Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Wed, Dec 24
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

DP
I’m not exaggerating when I say that we feared for our lifes during the trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The driver showed more than reckless behavior on the roads, always speeding and overtaking multiple vehicles despite traffic from the other side. The estimated arrival was 18:00 - we arrived at 17:15 - 45 mins earlier, due to the constant speeding, overtaking and ignoring all traffic rules that one could imagine. Never again.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 20, 2025
SM
Because we stopped at the White temple for half an hour while a passenger (who had paid to see it) went to look around it. Not the paying passengers fault but everyone else had to wait 30mins, while we were only 20 mins max away from the final destination. No food break or toilet break needed (alreafy had one) , no mention of this stop on tickets etc. We took our bags off the bus and got a cab. Be aware when you book with this operator that they do this , so the trip will be in excess of 4hrs easily
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 20, 2025
MH
Perfect ride and service. Very comfortable bus
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 20, 2025
D
At First the driver showed up late which resulted in us departing 20-30 minutes late. Second, he took a 15 minute rest stop after an hour of driving at 10:30. Then when we arrived to Chiang Rai he stopped at the White Temple for 30 minutes. The description of the ride on 12go said a 3:30 minute travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We arrived at 1:40, 1 hour and 10 minutes late, and the drop off was not at Terminal 2 as mentioned in the booking description, it was at the mall in Chiang Rai. The Ride itself was a little rocky and you could feel that the driver tried to make up for lost time.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 19, 2025
AS
They took 400 TBH extra from me. Even when I showed them about the policy of the bags which shows 20 kg an 1 cabin bag. But they said it's not about weight but about dimension. Which was never mentioned in the condition while booking the tickets. This is just a loot and misguiding to the innocent people.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 19, 2025
SA
The bus was on time and as expected. The only reason for the four stars and not five Is because we are 6 foot tall Canadians and the seats felt a little cramped for us. Overall, it was a good experience and would recommend the green bus service.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 18, 2025
UF
Ther driver drove into the parking lot at the White Temple, got out, and said there would be a half-hour break. Then he disappeared. That's completely unacceptable. We and others then ordered a taxi. I can't say when the driver finally left. I become no answere of my complaint
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 16, 2025
MP
The 12Go service was excellent, and the drive was fine. But with ten minutes remaining in our journey, our driver suddenly stopped at a rest spot near the white temple for “about thirty minutes” so we could “take a little break.” I’m all for breaks, but that makes more sense in the middle of the journey than at the end. It was very clearly motivated by something else, and it added unnecessary time to our trip which had us arriving 45 minutes past the stated arrival time.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Dec 16, 2025
HP
Comfortable and easy
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 14, 2025
CC
Bus time changed but no text or email notification VIP class was changed. Seat was hard, seatbelts stiff and tight buttons
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 14, 2025
4.4
5458 customer reviews
5
56%
4
29%
3
11%
2
4%
1
0%

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Freedom Tour Taxi Service
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$97.06
  3.7
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
06:00
09:20
$13.75
  4.5
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:20
$104.24
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
12:40
$200.75
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
12:40
$91.63
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
07:30
10:50
$13.75
  4.5
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
09:35
$110.10
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:15
12:00
$8.43
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$9.07
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:05
19:25
$66.76
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
09:25
07:55
$120.25
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:45
15:50
$206.41
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
15:35
$99.59
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
15:35
$200.75
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:45
14:35
$6.59
  4.1
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
21:05
$86.67
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:30
15:15
$8.43
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
11:50
19:25
$143.64
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
12:10
18:20
$558.84
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
12:35
19:25
$49.78

Is the art scene in Chiang Rai more vibrant than Chiang Mai?

Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai both have rich art scenes, but they differ in scope and influence. Chiang Mai, as a larger city, offers a broader range of galleries, street art, and cultural events, making it a hub for contemporary and traditional Thai art. However, Chiang Rai has a unique artistic identity centered around visionary works like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), which blend modern and traditional styles. Chiang Rai is also home to renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and his legacy, which attracts art enthusiasts seeking a more focused experience. In summary, Chiang Mai is diverse and dynamic, while Chiang Rai offers a concentrated and distinctive artistic appeal for those seeking something more niche.

Does Chiang Rai use Grab or Uber?

  • Chiang Rai supports Grab, which is widely used for transportation and food delivery services, offering convenience for both locals and tourists.
  • Uber no longer operates in Thailand, as Grab acquired Uber's Southeast Asian operations in 2018.
  • Aside from Grab, traditional transportation options like songthaews (shared trucks) and tuk-tuks remain common, especially for short trips.
  • Travelers should ensure internet connectivity or a local SIM card for using Grab effectively.
In summary, Grab is the go-to app for rides in Chiang Rai, complemented by traditional local transport methods.

Is Chiang Rai a good place to live?

Chiang Rai is considered a peaceful and affordable place to live, ideal for those seeking a slower pace of life. The city features cooler weather compared to other parts of Thailand, especially in winter, and offers easy access to nature, including mountains and rivers. While it has modern amenities such as hospitals, schools, and supermarkets, it lacks the urban hustle and nightlife of cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai. For expatriates, Chiang Rai offers a welcoming community, a low cost of living, and cultural charm, making it suitable for retirees or remote workers. However, those seeking bustling city life or a wide range of job opportunities may find it less ideal.

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Transport$12
Fastest Transport2h 30m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure10:10 PM
Departures per day111
Distance125 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAndaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport, GreenBus, K Buddy, Khamkhun Tour And Travel, Kim Transfers Thailand, Mekong Transfer, Naluangs, North Ride Go, Smart En Plus, Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Terminal Green Pai, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thailand Travel Taxi, Torch, Yortdoy Travel

How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Travelling between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is possible by Flight, bus, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Flight is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 334.65 if you go by flight; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 11.46.

How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

It can take you anywhere between 3 and 26 hours to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 2h 30m. Flight does a much slower job and take about 1d 1h 5m to reach Chiang Rai.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

Travelling between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai can be as cheap as USD 11.46 if you opt for a GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) bus and as expensive as USD 334.65 if you buy a Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย) flight ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai ?

  • 39 by flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport
  • 12 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 07:00 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 until 09:30 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
  • 7 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 09:00 Accha Indian Dhaba until 14:30 At Ratchadamnoen Chaing Mai
  • 53 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 00:00 Chiang Mai train station until 00:00 Chiang Mai train station

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai 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 Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว))

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 Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Andaman Shuttle, Aya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Freedom Tour Taxi Service (Freedom Tour and Taxi Service), Go2Trip, Gosafe Transport (โกเซฟ ทรานสปอร์ต), Khamkhun Tour And Travel (ค้ำคูณ ทัวร์ แอนด์ ทราเวล), Kim Transfers Thailand (Thailand Taxi Airport and Travel), Mekong Transfer, North Ride Go, Smart En Plus (สมาร์ท เอ็น พลัส), Smile On Transport, T Buddy Service Chiang Mai, Thailand Travel Taxi (ไทยแลนด์ ทราเวล แท็กซี่), Torch

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Aya Service, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Terminal Green Pai, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล)

What is the most popular transport to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 79% opted for a bus
  • 12% took a van
  • 5% bought a taxi ride
  • 3% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
  • 1% Other