Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai
Tue, Dec 9
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Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

MS
The driver, Mr. Pu was very friendly, helpful, and punctual. We had a great time driving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and would book the same trip again.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, taxi Van 9pax, Torch, Dec 5, 2025
AL
Only 4 stars because the toilets was extremely dirty and not functional
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 5, 2025
LD
Easy to book, comfortable ride, water provided, and driver clearly announced each stop. I would not hesitate to use this service again.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 4, 2025
SM
So easy from end to end and great service by provider
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 3, 2025
DF
The driver was very professional. Had a great personality, was skilled in driving aggressively without any discomfort. I usually experience motion sickness sitting in the back, which I did not on this trip. We stopped once about an hour from Chiang Rai where we
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Standard, Aya Service (Aya Service), Dec 3, 2025
FP
The way was quick and enjoyable with all the comforts on board.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 3, 2025
JP
All is perfect!
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus Express, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 2, 2025
TO
I really enjoyed the trip on a very comfortable bus!
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Bus VIP, GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)), Dec 2, 2025
G
Punctual, great driver and good car.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, taxi Economy 3pax, Torch, Dec 1, 2025
VA
I found the service poor because they charged me for insurance I never requested and I want a refund. Also, we traveled very cramped with many suitcases between our legs.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, Van Minivan, Terminal Green Pai (Terminal Green Pai), Nov 30, 2025
4.4
5327 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
$95.62
  3.7
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
06:00
09:20
$13.54
  4.5
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:20
$103.54
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
12:40
$197.77
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
12:40
$90.27
Bus
GreenBus
VIP
07:30
10:50
$13.54
  4.5
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
09:35
$109.36
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:15
12:00
$8.31
  4.3
Bus
GreenBus
Express
08:45
12:30
$8.93
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:05
19:25
$66.32
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
09:25
07:55
$119.45
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:45
15:50
$203.35
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
15:35
$98.11
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
15:35
$197.77
Bus
GreenBus
Express
10:45
14:35
$6.49
  4.1
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
21:05
$86.09
Bus
GreenBus
Express
11:30
15:15
$8.31
  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
$49.45

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 day116
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, 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 212.71 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus which will set you back mere USD 11.29.

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 2h 30m. Flight does a much slower job and take about 10h 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 11.29 if you opt for a GreenBus (กรีนบัส (รถเขียว)) bus and as expensive as USD 212.71 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 ?

  • 44 by flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport
  • 15 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai starting from 07:00 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 until 08:30 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
  • 50 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

  • 81% opted for a bus
  • 11% took a van
  • 4% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
  • 4% bought a taxi ride