Bangkok To Chiang Mai |

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 automobile 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 technique to see the Thai countryside whereas getting some relaxation in the course of the journey.

Having lived in Chiang Mai, I’ve additionally flown between Bangkok and Chiang Mai a number of instances. Flying is quicker—the flight normally takes about an hour and fifteen minutes —however in fact dearer, and you must cope with 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

Mode of Transport	Time	Value (USD)	Execs/Cons
Airplane	1 hr 15 min	$50+	Execs: Quick, comfyCons: Costlier, baggage charges, need to cope with airport
Prepare	12-14 hrs	$25	Execs: Enjoyable, Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Comfy than Flying
Bus	12 hrs	$15-25	Execs: Low cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Comfy 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 technique 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 numerous airways to select from akin to Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s necessary to keep in mind that every airline has totally different guidelines for baggage allowance (many permit simply 7kg carry-on) so you have to think about the price of checked baggage if essential. 

There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; funds airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport provides nicer airways and will 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 think about each the time and price of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get by safety. 

Prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 13-14 hours

Value: $25

Greatest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Funds 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 talked-about technique to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the evening. 

You too can take a day practice, but it surely received’t be as comfy 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 e-book both the first-class or second-class beds, and also you’ll in all probability need air-conditioning (fan-only choices are additionally accessible). These tickets, particularly first-class, promote out a number of days prematurely, so that you’ll need to e-book forward. The underside bunk has extra space than the highest!

I attempted to e-book the first-class cabin after I was solo backpacking in Thailand, but it surely 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 bogs 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 comfy as your ft dealing with the path the practice goes.

The second-class vehicles are stuffed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be completely happy to be within the second-class automobile as a result of I made associates with different backpackers!

If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you possibly can take a practice from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, but it surely’s price it to see the traditional ruins. Then you possibly can hop on the in a single day sleeper practice proper from there.

Be sure 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 effectively on the practice.

The practice journey provides wonderful views of Thailand’s panorama that you simply received’t get every other method – making it the most effective methods to expertise touring by the nation! 

Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 12 hours

Value: $15-25

Greatest For: Backpackers, Funds Vacationers

For these vacationers on the lookout for a less expensive choice than the practice to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, buses are the reply. 

There are two totally different bus sorts to select from: Authorities or VIP.

Authorities buses are cheaper, value round $15, and might take longer than VIP buses as a result of they make quite a few stops in cities alongside the way in which, with folks 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 toilet and meals breaks periodically in the course of the journey, and normally have a rest room on board too (I hate utilizing bus loos as a result of they’re normally soiled, but it surely’s good to have the choice in a pinch). 

Be sure you buy tickets from respected corporations like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for faux VIP tickets off of Khao San Highway – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought have 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 folks have had objects go lacking from their massive baggage 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 choice for many who are touring in a gaggle, have a bit more cash to spend, or need the flexibleness to make stops alongside the way in which. Taxis are secure in Thailand. You may 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 dearer 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 widespread choices for getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: aircraft, practice, bus, and personal switch. If you happen to’re strapped for time, flying is the best choice however prices extra. Taking the in a single day sleeper practice is comfy and reasonably priced, and a very talked-about route for backpackers.

Is it price taking the practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Sure! Taking the practice is a superb choice for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra comfy than a bus, and you may calm down in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation when you journey. Plus, it’s an reasonably priced choice in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the possibility to benefit from the lovely 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 choice because it saves on lodging prices for one evening and you will get some relaxation in the course of 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 a fantastic choice for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Getting round Chiang Mai

Getting round Chiang Mai is comparatively simple, as the town provides a wide range of transportation choices to swimsuit totally different preferences and budgets. Listed here are some methods to navigate Chiang Mai from public transport to strolling:

Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled, motorized autos are a standard mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are nice for brief distances and will 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.

Purple Songthaews: These shared crimson vans with coated again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You may flag them down and hop in. They’re an economical technique to get round, however you would possibly want to attend till the truck fills up with passengers earlier than it departs.

Bike Taxis: If you happen to’re touring alone or in pairs, bike taxis generally is a handy and fast technique to transfer across the metropolis. Be sure that to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.

Renting a Bike: Many guests select to hire motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Be sure to’re comfy with using a bike and familiarize your self with native visitors guidelines and laws. All the time put on a helmet and train warning.

Bicycles: Chiang Mai is comparatively bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental choices accessible. Biking generally is a nice technique 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 e-book rides in vehicles or on motorbikes. This generally is a handy and sometimes extra reasonably priced choice 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 widespread amongst vacationers on account of language limitations, they will nonetheless be an choice for getting round in case you’re comfy with utilizing public transportation.

Renting a Automotive: If you happen to desire the flexibleness of getting your personal car, you possibly can hire a automobile. It is a good choice in case you plan to discover areas exterior of the town as effectively. Nevertheless, needless to say visitors and parking will 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 will be a good way to soak within the ambiance and uncover hidden gems.

Try these different posts to visiting Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand

Prime issues to do in Chiang Mai

Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

15 high locations to go to in Northern Thailand

Conclusion: How one can Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you might have 4 choices for getting there: aircraft, practice, bus, or automobile. 

Taking a aircraft is the quickest choice, 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 might personally suggest each! And I do know vacationers who’ve taken the in a single day bus and had 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 while you simply need to get there quick.