For vacationers visiting Thailand, going 700km from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a quite common route. Chiang Mai is my favourite metropolis in Thailand (I ended up dwelling there for some time!).
Chiang Mai is a superb jumping-off level for exploring Northern Thailand, like Chiang Rai and Pai. Many adventurous vacationers hire a automotive or bike in Chiang Mai and spend days roaming the attractive countryside.
As a backpacker, I’ve taken the in a single day sleeper practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and extremely suggest it to the cost-conscious traveler. It’s a enjoyable method to see the Thai countryside whereas getting some relaxation throughout the journey.
Having lived in Chiang Mai, I’ve additionally flown between Bangkok and Chiang Mai a number of occasions. Flying is quicker—the flight normally takes about an hour and fifteen minutes —however in fact costlier, and it’s a must to take care of the airport.
Regardless of which route you select – aircraft, practice, bus, or personal switch – getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is an journey all its personal!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overview
Listed here are the principle methods to get to Chiang Mai and the overall prices to get there relying in your price range. For a few of these transportation automobiles, it truly is the journey that makes the expertise completely different than only a fast flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. However, in case your time is restricted, then do think about the quickest means which usually is by aircraft transportation.
| Mode of Transport | Time | Value (USD) | Execs/Cons |
| Airplane | 1 hr 15 min | $50+ | Execs: Quick, snugCons: Dearer, baggage charges, should take care of airport |
| Practice | 12-14 hrs | $25 | Execs: Enjoyable, Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying |
| Bus | 12 hrs | $15-25 | Execs: Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying/Bus |
| Personal Switch | 9 hrs | $300+ | Execs: Versatile, Good for Teams, PersonalCons: Costly |
Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Value: $50+
Greatest For: Vacationers Who Need to Get There Quick!
Flying is the quickest method to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Costs begin at round $50 relying on the airline and time of 12 months, with the flight taking simply over an hour.
There are lots of airways to select from reminiscent of Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s necessary to remember that every airline has completely different guidelines for baggage allowance (many permit simply 7kg carry-on) so you should consider the price of checked luggage if vital.
There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; price range airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport provides nicer airways and might be accessed by the rail hyperlink.
In Chiang Mai, there is only one airport – Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport – which is conveniently positioned near city.
Vacationers ought to consider each the time and value of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get by way of safety.
Practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 13-14 hours
Value: $25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Finances Vacationers
The in a single day sleeper practice journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is taken into account to be a backpacker right-of-passage and a very fashionable method to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the evening.
It’s also possible to take a day practice, nevertheless it received’t be as snug as having a mattress on the evening practice.
Not solely do you get to soak up the sights of Thailand, but additionally journey in model. You’re going to need to guide both the first-class or second-class beds, and also you’ll most likely need air-conditioning (fan-only choices are additionally obtainable). These tickets, particularly first-class, promote out a number of days prematurely, so that you’ll need to guide forward. The underside bunk has extra space than the highest!
I attempted to guide the first-class cabin once I was solo backpacking in Thailand, nevertheless it was already booked, so I went with second-class.
What’s the distinction between first and second-class cabins? The primary-class cabins are personal cabins with two berths. They’ve higher bathrooms and a bathe. On the draw back, you’ll be with a stranger in case you’re solo, and also you’ll sleep sideways throughout the practice, which isn’t as snug as your toes dealing with the course the practice goes.
The second-class vehicles are crammed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be blissful to be within the second-class automotive as a result of I made buddies with different backpackers!
If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you’ll be able to take a practice from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, nevertheless it’s value it to see the traditional ruins. Then you’ll be able to hop on the in a single day sleeper practice proper from there.
Be certain that to convey some snacks, hand sanitizer, an eye fixed masks, earplugs, and a sweater as temperatures are stored low on board. The rocking of the practice rocked me proper to sleep! However many vacationers complain that they don’t sleep nicely on the practice.
The practice journey provides superb views of Thailand’s panorama that you simply received’t get some other method – making it among the finest methods to expertise touring by way of the nation!
Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 12 hours
Value: $15-25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Finances Vacationers
For these vacationers searching for a less expensive possibility than the practice to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, buses are the reply.
There are two completely different bus sorts to select from: Authorities or VIP.
Authorities buses are cheaper, value round $15, and may take longer than VIP buses as a result of they make quite a few stops in cities alongside the way in which, with individuals getting on and off the bus at every cease.
For vacationers who would love extra consolation and fewer stops, VIP/deluxe buses can be found. These buses will make lavatory and meals breaks periodically throughout the journey, and normally have a toilet on board too (I hate utilizing bus bogs as a result of they’re normally soiled, nevertheless it’s good to have the choice in a pinch).
Remember to buy tickets from respected firms like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for pretend VIP tickets off of Khao San Highway – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought had been for the deluxe bus however ended up being for the federal government bus.
Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern Terminal) and arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station.
Preserve all valuables with you on the bus since some individuals have had objects go lacking from their huge luggage saved within the bus’s baggage compartment. All the time lock your bag too.
Personal Switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 9 hours
Value: $300+ for Switch
Greatest For: Teams, Vacationers Who Desire Flexibility
Personal switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a superb possibility for many who are touring in a gaggle, have a bit of more cash to spend, or need the pliability to make stops alongside the way in which. Taxis are secure in Thailand. You possibly can rent a sedan or a 9-seater van, relying on what number of passengers are touring.
The journey normally takes round 9 hours, and is costlier than different choices – count on to pay anyplace between $300-$400 and up for a non-public switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai FAQs
How do I get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
There are a number of standard choices for getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: aircraft, practice, bus, and personal switch. In the event you’re strapped for time, flying is the most suitable choice however prices extra. Taking the in a single day sleeper practice is snug and inexpensive, and a very fashionable route for backpackers.
Is it value taking the practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Sure! Taking the practice is a superb possibility for these eager to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra snug than a bus, and you may calm down in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation whilst you journey. Plus, it’s an inexpensive possibility in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the possibility to benefit from the stunning Thai countryside views in your method up North.
How lengthy is the practice journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The practice journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes round 13-14 hours, relying on the kind of practice you’re taking. The in a single day sleeper practice is a superb possibility because it saves on lodging prices for one evening and you will get some relaxation throughout the journey.
How a lot is the most affordable transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The most cost effective transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is both the bus or the in a single day sleeper practice. Tickets for the bus and sleeper practice value round $15-$25 baht relying on the kind of ticket and seat you select. It’s an excellent possibility for these eager to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Getting round Chiang Mai
Getting round Chiang Mai is comparatively simple, as the town provides quite a lot of transportation choices to swimsuit completely different preferences and budgets. Listed here are some methods to navigate Chiang Mai from public transport to strolling:
Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled, motorized automobiles are a typical mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are nice for brief distances and might be discovered all through the town. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to barter the fare earlier than you begin the journey, as they typically don’t have meters.
Crimson Songthaews: These shared crimson vehicles with coated again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You possibly can flag them down and hop in. They’re an economical method to get round, however you would possibly want to attend till the truck fills up with passengers earlier than it departs.
Motorcycle Taxis: In the event you’re touring alone or in pairs, bike taxis could be a handy and fast method to transfer across the metropolis. Be certain that to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.
Renting a Motorcycle: Many guests select to hire motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Ensure you’re snug with using a bike and familiarize your self with native visitors guidelines and rules. All the time put on a helmet and train warning.
Bicycles: Chiang Mai is comparatively bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental choices obtainable. Biking could be a nice method to discover the town, particularly in areas with much less visitors.
Seize (Journey-Hailing App): The Seize app operates in Chiang Mai, permitting you to guide rides in vehicles or on motorbikes. This could be a handy and infrequently extra inexpensive possibility in comparison with negotiating with tuk-tuks or taxis.
Public Buses: Chiang Mai has a restricted public bus system. Whereas buses may not be as standard amongst vacationers as a consequence of language obstacles, they will nonetheless be an possibility for getting round in case you’re snug with utilizing public transportation.
Renting a Automobile: In the event you want the pliability of getting your personal car, you’ll be able to hire a automotive. This can be a good possibility in case you plan to discover areas exterior of the town as nicely. Nevertheless, needless to say visitors and parking might be difficult within the metropolis middle.
Strolling: Chiang Mai’s Previous Metropolis is comparatively compact, and most of the points of interest are inside strolling distance of one another. Exploring on foot might be a good way to soak within the ambiance and uncover hidden gems.
Journey share apps – the go to app to make use of in Chiang Mai, if not most of Asia is Seize. You possibly can obtain the app and guide fast transportation to get you the place you need to go quick and comparatively low-cost.
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Conclusion: Methods to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you may have 4 choices for getting there: aircraft, practice, bus, or automotive.
Taking a aircraft is the quickest possibility, whereas the in a single day sleeper practice is an unforgettable expertise, particularly for backpackers. I’ve traveled between Bangkok and Chiang Mai with each of those choices and may personally suggest each! And I do know vacationers who’ve taken the in a single day bus and had a very good expertise.
The bus and sleeper practice are each nice budget-friendly choices that also get vacationers to Chiang Mai from Bangkok in consolation. And flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is nice whenever you simply need to get there quick.