Overview Compare Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is home to the famous Wat Rong Khun — also known as the White Temple. While the White Temple is the main draw, Chiang Rai is also a great place to escape from the more touristic Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai’s walking street market and evening night bazaars offer all the local shopping and traditional Thai foods offer a great local experience. If you like to explore the area, you can go on a hike through lush green mountain scenery where you find several waterfalls and hot springs.
2 ways to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
The distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is 190 km (120 miles). In this post, we compare the 2 options to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: by bus (3.5-4 hours) or by flight (4-10.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 225 THB ($6.00) to 2,000 THB ($56.00).
The easiest and cheapest way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus. The bus takes 3.5-4 hours with ticket prices starting at 225 THB ($6.00).
While both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have their own airports, there are no direct flights on this route. All flights from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai make a stopover in Bangkok, making the flight time take around 4-10.5 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Bus
The best and most practical option to travel from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is by bus. Green Bus is the most trusted company on this route and is known for providing good service.
For this route, you can choose between an express and a VIP bus. There are multiple daily trips from 07:15 until 16:00 daily, plus an extra VIP trip every Friday and Sunday at 12:45.
VIP buses have larger, more comfortable seats and an onboard toilet. These VIP buses also do not make any stops along the way, so you will arrive at Chiang Rai a little quicker. The express bus has almost the same amenities except for seat sizes.
Fare starts at 225 THB ($6.00) and travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai takes 3.5-4 hours.
Departure and arrival stations
All buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3. From the Old City, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride to the bus terminal.
The last stop for the bus is Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 in the city centre. This terminal is right next to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.
Below, we have provided the bus schedules with the best travel times for the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai route.
Bus schedules from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Since the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai route is a popular route in Northern Thailand, we suggest booking your tickets in advance during peak season.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai via Bangkok by Flight
We don’t recommend flying from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. All flights involve a stopover in Bangkok. This makes the total travel time at least 4 hours, which is as long as the bus!
In addition to the extra time that it will take, flying also produces a lot more (unnecessary) emissions. Taking the bus is about 20 times more eco-friendly.
There are several airlines that offer trips from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai like AirAsia, NokAir, Thai Smile, and Thai Lion Air. One-way ticket prices from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai range from 2,000 THB ($56.00) to 6,200 THB ($175.00).
Flights depart from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX). You can easily take a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the Old City to the airport.
All flights arrive at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), located 9 km northeast of the city centre.
Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Rai
Kanlaya Place - Budget Friendly
Just a 1-minute walk to the Clock Tower and a 2-minute walk to the Night Market, Kanlaya Place is all about location!
The rooms are spacious and very clean, offering a good night’s sleep after a day of temple hopping. The staff are very friendly and there to help with anything you could need. There is a 2-night minimum stay.
- Perfect location
- Friendly staff
- Extremely clean and comfortable
- 2-night minimum stay
Private rooms start at $20 per night.
Na Na Doo Homestay - Budget Friendly
Not many budget accommodations in Chiang Rai come with a swimming pool, but Na Na Doo Homestay has a small but beautiful outdoor pool. This is a great place to stay if you’re a family. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and even rabbits to play with.
The rooms are clean and spacious, and the staff are always there to help. It’s impossible not to smile when you see their smiling faces! A delicious free breakfast is served every morning.
- Beautiful gardens
- Plunge pool
- Great staff
- Free delicious breakfast
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
Sleepy House - Mid Range
Sleepy House is simply beautiful. Stepping into one of their rooms instantly puts you at ease just because of the way they’re designed. They’re clean, modern and spacious, with a cat theme.
The house has resident cats that are super friendly and loving. It’s hard to beat the location of Sleepy House. You’ll be within walking distance of a number of Chiang Rai’s top sites. Plus, their cutely packaged free breakfasts are great at filling you up for a day of exploring.
- Beautiful design
- Perfect location
- Amazing staff
- Exceptional free breakfast
Private rooms start from $38 per night.
Sooknirund Hotel - Treating Yourself
A day of temple hopping can be exhausting, and there’s nothing better than coming back to a comfortable and luxurious room. Sooknirund Hotel is the epitome of luxury. The uniquely designed clock-themed rooms come with robes and incredibly comfortable beds.
There’s also a wonderful courtyard surrounded by plants for you to relax in too. But you won’t have to walk far to get back to the hotel, as it’s situated in the perfect location in Chiang Rai.
- Delicious free breakfast
- Beautifully designed rooms
- Perfect location
- Great staff
Private rooms start from $74 per night.
MORA Boutique Hotel - Treating Yourself
If you really want to treat yourself, Mora Boutique Hotel is the place to do that. You can go for a relaxing swim in the beautiful swimming pool or chill in the huge bathtub in your own room. This is where we’d spend most of our time!
There’s a great onsite gym, free bicycles and a complimentary breakfast — essentially anything you could possibly need from a hotel. And if you need something else, the staff are more than willing to help.
- Beautiful rooms and grounds
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Amazing bathtubs
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $111 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?
For more details, visit our guide for Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
Check out the 13 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai for more info.
Which is better Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai is the better option if you want a more relaxed getaway. It has fewer temples, but equally as unique as the ones in Chiang Mai. Also, the highlight here is a visit to the hill tribes, who live a bit far from the city centre. Expect a lot of trekking and quiet time with nature.
Is Chiang Mai close to Chiang Rai?
How many days should I spend in Chiang Rai?
Visit our Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide for more details.
Chiang Rai Travel Guides
13 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai
The Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide
Routes from Chiang Rai
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
