Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Chaing Rai is a city in northern Thailand, located in the province with the same name. The mountainous landscapes of Chiang Rai make it a top tourist attraction to visit after Chiang Mai. This city is developing the tourist sector and can boast of its own Night Bazaar, Jazz festival, and Saturday Walking Street. It’s perfect for a chilled, laid-back vacation, which gives a taste of the real Thailand.
The distance between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is around 190 km. There are no flights or trains on the route, so bus transport is the primary way of travel between the cities. Travel time is 3 – 4.5 hours, depending on the traffic. The road lies in very nice scenery and rural parts, so you’ll have a chance to see the traditional Thai rice paddies.
Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Price: 291 – 400 THB
- Transport type: express bus, VIP bus
- Companies: GreenBus
- Travel time: 3.5 – 4 hours
There are a few companies that provide service on the route, the most popular of them is Green Bus. The buses depart from the northern bus station in Chiang Mai, it’s called Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station. We find them quite comfortable. Their buses have air conditioning, and both overhead and trunk storage space for the luggage. First-class buses even have an onboard toilet. Otherwise, buses make quick 10-minute stops on the way.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus Schedule
| Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 | Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 | Company | Service |
| 7:00 | 10:55 | GreenBus | Express |
| 7:30 | 10:50 | GreenBus | VIP |
| 8:00 | 16:05 (Mae Sai) | GreenBus | Express |
| 8:45 | 12:40 | GreenBus | Express |
| 9:30 | 12:50 | GreenBus | VIP |
| 10:30 | 13:50 | GreenBus | VIP |
| 11:00 | 14:55 | GreenBus | Express |
| 12:15 | 15:35 | GreenBus | VIP |
| 12:30 | 17:40 (Mae Sai) | GreenBus | Express |
| 13:00 | 16:20 | GreenBus | VIP |
| 14:00 | 17:55 | GreenBus | Express |
| 15:30 | 18:50 | GreenBus | Express |
| 17:00 | 20:55 | GreenBus | Express |
| 18:00 | 21:20 | GreenBus | VIP |
Buses run daily, almost every hour, the departures depend on the class that you select. You can find the detailed schedule below.
Van from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
- Price: 700 – 840 THB
- Transport type: van
- Companies: Terminal Green Pai, Yortdoy Travel
- Travel time: 4 – 6 hours
The second option is a smaller shared van. There are a few companies on this route, and some offer a pickup service in Chiang Mai. You can also choose to arrive to the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, Chiang Khong Border, or drop off in the hotel in Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Van Schedule
| Departure Time | Departure Location | Arrival Time | Arrival Location | Duration | Operator |
| 9:00 | Chiang Mai Transfer | 13:30 | Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 4h 30m | Terminal Green Pai |
| 9:00 | Chiang Mai Transfer | 15:30 | Chiang Khong Border, Chiang Rai | 6h 30m | Terminal Green Pai |
| 9:00 | CoolMuang Coffee, Chiang Mai | 13:00 | Chiang Rai Transfer | 4h van | Yortdoy Travel |
How to Book the Tickets
You can get a ticket from a kiosk at the station, however, since it’s a popular route, tickets can run out quickly. We recommend booking online in advance to get guaranteed seats.
