Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Sun, May 3
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

CG
Carla G
Punctual, fast and the AC was working too well
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 29, 2026
SS
Sarah S
Bus was on time, staff friendly and helpful and spoke english. Seats were very comfy and free water provided! Trip was pretty much the length of time that’s stated
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 28, 2026
TF
Thomas F
I unfortunately got stuck in the back seat of the minivan basically in the boot next to the luggage. Im 6ft4 I could not stretch my legs and was in a lot of pain 😂 There are other seats with a lot more room so if you get picked up early get those seats first! We got picked up in a nice car but then dropped at a petrol station for 30 mins where we waited for the minivan. Got to chiang rai after about 5 hours in total since leaving chiang mai. If I was in a better seat it would have been fine I reckon.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Apr 28, 2026
NR
Nicolas R
the ticket was supposed to be for 11:30am and they picked me up 12:15, not just that, they just said the van is leaving at 1:30pm
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 27, 2026
JH
Jessy H
Not satisfied with the ride, service, or communication.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Apr 26, 2026
AN
Ayelen N
From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, everything was great—it took 3:45 hours.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 24, 2026
KB
Kevin B
We were picked up a few minutes later than advised, but not so late that we were worried about it. There were 2 more pickups after us and then we thought we were on the road to Chiang Rai. After around 30 minutes, we pulled into a service station, where we were asked to get out, supposedly because the air conditioning wasn’t working very well in the original minivan and they were going to switch to another van. While waiting in the heat for over 30 minutes 3 or 4 other vans/cars also deposited their occupants at the same service station. Eventually we were told to get into another minivan, which we quickly realised was very full, including two people sat up front with the driver. We then sat still in the van with no air conditioning working for another 30 minutes while the driver and a driver from another minivan had a long discussion and several attempted phone calls, presumably to their boss. When we did eventually set off, we were a lot more cramped than the original minivan and the aircon was no better. Had expected to arrive in Chiang Rai at around 3pm, but was around 5.30 when we were eventually dropped off. The cost had been double what we would have paid on the bus, and in hindsight I wish we’d caught that instead as the busses usually give you a lot more space.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van VIP Minivan, Pai Friendly Tour, Apr 13, 2026
RG
Remy G
The bus took us in advance, it's cool but the people on the bus had a different schedule and thought we were late, and we received unfair and inappropriate comments... The driver's driving was too aggressive, making the journey quite unpleasant. Otherwise, we arrived on time and even early.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Apr 12, 2026
JE
Jonas E
Good experience. Good conversation on WhatsApp and he came in time.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Van, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Apr 7, 2026
LR
Lynda R
The bus was extremely comfortable, the driver excellent and very helpful when I almost got off at the wrong stop.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Apr 4, 2026
4.4
6319 customer reviews
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58%
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Freedom Tour Taxi Service
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+3h
$92.98
  3.7
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
06:00
09:20
$13.17
  4.5
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:20
$104.00
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
12:40
$192.32
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
12:40
$87.78
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
07:30
10:50
$13.17
  4.5
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
09:35
$109.84
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:15
12:00
$8.08
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.69
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:05
19:25
$66.60
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
09:25
07:55
$119.97
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:45
15:50
$197.74
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
15:35
$95.40
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
15:35
$192.32
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:45
14:35
$6.31
  4.1
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
21:05
$86.47
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:30
15:15
$8.08
  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
$49.66

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.

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 241.90 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 14.75.

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

It can take you anywhere between 3 and 11 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 3h. Flight does a much slower job and take about 10h 20m 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 14.75 if you opt for a GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) bus and as expensive as USD 241.90 if you buy a Easyride Services taxi 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 ?

  • 4 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 08:30 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 until 12:45 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
  • 27 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 00:00 Chiang Mai Town until 00:00 Chiang Mai Town

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

BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Go2Trip, Than Car Service (ธาน คาร์ เซอร์วิส)

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), Pai Friendly Tour, So Good Airline Service and Travel, 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

  • 80% opted for a bus
  • 14% took a van
  • 2% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
  • 2% chosen Bus+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Transport$15
Fastest Transport3h
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure10:10 PM
Departures per day31
Distance150 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAya Service, BangkokTaxi24, Easyride Services, Go2Trip, GreenBus, K Buddy, Naluangs, Pai Friendly Tour, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Terminal Green Pai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Than Car Service, Yortdoy Travel