a vibrant digital nomad scene, full of creative people. There’s also loads of national parks in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous check out the “sticky waterfalls” at Bua Tong.

Kanchanaburi is a highly historical city, specifically referring to World War Two, and has a lot of cultural and historical memorials to visit, so if you’re into history check out the Bridge Over the River Kwai and War Cemetery. It also has more nature than you can shake a stick at. Check out the Sai Yok National Park for waterfalls, hikes, and plenty of fresh air, plus plenty of cafes and restaurants once you’re back in town and feeling hungry. 

 

What to see when traveling from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

The sights you’ll see on the journey from Chaing Mai to Kanchanaburi largely depend on the time you travel. If you get a later coach, it will be dark for much of your journey - great for sleeping! - but you will be able to enjoy the sunrise day breaks, and it gets light. 

If you’re traveling during the day, you have a very green journey ahead of you! Expect to see beautiful hills, fields, and small villages as your bus goes down quiet roads, until it eventually meets the motorway to complete the journey. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit Chiang Mai?

The coolest time to visit Chiang Mai is from Dec-Feb, when the weather is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, with a cool breeze to keep you cool. You can wander around one of the most creative cities in South Asia, explore, and take day trips out into the mountains. Great trips from Chiang Mai include checking out the near-by hippie village of Pai, Chaing Rai and its temples, or getting out into nature for a hike or visiting one of the many elephant sanctuaries. 

Do bring a jacket though as it can get chilly at night.

Chiang Mai starts getting warmer, and by mid-March until June temperatures reach a HOT 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Whilst Chiang Mai doesn’t have a beach, you can cool off in the nearby mountain towns, or seek refuge in a local cafe.

From June-October the temperature cools down to a comfortable 32 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, but the rainy season is also in full swing! So expect daily showers. Typically the mornings are bright and sunny, with the downpour coming in the late afternoon or early evening, so you can definitely still enjoy Chiang Mai during the rainy season. The rain is a great excuse to get “stuck” in a comfy cafe for the afternoon!

Chiang Mai has something for everyone; you can spend your days downing coffee in cool cafes, doing yoga in the amazing studios, exploring the temples, or being part of the rich digital nomad community that has grown in recent years. 

 

What is the best time of year to visit Kanchanaburi?

Kanchanaburi is a year-round destination, so you can visit whenever you like. 

The coolest, and arguably the best, time to visit is from November to January. Temperatures are consistent at around 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit) and there’s very little rain during these months, so if you’re wanting to check out the sights, wander around the city without worrying about rain, and check out the nearby national parks, this is a great time to go.

February to May is the warm season, and it does get hot, with temperatures peaking at 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The end of March - April is generally the hottest time. It is very hot, and there isn’t a beach in sight, so if you don’t like being hot, this might not be the best time to visit. Having said that, you can always visit the national parks and cool off in a waterfall! Where’s the a will there’s a way!

The rainy season is from June to October, with the heaviest rainfall being from August until October. The rain generally lasts for a few hours, and is actually quite refreshing! Thailand is hot all year-round, so even though it’s rainy season you can still expect temperatures in the low 30s Celsius (low 90s Fahrenheit) so if you’re happy to work around the weather, or don’t mind getting a little wet,  you can definitely enjoy yourself during the rainy season, and still visit all the sights you want to see. 

Whilst Kanchanaburi has tourist sites, it’s not specifically a tourist town, so whenever you decide to go, you can expect that there will be life, hustle and bustle, and plenty of things to do. As November to January has the best weather, accommodation might be a bit more expensive during these months. 

Companies Operating from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

Average time

11h - 11h 30m

Average price

$19

(3)

Popular stations and stops in Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi

Departure stations in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade Bus Terminal)

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

Arrival stations in Kanchanaburi

Kanchanaburi Bus Station

Kanchanaburi

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