The easiest way to get to Chiang Rai depends on where you’re starting. From Bangkok, flying is the fastest and most convenient option. From Chiang Mai, the bus or minivan is usually the easiest choice, and from Pai, you can either take a direct van or travel via Chiang Mai.
One important thing to know is that there is no direct train to Chiang Rai, so most travellers either fly from Bangkok or travel by road from Chiang Mai. I visited Chiang Rai recently from Bangkok and found the journey very simple once I understood the options.
In this guide, I’ll compare the best ways to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Pai, including flights, buses, vans, private transfers, travel times, prices, and how to get from Chiang Rai Airport to the city.
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Quick Overview: Best Ways to Get to Chiang Rai
| From | Best Way | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Fly | Fastest and easiest option. This is what I did. |
| Bangkok | Bus | Cheaper, but takes around 11–13 hours. |
| Bangkok | Train | No direct train to Chiang Rai. You need to go via Chiang Mai. |
| Chiang Mai | Bus or van | The easiest and most affordable option. |
| Chiang Mai | Private transfer | Best if you want comfort or travel with family/luggage. |
| Pai | Direct van or via Chiang Mai | Possible, but expect a long travel day. |
| Chiang Rai Airport | Grab, taxi, or hotel pick-up | The airport is close to the city centre. |
➞ For me, the best way to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok is definitely by flight. It saves a lot of time, and if you book early, it doesn’t have to be much more expensive than the bus.
How I Got to Chiang Rai: My Experience
This was my first time visiting Chiang Rai, and as I was travelling from Bangkok, the most practical and quickest way was to fly. I was actually surprised to see how many flights there are between Bangkok and Chiang Rai each day, so many that you don’t have to worry too much about booking last minute.
There are connections from both Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airport, but the second one worked better for us. We got our flight tickets with AirAsia and paid 3,300 THB (102 USD) for the two of us. Since we were going only for three nights, we were fine with just 7 kg carry-on luggage, which was already included.
We took an evening flight, there were no delays, and the whole journey was pretty smooth. After landing at Chiang Rai Airport, which is pretty small, we ordered a Grab to take us to the hotel.
➞ Once your transport is sorted, my 2 days in Chiang Rai itinerary shows exactly how I planned a weekend around the White Temple, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, cafés, and night markets.
How to Get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok
The distance between these two cities is around 800 kilometres, and there are two main options for how to get to Chiang Rai. For me, there’s an obvious winner.
Option 1: Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The flight itself is usually around 1.5 hours, although of course, you need to add extra time for getting to the airport, check-in, security, baggage, and getting from Chiang Rai Airport to your hotel.
The airport in Chiang Rai is actually quite close to the city. We grabbed a Grab and were in our central hotel in about 15 minutes. If you wonder what the best areas and hotels in Chiang Rai are, then check out my article: Where to Stay in Chiang Rai.
As there are so many flight connections between these two cities every day with different airlines, the competition drives the prices pretty low, so it’s possible to get a flight for around 40 USD.
Make sure you always check the baggage rules carefully, especially with low-cost airlines, as you have to pay extra for checked-in luggage. Although the charges for one seemed significantly cheaper than in Europe.
Option 2: Take a Bus or Van from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Taking the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is only slightly cheaper than flying. The tickets start at around 25 USD, and it also saves you money on one night of accommodation, as most of these buses run overnight. So this option can work great for everyone who is on a tight budget and has a lot of time for exploring Thailand.
I’d say the biggest downside is that this journey usually takes 11–13 hours, depending on the bus company, route, traffic, and stops along the way. So if you only have one week in Thailand, I’d not recommend it, as it will eat up a lot of your precious time.
I did an overnight bus journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai about ten years ago, and although it was a bus with special, more spacious seats, I found it hard to get a good night’s sleep.
➞ My note: Thai vans are not very spacious. They usually have about 18 seats and very little space for luggage. If you have a big regular suitcase, you usually have to pay extra. If you have more than one, I’d rather take a bus.
Option 3: Take a Train to Chiang Mai, Then Bus to Chiang Rai
Unfortunately, there is no direct train connection between Bangkok and Chiang Rai. The closest practical option is to take the train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and then continue from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus, private transfer, or tour.
Taking the train to Chiang Mai can be a really nice experience if you have time and want to include Chiang Mai in your itinerary. But if your goal is to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai as directly as possible, then the train is not the best idea, as the journey to Chiang Mai alone takes around 13 hours.
Train tickets for 3rd class with a fan start at 278 THB, but it’s much better to pay for the 2nd class sleeper train with AC, where prices start from around 850 THB.
I would only choose the train if you actually want to visit Chiang Mai or enjoy the overnight train experience. Otherwise, flying from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is much easier.
How to Get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
These two cities are connected by road, so there are a few options to choose from depending on your budget and how much time you have. The distance is around 180 km, and it usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to get from one to the other, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Option 1: Take a Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The bus is usually the easiest and most affordable way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. It’s a popular route, and this is the option I’d choose if I was already staying in Chiang Mai and wanted to spend one or two nights in Chiang Rai.
The journey takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes, and tickets start from 423 THB. During high season and Thai public holidays, I recommend booking in advance.
Book Here: Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus tickets
Option 2: Book a Private Transfer from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
This is the most expensive option, but also the most comfortable and practical if you are travelling with family or just have a lot of luggage. The convenience of door-to-door service is unbeatable, and actually, the prices in Thailand are way more affordable than in many other places.
There are a few different ways I’d arrange a private transfer. The first one would be to use the Grab app. I’ve done this previously on a 2-hour journey, and it worked out great. The price between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai shows me 2,300 THB (70 USD), which is pretty good.
The other way I’d go about this is by finding a private driver and planning a few stops on the way, like hot springs, cafés, viewpoints, and temples. I think it’s a great idea to turn the journey into sightseeing, as you might not reach these places unless you rented a bike. I learned that the best way is to just Google them or ask in Facebook groups.
You can also find private transfers on 12Go Asia offering hotel-to-hotel service, but with these, it might be difficult to negotiate stops on the way.
Option 3: Book a Day Trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
If you are already in Chiang Mai, really want to see Chiang Rai, and are short on time, then another option is to book an organised day trip. Just bear in mind that it’s going to be a long day.
These trips usually focus on the main highlights, such as the White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, and sometimes the Golden Triangle. However, I think staying at least one night in Chiang Rai is better if you can. The day trip involves a lot of time on the road, and you may feel rushed at the attractions. Staying overnight gives you more time to explore the city, visit temples earlier or later in the day, and enjoy a slower pace.
How to Get to Chiang Rai from Pai
Most travellers visiting Northern Thailand usually do the triangle of Pai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, and getting between them is definitely feasible, but it takes some time.
Option 1: Take a Van from Pai to Chiang Rai
There are a few direct van connections between these two places per day. The journey is quite long, at least 6.5 hours, and tickets start at around 650 THB one way.
Option 2: Take a Van from Pai with a Stop in Chiang Mai
If you are doing a Northern Thailand itinerary, it’s best to stop in Chiang Mai in between. Also, it’s good to know that the first part of the journey, from Pai to Chiang Mai, is on a very winding mountain road.
If you get motion sick, I wouldn’t recommend planning a super tight connection in Chiang Mai. Give yourself enough time between journeys, or consider spending one night in Chiang Mai before continuing to Chiang Rai.
Book Here: Pai to Chiang Rai minivan
Option 3: Take a Private Transfer from Pai to Chiang Rai
Even here, there is still the option to book a private transfer or taxi, but the journey will still take around 6 hours and will cost you a minimum of 5,000 THB.
How to Get from Chiang Rai Airport to the City
Chiang Rai Airport is only an 18-minute drive from the Clock Tower, located in the centre of the city. The best way is to either take a taxi, Grab, or ask your hotel in advance to arrange a pick-up for you.
For Grab, you’re going to need data on your phone, and it’s best to arrange that before your arrival. I’ve been using Airalo for years.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
The best area to stay in Chiang Rai is around the Clock Tower or Night Bazaar if you want to be central and walkable. If you prefer something quieter, the Riverside area is a good alternative. For a full breakdown of areas and hotels, read my guide on where to Stay in Chiang Rai.
My Tips Before Booking Transport to Chiang Rai
Here are some of my tips for smooth transport to Chiang Rai:
- Compare both Bangkok airports before booking a flight.
- Check baggage rules for low-cost airlines.
- Book buses in advance during high season and Thai public holidays.
- Choose a VIP or more comfortable bus for long-distance routes.
- Download Grab before you arrive.
- Keep some cash for taxis, tuk-tuks, or small local transport.
- If you are short on time, don’t try to save money by choosing a route that costs you a full day.
➞ If you’re planning several routes across the country, my guide on how to travel around Thailand explains the main transport options, including flights, buses, trains, ferries, vans, private transfers, and Grab.
FAQ About How to Get to Chiang Rai
What is the best way to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok?
The best way to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok is 100% by flying. It’s the fastest and easiest option, especially if you only have a short Thailand itinerary. The bus is usually cheaper, but it will take around 12 hours of your time.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
No, there is no direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. You can take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then continue to Chiang Rai by bus or private transfer, but this is a much longer and less direct route.
How long does it take from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Rai takes around 1.5 hours, but of course, you need to add airport time. By bus, the journey usually takes around 11–13 hours, depending on the service and traffic.
What’s the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The best and easiest way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus or van. You can also book a private transfer if you want more comfort, or take a day tour if you only want to visit the main temples.
How long is the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
The bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai usually takes around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the exact service you choose.
Is it worth visiting Chiang Rai?
Absolutely! I really enjoyed my weekend stay there. It’s a pretty chilled town with amazing cafés, temples, and a lot of nature around. To read more about my experience, check out my article: Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
How much is a taxi from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
I recommend using Grab, where you can see the fixed price in advance. You can expect to pay around 2,300 THB for this journey.
Can you do Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai?
Yes, you can visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai, but it’s a very long day. It works if you only want to see the main temples, but staying overnight is better if you want a more relaxed trip.
➞ 12Go Asia Review: Is It Worth It? My Honest Take After Booking a Few Trips
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