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 good 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 attractive countryside.
As a backpacker, I’ve taken the in a single day sleeper prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and extremely suggest it to the cost-conscious traveler. It’s a enjoyable method to see the Thai countryside whereas getting some relaxation in the course of the journey.
Having lived in Chiang Mai, I’ve additionally flown between Bangkok and Chiang Mai a number of instances. Flying is quicker—the flight often takes about an hour and fifteen minutes —however after all dearer, and it’s a must to cope with the airport.Â
Irrespective of which route you select – aircraft, prepare, bus, or personal 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 principle methods to get to Chiang Mai and the final prices to get there relying in your funds. 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 proscribed, then do take into account the quickest means which generally is by aircraft transportation.
| Mode of Transport | Time | Price (USD) | Execs/Cons |
| Airplane | 1 hr 15 min | $50+Â | Execs: Quick, comfyCons: Dearer, baggage charges, should cope with airport |
| Prepare | 12-14 hrs | $25 | Execs: Enjoyable, Low-cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying |
| Bus | 12 hrs | $15-25 | Execs: Low-cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying/Bus |
| Personal Switch | 9 hrs | $300+Â | Execs: Versatile, Good for Teams, PersonalCons: Costly |
Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Price: $50+
Finest For: Vacationers Who Wish to Get There Quick!
Flying is the quickest method 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 various airways to select from similar to Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s vital to keep in mind that every airline has totally different guidelines for baggage allowance (many enable simply 7kg carry-on) so you will need to think about the price of checked luggage if vital.Â
There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; funds airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport gives nicer airways and could be accessed by the rail hyperlink.Â
In Chiang Mai, there is only one airport – Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport – which is conveniently positioned near city.Â
Vacationers ought to think about each the time and value of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get by way of safety.Â
Prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 13-14 hours
Price: $25
Finest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Finances Vacationers
The in a single day sleeper prepare trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is taken into account to be a backpacker right-of-passage and a very fashionable method to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the night time.Â
It’s also possible to take a day prepare, however it gained’t be as comfy as having a mattress on the night time prepare.
Not solely do you get to absorb the sights of Thailand, but additionally journey in fashion. You’re going to need to ebook 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 ebook forward. The underside bunk has extra space than the highest!
I attempted to ebook the first-class cabin once I was solo backpacking in Thailand, however it was already booked, so I went with second-class.Â
What’s the distinction between first and second-class cabins? The primary-class cabins are personal cabins with two berths. They’ve higher bathrooms and a bathe. On the draw back, you’ll be with a stranger in the event you’re solo, and also you’ll sleep sideways throughout the prepare, which isn’t as comfy as your ft going through the path the prepare goes.
The second-class vehicles are crammed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be joyful to be within the second-class automotive as a result of I made buddies with different backpackers!
If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you may take a prepare from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, however it’s value it to see the traditional ruins. Then you may hop on the in a single day sleeper prepare proper from there.
Make sure that to deliver some snacks, hand sanitizer, an eye fixed masks, earplugs, and a sweater as temperatures are stored low on board. The rocking of the prepare rocked me proper to sleep! However many vacationers complain that they don’t sleep properly on the prepare.
The prepare trip gives superb views of Thailand’s panorama that you just gained’t get another method – making it among the best methods to expertise touring by way of the nation!Â
Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 12 hours
Price: $15-25
Finest For: Backpackers, Finances Vacationers
For these vacationers searching for a less expensive choice than the prepare to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, buses are the reply.Â
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 way in which, with folks getting on and off the bus at every cease.Â
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 in the course of the journey, and often have a toilet on board too (I hate utilizing bus bogs as a result of they’re often soiled, however it’s good to have the choice in a pinch).Â
Remember to buy tickets from respected corporations like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for faux VIP tickets off of Khao San Street – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought have been for the deluxe bus however ended up being for the federal government bus.Â
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai go away from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern Terminal) and arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station.Â
Preserve all valuables with you on the bus since some folks have had gadgets go lacking from their huge luggage saved within the bus’s baggage compartment. All the time lock your bag too.
Personal Switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 9 hours
Price: $300+ for Switch
Finest For: Teams, Vacationers Who Choose Flexibility
Personal switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a good choice for individuals who are touring in a gaggle, have a little bit extra money to spend, or need the flexibleness to make stops alongside the way in which. Taxis are secure in Thailand. You’ll be able to 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 – count on 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 well-liked choices for getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: aircraft, prepare, bus, and personal switch. In case you’re strapped for time, flying is the best choice however prices extra. Taking the in a single day sleeper prepare is comfy and reasonably priced, and a very fashionable route for backpackers.
Is it value taking the prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Sure! Taking the prepare is a good choice for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra comfy than a bus, and you’ll loosen up in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation when you journey. Plus, it’s an reasonably priced choice in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the prospect to benefit from the stunning Thai countryside views in your method up North.
How lengthy is the prepare journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The prepare journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes round 13-14 hours, relying on the kind of prepare you are taking. The in a single day sleeper prepare is a good choice because it saves on lodging prices for one night time and you may get some relaxation in the course of the journey.
How a lot is the most affordable 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 prepare. Tickets for the bus and sleeper prepare 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 gives 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 vital to barter the fare earlier than you begin the trip, as they usually don’t have meters.
Purple Songthaews: These shared crimson vans with lined again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You’ll be able to flag them down and hop in. They’re an economical method to get round, however you may want to attend till the truck fills up with passengers earlier than it departs.
Motorcycle Taxis: In case you’re touring alone or in pairs, bike taxis could be a handy and fast method to transfer across the metropolis. Make sure that to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.
Renting a Motorcycle: Many guests select to hire motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Be sure to’re comfy with using a motorcycle and familiarize your self with native site visitors guidelines and laws. All the time put on a helmet and train warning.
Bicycles: Chiang Mai is comparatively bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental choices out there. Biking could be a nice method to discover town, particularly in areas with much less site visitors.
Seize (Trip-Hailing App): The Seize app operates in Chiang Mai, permitting you to ebook rides in vehicles or on motorbikes. This could be a handy and sometimes extra reasonably priced 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 well-liked amongst vacationers as a consequence of language limitations, they will nonetheless be an choice for getting round in the event you’re comfy with utilizing public transportation.
Renting a Automotive: In case you choose the flexibleness of getting your individual car, you may hire a automotive. It is a good choice in the event you plan to discover areas outdoors of town as properly. Nonetheless, needless to say site visitors and parking could be difficult within the metropolis middle.
Strolling: Chiang Mai’s Outdated Metropolis is comparatively compact, and lots of the points of interest are inside strolling distance of one another. Exploring on foot could be a good way to soak within the ambiance and uncover hidden gems.
Trip share apps – the go to app to make use of in Chiang Mai, if not most of Asia is Seize. You’ll be able to obtain the app and ebook fast transportation to get you the place you need to go quick and comparatively low cost.
Take a look at these different posts to visiting Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
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Conclusion: Find out how to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you may have 4 choices for getting there: aircraft, prepare, bus, or automotive.Â
Taking a aircraft is the quickest choice, whereas the in a single day sleeper prepare 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 superb expertise.
The bus and sleeper prepare 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 while you simply need to get there quick.