How to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai
Why visit Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northernmost city, an intriguing fusion of new and old. Its hundreds of temples, striking Old City and delicious local dishes tell the story of Chiang Mai’s culture and history. On the other hand, its cafe culture, friendly coworking spaces and nightlife attract digital nomads from across the globe.
Surrounded by mountains, the city offers plenty of adventures with nature. But if you can, we recommend travelling to Chiang Mai in time for one of its many festivals — like Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in November and Songkran (Water Splashing Festival) in April.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?
There are 4 ways to travel the 300 kilometre (186 miles) distance from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai. You can choose between the bus, private transport, train and flight. The journey takes 4 to 14 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 278 THB ($8.50).
Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai at the bottom of this page.
Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Train
To travel by train from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai, you first need to go to Phitsanulok, where the nearest train station is located. From there, you can take the train to Chiang Mai.
Step 1: Sukhothai to Phitsanulok
You have 3 options when travelling from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok: a bus, a taxi, or a tuk-tuk.
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Bus
There are several buses operating from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok. Travel time is around 2 hours and you can get a ticket from 100 THB ($3.10).
Buses depart from Sukhothai Historical Park and Sukhothai Bus Terminal. If you are coming from the New Sukhothai city centre, you need to take a tuk-tuk to get to the bus terminal. One ride costs around 60 THB ($1.80).
The arrival point is at Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2.
You can book your bus tickets from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok on 12go.Asia.
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Taxi
An alternative to the bus is a taxi from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok. You can take a taxi from your hotel in either New or Old Sukhothai straight to the Phitsanulok Railway Station.
Kim Transfers Thailand offers competitive rates, starting from 2,300 THB ($70). You can compare the taxi fares of Kim Transfers with other taxi operators via the link below.
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Tuk-tuk
The distance between Sukhothai and Phitsanulok is around 63 km, so travelling by tuk-tuk is not worth considering. Although possible, the open frame of the tuk-tuk will expose you to the intense summer heat or the rain.
Taking a taxi is far more comfortable, especially on a 1.5-hour-long ride.
Step 2: Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai by Train
Several trains ply from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai daily.
If you took the bus from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to the train station and it costs 60 THB ($1.80).
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We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
Tip: Train tickets are sold up to 90 days prior to the day of departure so book your ticket in advance!
Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Bus
There are three bus companies operating trips from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai: Sukhothai Thani, Sukhothai Wintour and Tour with Thai.
Buses depart from the Sukhothai Bus Terminal and arrive at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2.
Ticket prices for the bus start from 308 THB ($9.40) and travel time is around 4 hours 5 minutes to 7 hours.
New Sukhothai to Sukhothai Bus Terminal
From the New Sukhothai city centre going to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal, you can either take the songthaew or tuk-tuk.
A songthaew costs 15 THB ($0.50), while a tuk-tuk ride is around 50 THB ($1.50).
Old Sukhothai to Sukhothai Bus Terminal
You can hop on a songthaew and pay about 20 THB ($0.60) to 30 THB ($0.90) to take you to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal. Another way is to ride a tuk-tuk for 150 THB ($4.60).
Bus schedules from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai
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Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Flight
There are no direct flights between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. All flights have a layover in Bangkok.
Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying from and to Sukhothai. Flights are quite expensive starting from 2,550 THB ($78). Try booking in advance to find a lower price.
Chiang Mai International Airport
The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is located about 5 km away from the city centre. From here, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or public transportation from Chiang Mai Airport to get to your hotel.
Don’t forget to check with your hotel to see if they offer a free or low-cost transfer from the airport.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Sukhothai to Chiang Mai by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai.
Rates start from 5,268 THB ($160) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 1,317 THB ($40.50) per person. Travel time is around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Private Transport option from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai
Best places to stay in Chiang Mai
Rimping Village - Treating Yourself
Chiang Mai can be tiring exploring all of the temples and going on day trips, so there’s nothing better than coming back to a luxurious and beautiful hotel. Rimping Village feels like a mini resort nestled in the middle of Chiang Mai.
The exceptional breakfast served in the gardens each morning is likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. What a way to start the day! Then go for a dip in their beautiful outdoor swimming pool or head back to your spacious room.
- Stunning swimming pool
- Luxurious rooms and design
- Beautiful garden
- Exceptional free breakfast
Private rooms start from $88 per night.
POR Daowadung - Mid Range
Everything about POR Daowadung feels like a top-quality luxury hotel. Whether it’s the ultra-modern but comfortable designs of the rooms or the outdoor swimming pool and sunloungers actually in the pool!
The hotel is in a great location, every room has its own balcony and a delicious breakfast is included every morning. Can you ask for much more from an accommodation?
- Great value for money
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beautiful design
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $44 per night.
Chada Mantra Hotel - Budget Friendly
The star of the show at Chada Mantra Hotel has to be its outdoor swimming pool, which is extremely refreshing after a day spent exploring the city. Located within Chiang Mai Old City, just 700m from the Pae gate, this hotel is perfectly located.
The hotel offers free breakfast, wifi in all rooms and common areas, as well as an onsite bar. Here you’ll find beautiful clean rooms with city views and very comfortable beds. The staff are well known to be extremely helpful, always going the extra mile to assist their guests in any way possible.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Perfect location
- Comfortable beds
- Free breakfast
Private rooms start at $28 per night
Asa Hotel - Budget Friendly
It’s hard to believe that Asa Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation, but a night here will cost you less than $30 for two people. The hotel is ultra-modern with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers for you to enjoy.
The staff are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything. The hotel also offers free coffee, tea and water in glass bottles to reduce the use of plastic. Here you’re a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Ultra-modern
- Great staff
- Free coffee, tea and water
Private rooms start from $27 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sukhothai to Chiang Mai
What is the distance from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?
The distance from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is 300 kilometre (186 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?
The fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is by flight and takes 4 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Chiang Mai is by train with ticket costs starting from 278 THB ($8.50).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
