Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: By bus, car or shuttle bus?

When it comes to Thailand, many of us think of the shopping paradise in Bangkok or the beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters in Phuket. Few of us know that Chiang Mai as well as Chiang Rai is one of the most obscure secrets in Thailand. The largest city in northern Thailand is home to the most beautiful temples, elephant mud spa and hipster galore cafe! So how to get Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai?

1. By bus

The distance from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is about 200km,taking around 2-3 hours to transfer. On the way to visit the hot spring at Mae Kha Jan. To Chiang Rai, you must definitely visit Rong Khun Temple (White Temple).

You can book a round trip ticket by visiting the Arcade bus station in Chiang Mai directly (a few days in advance).

The cheapest bus ticket is about 140 Baht. The bus departs at least every hour, even more often depending on the type of coach you choose.

Depending on the time you depart and the situation on the road, the car can move to Chiang rai which takes 3 hours, 4 hours or 5 hours.

Bus departs at least every hour, even more often depending on the type of coach you choose

2. By shuttle bus

From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, visitors can also take the Greenbus VIP bus. The company operates five times a day from the Arcade bus station (Chiang Mai), at the end of the Kaeo Narwat freeway. Blue VIP bus has three classes of seats:

+ A-Class: This vehicle has air conditioning but no other service on the car. It is the cheapest option. Travel time takes about 3.5 hours.

+ X-Class: This is a more expensive and luxurious class, with toilet on board, seats are also more comfortable than Class A.

+ V-Class: this class car is the most costly, the most VIP, the most comfortable. There is a toilet at the back of the bus, drinking water and snacks. The cost of this ticket is twice as high as the A-Class ticket, but the plus point is that there are good leather seats and legroom, and only three places in each row. V-Class also has the fastest travel time, only taking about 3 hours.

Chiang Rai has two bus stops, Old Bus Station (Terminal 1) and New Bus Station (Terminal 2). The old station is located right in the centre of Chiang Rai city, so this is a place where visitors can come and is the second of two stops when the bus comes to the town.

From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, visitors can also take the Greenbus VIP bus

3. By car

If you do not like to take the bus, you go to groups or prefer more privacy, then you can choose to rent a private car. Several travel companies offer this service. Going in groups like this helps you to be more comfortable, save more money and can enjoy the ride with great views on the road.

Private Car helps you to be more comfortable

In recent years, foreign tourists have been increasingly travelling to Thailand for tourism. This article will guide you on appropriate ways of transportation between two most famous tourist Thailand’s destinations: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Hang Moon

Image sources: Internet