Known as the rose of the north, the city of Chiang Mai offers a completely different experience to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Despite being the fifth largest city in Thailand, it is much smaller than Bangkok and offers a much more relaxed atmosphere. With a great history and surrounded by mountains, Chiang Mai is a picturesque city of great cultural importance that we recommend visiting.
It takes more than one day to discover Chiang Mai. It is 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Bangkok and there are several travel options from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, including buses, trains and flights.
Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Thai Lion Air. © Sasin Tipchai / Shutterstock.com
The long distance between the two cities makes many travelers choose to travel by plane, which is much faster than buses and trains. The flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes around 60-70 minutes and even considering the time it takes to get to and from the airport, it is a much faster option than ground transportation. The downside is, as you can imagine, the price of flights is higher, but if you opt for a low-cost Thai airline, even the price won’t seem like a downside.
Airfare prices can vary greatly, so we advise you to take the time to research which airlines serve your route and when is the best time to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Prices can change each season and you can find good deals that keep costs down. You can expect flight promotions that will push the ticket price up to around 1,000 baht for low-cost airlines, while more expensive flights can exceed 5,000 baht. Prices increase significantly during national holidays such as Songkran (Thai New Year), Chinese New Year, or generally during peak tourist season. Buy your ticket as far in advance as possible to find the best deals, and expect to spend quite a bit if you do it a few days before your flight.
Air Asia plane at Bangkok Don Muang Airport © filmlandscape / Shutterstock.com
You might be interested to know which airport in Bangkok hosts the various airlines you are considering flying with. Most of the companies serving the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai are low-cost airlines operating from Don Muang International Airport. These airlines are Air Asia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air. As of today (November 2016), Air Asia offers 12 daily flights to Chiang Mai, Lion Air 11, and Nok Air 9. In recent years, traffic from Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok to Chiang Mai has increased tremendously.
Thai Airways, along with its low-cost subsidiary Thai Smile Airways, operates flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai from both Don Muang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport, so check your tickets carefully to make sure you’re arriving at the correct airport. As of November 2016, Thai Smile operates four daily flights from Don Muang Airport to Chiang Mai and five daily flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Mai.
Finally, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport. As of November 2016, Bangkok Airways offers six daily flights to Chiang Mai and Thai Airways offers ten daily flights from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chiang Mai.
In Chiang Mai, you will land at Chiang Mai International Airport, which is approximately a 10-15 minute drive from the city center. You can get to the city by taxi (legitimate taxis charge a flat rate of 150 baht for up to 5 passengers, so you might consider sharing one) which will take you anywhere in the city. Metered taxis are cheaper and the public bus (bus number 4) is even cheaper. If you book in advance, your hotel or hostel may offer airport pickup for free or at a very affordable price.
Trains from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a surprisingly popular option, despite the time it takes to travel between the two cities. What makes it such a popular option is its low prices and the opportunity to enjoy Thailand’s magnificent landscapes on the way north. The travel time is considerable, but if you consider travel a big part of your trip, you shouldn’t miss the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train. Depending on the stops the train stops at, the journey can take anywhere from 12 to 15 hours.
The advantage is that there are usually six trains a day from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and vice versa, so you can choose from several options. But despite the number of trains, this is a very popular route and can fill up quite quickly, so we recommend booking in advance.
You can get very cheap train tickets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depending on the travel class you choose. The second-class seat is a fantastic option for backpackers and travelers on a budget, as you can find tickets for 800 baht, albeit without air-conditioning. Traveling in second class with air conditioning is slightly more expensive. If you want maximum comfort, you can opt for a First Class ticket with a bed for around 2,000 baht.
Chiang Mai Railway Station is located a few kilometers from the city center. It takes about 10 minutes by car or taxi. You can also go by tuk-tuk or songthaew.
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Bus to Bangkok from Chiang Mai Station © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
The last option to travel by public transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is the bus. Like trains, buses have the advantage of being an affordable option, although the journey takes a long time. If you choose this option, you will spend between 9 and 12 hours on the bus to Chiang Mai. Timetables and prices vary depending on the type of bus you choose.
There are several options: by public transport bus you can travel in second class, first class or VIP class. There are usually about a dozen second-class buses a day, and while many claim to have air conditioning, don’t trust it to work. Second-class buses take about 10-11 hours and a ticket costs about 450 baht. First class buses offer more amenities, including air conditioning, which should in principle work. They have bathrooms and the seats recline. This alternative costs around 100 baht more than traveling second class. VIP buses offer the highest comfort and the seats recline the farthest back. There are two sizes of buses, and the fare is between 650 and 860 baht.
You can catch government buses from Bangkok’s North and Northeast Bus Terminals, called Moh Chit, to go to Chiang Mai.
There are also private companies that run regular buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. A more practical alternative might be to travel to Moh Chit on one of the government buses as these private buses depart from various points in Bangkok. The price is similar (between 400 and 500 baht), although private buses can be less reliable than public ones.
For convenience, many travelers purchase tickets through travel agents in Bangkok’s tourist areas. At first glance, this may seem like a simpler option, but many ticketing agencies have a reputation for selling tickets claiming the bus has reclining seats and air conditioning when in fact they cannot guarantee it. What at first glance seems like a cheaper ticket can cost more due to additional fees, so we advise you to buy tickets directly for a private or public bus ride.
There are two bus stations in Chiang Mai, so you need to make sure you get to the right place. Arcade Bus Station, also known as the new terminal, offers buses to and from destinations outside of Chiang Mai Province.
Here are three public transport options that exist between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Choosing to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by plane, train or bus will depend on your preferences and budget. You can go fast or very slow, choose!