Flights
Flying is
the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as
USD 66.35.
Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.
If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.
In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.
Airlines flying between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Air Astana, Austrian Airlines, Bangkok Airways (บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส), Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines, EL AL, Etihad Airways, EVA Airways, Finnair, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet (ไทยเวียดเจ็ทแอร์), Turkish Airlines, Vietnam Airlines
Bus
Travelling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is
the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Companies operating bus routes between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Budsarakham Tour (บุษราคัมทัวร์), Nakhonchai Air (นครชัยแอร์), Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), The Nine Travel
Taxi
Some travellers consider taxi to be
the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.
Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.
Companies offering charters between Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Gosafe Transport (โกเซฟ ทรานสปอร์ต), Smile On Transport, Than Car Service (ธาน คาร์ เซอร์วิส), Torch
Train
Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to
sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
