Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai offers a chance to explore northern Thailand’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and unique attractions. Whether you’re planning a quick trip or a relaxed journey, there are several transport options to suit different budgets and schedules. From long-distance buses to quick flights and private transfers, this guide will help you decide the best way to make the journey. In this article, you’ll find detailed information on how to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, including travel times, booking tips, and the pros and cons of each option to ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable.
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Chiang Rai is a gateway to some of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural scenery and cultural treasures. Whether you’re drawn by the iconic White Temple, vibrant hill tribe communities, or tranquil countryside, getting there from Bangkok is easier than you might think.
My guide to Chiang Rai is here.
While the journey covers over 700 kilometers, modern transport options mean you can tailor your trip based on how much time you have and your preferred travel style. This guide breaks down your choices, from affordable buses to speedy flights, ensuring you find the perfect way to reach Chiang Rai comfortably and conveniently.
BEST WAY TO TRAVEL
Easiest Way to get to Chiang Rai
Pick a day bus or an overnight bus, this is the easiest way to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok.
Where is Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is located in northern Thailand, near the borders of Myanmar and Laos. It’s the northernmost major city in the country, nestled among mountains and rivers. Known for its cool climate and scenic beauty, Chiang Rai serves as a slightly more peaceful alternative to the busier northern city of Chiang Mai. My guide to Chiang Mai is here.
And if you’re planning on taking the route through Laos, then my guide to the Mekong Slow boat is here (it’s fabulous, don’t miss it!)
Why go to Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is a must-visit for its unique temples, such as the stunning White Temple, vibrant hill tribe cultures, and serene natural landscapes. It’s a quieter, less touristy destination compared to other northern cities, offering more authentic local experiences. Check out my full Chiang Rai travel guide here.
How to Go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
There are several transport options to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, each varying in travel time, comfort, and cost. Whether you prefer buses, trains, flights, or private transfers, here’s the detail that you need to make the decision.
Taking the Bangkok to Chiang Rai Bus
Traveling by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is a popular and budget-friendly option. About 50 buses run daily, mostly large, vaguely comfortable coaches offering both daytime and overnight services. See the options here. Buses typically depart from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and arrive at Chiang Rai’s main bus station.
The journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours, depending on traffic and the service chosen. Overnight buses are a great way to save on accommodation and arrive refreshed in the morning. Booking tickets is easy via online platforms like 12go.asia or directly at the bus station. Buses vary in comfort, with VIP and first-class options providing reclining seats and air conditioning, ensuring a pleasant ride through northern Thailand’s scenic routes.
The first buses leave Mo Chit at 07:00, the last at 20:30. You can check the timetables and book seats here.
The Bangkok to Chiang Rai Train
Taking the train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai isn’t a direct option. You’ll first need to take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, (my guide to going from Bangkok to Chiang Mai with the train detail is here) which typically takes around 12 to 15 hours. From Chiang Mai, you then catch a bus to Chiang Rai, adding another 3 to 4 hours of travel.
While the train journey offers scenic views and a comfortable ride, this combined route can be time-consuming and less convenient. If you’re interested, check out my detailed guide on how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for the bus leg of the trip.
Booking train tickets can be done via the official State Railway of Thailand website or platforms like 12go.asia. Overall, the train is not the best choice for this route unless you want to experience the journey in stages.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai Flight
Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities.
Flights depart from both Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK), with more than 40 options each day. You can check the timetable here.
The flight time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. When you get to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), it’s about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) south of the city center, and you can easily get into town via taxi or shuttle services.
Airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Lion Air operate this route – you can see their schedules here.
Check flight availability from Bangkok to Chiang Rai here.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai Private Transfer
A private transfer from Bangkok to Chiang Rai offers a door-to-door travel experience, ideal if you’re looking for more comfort and flexibility. Although I’m not convinced that an 11-hour car journey can be described as comfortable! I’d much rather be on a train, where at least I can get up and walk around!
The journey takes approximately 11 hours, making it a long day on the road, but it allows you to stop for sightseeing along the way. Private transfers can be booked via platforms like 12go.asia, where you can choose the vehicle size to suit your group.
Popular Routes in Thailand
Want to know more about different forms of transport in Thailand? Our guide to Thailand transport is here. And here’s how to travel some of the popular routes around Thailand, your options, and how we did it.
- How to go from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai
- How to go from Bangkok to Pakse (Laos)
- Going from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe
- How to go from Koh Tao to Krabi
- How to go from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi
- Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi
- How to go from Bangkok to Koh Tao
- Koh Tao to Phuket
- How to go from Bangkok to Koh Lipe
- How to go from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
- Bangkok to Koh Kood and back
- How to go from Koh Lipe to Koh Mook
- Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta
- How to go from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Phuket to Koh Lanta
- How to go from Koh Tao to Koh Samui
- Go from Bangkok to Koh Chang
- How to go from Bangkok to Koh Samui
- How to go from Bangkok to Ayutthaya
- How to go from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- How to go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
- How to go from Bangkok to Sukhothai
- How to go from Krabi to Phuket
- How to go from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan
- How to go from Krabi to Koh Samui
- Going from Krabi to Phi Phi Island
- How to go from Bangkok to Phi Phi Island
- How to go from Bangkok to Krabi
- How to go from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
- How to travel from Krabi to Langkawi (Malaysia)
- How to go from Krabi to Railay
- How to go from Cambodia to Thailand
Tips for Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
Here are some helpful tips to consider when planning your journey from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is to fly. With multiple daily flights, you’ll be in Chiang Rai in just over an hour, perfect if you’re short of time.
The easiest way to go to Chiang Rai from Bangkok
The easiest way to go to Chiang Rai from Bangkok depends on your schedule. Overnight buses save both travel time and accommodation costs, but flights are quicker. Choose the easiest way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai based on your priorities.
The cheapest way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The cheapest way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is by bus. Just be sure to choose a service with good reviews for comfort, as some buses can be cramped.
The best way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The best way to go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai depends on your travel style. For a good balance of comfort and cost, I recommend taking the overnight bus—it saves time, money, and gets you there first thing.
Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand
- Get Travel Insurance: Civitatis includes medical expenses, repatriation, theft, luggage delays. No deductibles or upfront payments. Get a quote here.
- Get online immediately with an eSIM – one SIM for the whole world, data never expires.
- Read our Thailand Transport Guide here.
- Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Thailand > discount coupon here
- Arriving by air? Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- Book the best Thailand tours and guides on Klook or Get YourGuide
- Book Ferries, and Buses in Thailand with 12goAsia
- Book accommodation in Thailand with Booking
Final Words on How to Go from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
The route from Bangkok to Chiang Rai has a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you choose to fly, take the bus, combine train and bus, or hire a private transfer, each method has its own advantages. Flights are unbeatable for speed, while buses provide an affordable and fairly comfortable way to travel overnight. The train option, though indirect, can be appealing if you want to break up the journey and enjoy scenic views. Private transfers offer the most convenience and flexibility but come at a higher cost and longer travel time. Ultimately, your choice will depend on how much time you have, your comfort preferences, and your budget.
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