Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train, bus or plane

All the useful information for traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus, train, or plane, with links to book your tickets at the best price.

The city of Chiang Mai, nicknamed the Rose of the North, offers a completely different atmosphere compared to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

See our articles:
Chiang Mai: the complete guide to discovering the rose of the North
and
What to do in Chiang Mai: 8 activities not to be missed!

Although it is the fifth largest city in Thailand, it is smaller than Bangkok, which, let us remember, is a provincial city, and has a more relaxed lifestyle.

With a long history, surrounded by mountains and hill tribes, Chiang Mai is a multicultural city, the people there are more welcoming, smiling and life is cheaper than in the capital.

Bangkok is a beautiful city with lots to see and do (see: What to do in Bangkok: the top 10 visits not to be missed! ) but personally, I never stay there very long, preferring quieter places in terms of traffic.

Chiang Mai is one of the favorite cities for expats from all countries and there is a large French-speaking community.

See prices for Bangkok Chiang Mai travel by bus, train, plane on 12go.asia .

See also:
Transportation in Thailand

Distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

As the crow flies, or by plane, the distance between Bangkok and Chiang Mai is 580 km.

If you take the road, it will be about 700 km with a mountainous section to pass.

Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

A direct flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes between 60 and 70 minutes, and unless you enjoy seeing the scenery during your long train or bus journey, or are on a very tight budget, this is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get there.

The downside, of course, of flying is the cost, but there are often promotions on flights from low-cost airlines.

Prices are around 40 euros, but depending on the time of year and promotions, you can find much lower prices; there are often tickets on sale for 30 euros.

Prices also vary considerably depending on public holidays such as Songkran (Thai New Year) , Chinese New Year or the peak tourist season from November to February.

See: When to go to Thailand: by region, city and island

Book your ticket as far in advance as possible to get the best deals.

Bangkok's two main airports

Most airlines flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are low-cost airlines operating from Don Muang Airport.

But there are also many flights, often more expensive, that depart from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

So be careful and check your tickets carefully so you arrive at the right airport.

Transportation from Chiang Mai Airport

In Chiang Mai, you will arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport, located a 10-15 minute drive from the city center.

You can enter the city by taxi (preferably the Meter taxi, with a meter) or the public bus (bus number 4) which is much cheaper.

Some hotels and guesthouses can also pick you up from the airport for free, or for a small fee.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai train journey

The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is very popular, despite the time it takes to get from one city to the other.

What makes it so popular are the low prices and the opportunity to discover the landscape of Thailand in a friendly atmosphere, a good opportunity to meet, discover and exchange with the local population.

The journey times are considerable, but if you think the journey is truly part of the tourist experience, then you should take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Depending on the number of stops your train makes, this can take between 12 and 15 hours.

There are usually around 6 trains per day from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and vice versa, so there will be a number of options to choose from.

However, even with this high number of trains, they are very popular and can be full, so reservations are strongly recommended.

You can get very cheap tickets on a Bangkok to Chiang Mai train, depending on the class of travel you choose.

Chiang Mai train station is a few kilometers from the city center and the road by taxi or car is only 10 minutes.

You can also reach the center by tuk-tuk and songthaew (shared taxi), the songthaew being the cheapest means of transport.

The red shared taxi called Songthaew

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai by bus

Like the train, buses have the advantage of being an affordable option, but the disadvantage is that they take a long time.

The journey to Chiang Mai takes between 9 and 12 hours, and exact times and prices vary depending on the type of bus you choose.

The best option for such a trip is to opt for a VIP or super VIP bus.

Public buses range from second class to VIP.

Second class buses will take around 10-11 hours (with many stops) and you can buy a ticket for around 450 baht.

First-class buses provide more comfort, including air conditioning.

There are toilets and the seats recline a little.

These will cost you about 100 baht more than second class.

VIP buses offer the best comfort and more reclining seats.

You can take government buses to Chiang Mai from Bangkok's North and Northeast Bus Terminal, called Moh Chit or Chatuchak Bus Terminal.

There are also a number of private travel companies that operate regular services between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

These can be more convenient than traveling to Moh Chit to hop off at one of the government-run buses, as these private buses depart from various points around Bangkok.

There are two bus terminals in Chiang Mai so make sure you arrive at the right location for your return journey.

Arcade Bus Station, also known as New Terminal, handles buses going to and from outside Chiang Mai province.

Conclusion

So, now it's up to you to choose between the three public transport options between Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Depending on the time you have, your budget, your preferences...