For vacationers visiting Thailand, going 700km from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a quite common route. Chiang Mai is my favourite metropolis in Thailand (I ended up residing there for some time!).
Chiang Mai is a superb jumping-off level for exploring Northern Thailand, like Chiang Rai and Pai. Many adventurous vacationers hire a automotive or bike in Chiang Mai and spend days roaming the gorgeous countryside.
As a backpacker, I’ve taken the in a single day sleeper practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and extremely suggest it to the cost-conscious traveler. It’s a enjoyable technique to see the Thai countryside whereas getting some relaxation through the journey.
Having lived in Chiang Mai, I’ve additionally flown between Bangkok and Chiang Mai a number of occasions. Flying is quicker—the flight often takes about an hour and fifteen minutes —however after all dearer, and you must cope with the airport.
Irrespective of which route you select – aircraft, practice, bus, or non-public switch – getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is an journey all its personal!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overview
Listed below are the primary methods to get to Chiang Mai and the overall prices to get there relying in your price range. For a few of these transportation autos, it truly is the journey that makes the expertise totally different than only a fast flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. However, in case your time is restricted, then do take into account the quickest means which usually is by aircraft transportation.
| Mode of Transport | Time | Price (USD) | Execs/Cons |
| Aircraft | 1 hr 15 min | $50+ | Execs: Quick, snugCons: Dearer, baggage charges, should cope with airport |
| Prepare | 12-14 hrs | $25 | Execs: Enjoyable, Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Comfy than Flying |
| Bus | 12 hrs | $15-25 | Execs: Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Comfy than Flying/Bus |
| Personal Switch | 9 hrs | $300+ | Execs: Versatile, Good for Teams, PersonalCons: Costly |
Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Price: $50+
Greatest For: Vacationers Who Need to Get There Quick!
Flying is the quickest technique to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Costs begin at round $50 relying on the airline and time of 12 months, with the flight taking simply over an hour.
There are lots of airways to select from reminiscent of Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s essential to remember that every airline has totally different guidelines for baggage allowance (many enable simply 7kg carry-on) so you could think about the price of checked baggage if essential.
There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; price range airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport provides nicer airways and could be accessed by the rail hyperlink.
In Chiang Mai, there is only one airport – Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport – which is conveniently situated near city.
Vacationers ought to think about each the time and value of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get via safety.
Prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 13-14 hours
Price: $25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Funds Vacationers
The in a single day sleeper practice trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is taken into account to be a backpacker right-of-passage and a highly regarded technique to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the evening.
You can even take a day practice, nevertheless it received’t be as snug as having a mattress on the evening practice.
Not solely do you get to absorb the sights of Thailand, but in addition journey in fashion. You’re going to need to guide both the first-class or second-class beds, and also you’ll in all probability need air-conditioning (fan-only choices are additionally out there). These tickets, particularly first-class, promote out a number of days prematurely, so that you’ll need to guide forward. The underside bunk has more room than the highest!
I attempted to guide the first-class cabin after I was solo backpacking in Thailand, nevertheless it was already booked, so I went with second-class.
What’s the distinction between first and second-class cabins? The primary-class cabins are non-public cabins with two berths. They’ve higher bathrooms and a bathe. On the draw back, you’ll be with a stranger if you happen to’re solo, and also you’ll sleep sideways throughout the practice, which isn’t as snug as your ft going through the course the practice goes.
The second-class vehicles are full of bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be blissful to be within the second-class automotive as a result of I made pals with different backpackers!
If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you may take a practice from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, nevertheless it’s value it to see the traditional ruins. Then you may hop on the in a single day sleeper practice proper from there.
Make sure that to carry some snacks, hand sanitizer, an eye fixed masks, earplugs, and a sweater as temperatures are saved low on board. The rocking of the practice rocked me proper to sleep! However many vacationers complain that they don’t sleep properly on the practice.
The practice trip provides wonderful views of Thailand’s panorama that you just received’t get some other method – making it among the finest methods to expertise touring via the nation!
Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 12 hours
Price: $15-25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Funds Vacationers
For these vacationers in search of a less expensive choice than the practice to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, buses are the reply.
There are two totally different bus sorts to select from: Authorities or VIP.
Authorities buses are cheaper, price round $15, and may take longer than VIP buses as a result of they make quite a few stops in cities alongside the best way, with folks getting on and off the bus at every cease.
For vacationers who would love extra consolation and fewer stops, VIP/deluxe buses can be found. These buses will make lavatory and meals breaks periodically through the journey, and often have a toilet on board too (I hate utilizing bus bogs as a result of they’re often soiled, nevertheless it’s good to have the choice in a pinch).
You should definitely buy tickets from respected firms like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for pretend VIP tickets off of Khao San Highway – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought had been for the deluxe bus however ended up being for the federal government bus.
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai go away from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern Terminal) and arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station.
Hold all valuables with you on the bus since some folks have had gadgets go lacking from their large baggage saved within the bus’s baggage compartment. At all times lock your bag too.
Personal Switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 9 hours
Price: $300+ for Switch
Greatest For: Teams, Vacationers Who Favor Flexibility
Personal switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a superb choice for many who are touring in a gaggle, have somewhat extra money to spend, or need the pliability to make stops alongside the best way. Taxis are protected in Thailand. You possibly can rent a sedan or a 9-seater van, relying on what number of passengers are touring.
The journey often takes round 9 hours, and is dearer than different choices – anticipate to pay anyplace between $300-$400 and up for a personal switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai FAQs
How do I get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
There are a number of fashionable choices for getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: aircraft, practice, bus, and personal switch. In the event you’re strapped for time, flying is the best choice however prices extra. Taking the in a single day sleeper practice is snug and inexpensive, and a highly regarded route for backpackers.
Is it value taking the practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Sure! Taking the practice is a superb choice for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra snug than a bus, and you’ll calm down in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation when you journey. Plus, it’s an inexpensive choice in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the prospect to benefit from the lovely Thai countryside views in your method up North.
How lengthy is the practice journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The practice journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes round 13-14 hours, relying on the kind of practice you are taking. The in a single day sleeper practice is a superb choice because it saves on lodging prices for one evening and you will get some relaxation through the journey.
How a lot is the most cost effective transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The most affordable transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is both the bus or the in a single day sleeper practice. Tickets for the bus and sleeper practice price round $15-$25 baht relying on the kind of ticket and seat you select. It’s an ideal choice for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Getting round Chiang Mai
Getting round Chiang Mai is comparatively straightforward, as town provides quite a lot of transportation choices to go well with totally different preferences and budgets. Listed below are some methods to navigate Chiang Mai from public transport to strolling:
Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled, motorized autos are a typical mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are nice for brief distances and could be discovered all through town. Nonetheless, it’s essential to barter the fare earlier than you begin the trip, as they usually don’t have meters.
Crimson Songthaews: These shared pink vans with coated again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You possibly can flag them down and hop in. They’re a cheap technique to get round, however you may want to attend till the truck fills up with passengers earlier than it departs.
Bike Taxis: In the event you’re touring alone or in pairs, bike taxis is usually a handy and fast technique to transfer across the metropolis. Make sure that to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.
Renting a Bike: Many guests select to hire motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Ensure you’re snug with driving a bike and familiarize your self with native visitors guidelines and laws. At all times put on a helmet and train warning.
Bicycles: Chiang Mai is comparatively bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental choices out there. Biking is usually a nice technique to discover town, particularly in areas with much less visitors.
Seize (Experience-Hailing App): The Seize app operates in Chiang Mai, permitting you to guide rides in vehicles or on motorbikes. This is usually a handy and sometimes extra inexpensive choice in comparison with negotiating with tuk-tuks or taxis.
Public Buses: Chiang Mai has a restricted public bus system. Whereas buses won’t be as fashionable amongst vacationers as a result of language boundaries, they’ll nonetheless be an choice for getting round if you happen to’re snug with utilizing public transportation.
Renting a Automobile: In the event you want the pliability of getting your personal car, you may hire a automotive. This can be a good choice if you happen to plan to discover areas outdoors of town as properly. Nonetheless, needless to say visitors and parking could be difficult within the metropolis heart.
Strolling: Chiang Mai’s Outdated Metropolis is comparatively compact, and lots of the sights are inside strolling distance of one another. Exploring on foot could be a good way to soak within the environment and uncover hidden gems.
Experience share apps – the go to app to make use of in Chiang Mai, if not most of Asia is Seize. You possibly can obtain the app and guide fast transportation to get you the place you need to go quick and comparatively low cost.
Try these different posts to visiting Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
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15 prime locations to go to in Northern Thailand
Conclusion: The right way to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you could have 4 choices for getting there: aircraft, practice, bus, or automotive.
Taking a aircraft is the quickest choice, whereas the in a single day sleeper practice is an unforgettable expertise, particularly for backpackers. I’ve traveled between Bangkok and Chiang Mai with each of those choices and may personally suggest each! And I do know vacationers who’ve taken the in a single day bus and had a great expertise.
The bus and sleeper practice are each nice budget-friendly choices that also get vacationers to Chiang Mai from Bangkok in consolation. And flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is nice once you simply need to get there quick.
