Although the names of the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai sound similar, they are separated by a distance of 200 kilometers (125 miles) through the Thai countryside, and each has its own attractions. Chiang Mai is frequented as part of a two-destination holiday, starting in Bangkok and then heading north to the quieter city of Chiang Mai, meaning Chiang Rai often falls under the radar. But this city should not be ignored as Chiang Rai is a charming place that offers even more tranquility than Chiang Mai and is an ideal base from which to explore the region. So if you’ve already spent some time in Chiang Mai and want to get to know more about what northern Thailand is famous for, pack your bags and head northeast until you reach Chiang Rai. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to get from one city to another.
Find out more:
• How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?
• Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
• Private car or minibus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai?
The distance between the two cities is not very great, being about 200 kilometers (125 miles) apart, but there are no major highways connecting the two cities, so the journey is longer than you might think. Most of the road is on a single lane road, so you can get stuck behind a slow truck for miles before finding a spot to overtake. The only option is to travel by car from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai as there are no trains between the two cities and although both places have an airport, the distance is so short that there are no flights on this route.
This means travel options are limited to private car, taxi, van and bus. A large percentage of tourists choose to travel by bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, as it is an economical option, quite practical and reliable.
Buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Busse von Chiang Mai in Chiang Rai
There is basically only one bus company that runs from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and that company is Green Bus Company. They have a good reputation for low prices, comfort and reliability and they have modern, air conditioned buses so you won’t have to suffer in an old crowded coach as you might imagine.
Although there is only one bus company that operates this route, they have three different options regarding the type of bus, so you will have to choose one of the alternatives they offer. Standard (second class) buses, which Greenbus calls Class A, are the most basic. They have air-conditioning, but they don’t offer any other services on board, and as you might guess, this is the cheapest option. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. If you want a little more comfort, you can opt for a slightly more expensive seat. We’d probably say first class seats, but Greenbus calls it X-Class. Comfort levels are quite good in A-Class, but improve a bit in X-Class. If you want even more services, including a toilet at the back of the bus and water and a snack at the start of your journey, you can opt for a ticket on the VIP bus, known as V- class. These tickets cost about twice as much as A class, but you get a leather seat, legroom, and there are only three seats in each row. Class V buses are the fastest as they cover the route in 3 hours.
Whichever bus class you choose, you won’t have a problem with the timetable as there are many regular buses from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai every day, although there are fewer VIP buses than 1st and 2nd class. It is always advisable to book your ticket in advance via the Greenbus website to ensure you have a seat, especially if you want to take one of the single row seats on the VIP buses.
Taking the bus to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has two bus stations, the old one (Terminal 1) and the new one (Terminal 2). The old station is in the center of Chiang Rai, so you’ll probably want to get off here, which is the second bus stop when you arrive in the city. Extensive refurbishment work is underway at this station and it is not known for certain whether buses will stop here while the works are in progress. If you can, ask a member of staff to make sure you get off at the right place.
Minibus or private car from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
If you don’t feel like taking the bus because you want a little more luxury and privacy, you can take a tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by van or private car. There are several companies offering this service, so check out other users’ reviews and prices until you find the one that seems most suitable for you.
If you’re traveling with your family, a private lounge or sedan is a great option because then you won’t be sharing the car with anyone else. Comfort levels are very good so you can relax and enjoy the lush greenery of the mountains.
If you are traveling with friends or a large group of people, a minibus is a good option. Usually companies charge a flat rate for the use of a minibus, and if you split it up to all the people in the group, up to 10 or 12 people depending on the size of the minibus, the final price will be reasonable. Certainly the cost will be more expensive than the VIP bus, but you will have a private tour and it is a fun way to travel in a group.