Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi

The distance between Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi, which is located in the west of Thailand, is approximately 670 km. If you’re wondering what the best travel options are to get to Kanchanaburi, you’ve come to the right place. Below we describe how you can get from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by direct bus, taxi, or via Bangkok.

Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by Bus

• Price: 693-1078 THB
• Travel time: 11 hours
• Onboard toilet: yes
• AC: yes

Sasanan Tour provides direct and comfortable buses. The trip takes around 11 hours, but the journey is well worth it!

Use the form below to find the direct bus tickets.

Sasanan Tour buses offer two daily departures from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi—one in the morning and another in the evening, which travels overnight. All buses are air-conditioned for maximum comfort while traveling, so you won’t have to worry about getting too hot on your journey. In fact, blankets will be provided just in case you get cold.

Chiang Mai	Kanchanaburi	Bus type	Price
7:00	18:30	Intercity	693 THB
18:00	5:00	VIP	1,078 THB

The price of the morning bus is 693 THB, while the price of the evening bus is 1,078 THB. To ensure that you get on your desired bus, be sure to check in at least 30 minutes before departure time. A valid photo ID may also be required upon check-in.

In Chiang Mai, buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and in Kanchanaburi, they arrive at the Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal.

Both the Intercity (morning) bus and VIP (evening) bus have comfortable seating, with 46 seats available on the Intercity and 30 seats on the VIP. The VIP service, in particular, offers more legroom than the Intercity option, making it ideal for those who appreciate extra comfort.

Additionally, all buses have an onboard toilet, which is great!

Click here to buy your bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi now.

If you’re going to be taking an overnight journey, it’s important that you prepare ahead of time so that you can make it through without any issues. Make sure that you bring along any items or supplies (like snacks) that will make your trip more comfortable—this includes bringing a neck pillow if you plan on sleeping!

Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by Taxi

• Price: 8250 THB
• Travel time: 10 hours
• AC: yes

Traveling from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by taxi is an excellent and relatively comfortable way to go. BangkokTaxi24 and Glassflower provide air-conditioned vehicles that can take you to your destination in approximately 10 hours.

You can choose a vehicle of your preference, be it a SUV, Van or a sedan, depending on the size of your group and luggage. Taking a taxi allows you to travel at ease without having to worry about transfers or stops along the way.

We recommend booking your ride in advance through 12go, so you don’t have to worry about any last-minute hassles.

Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi via Bangkok

• Price: 1100 THB
• Travel time: 13 hours
• AC: yes

Taking a train from Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi is not an option, however, you can use a combination of trains and buses to complete your trip. 

Step 1: Start out by taking the train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. This will take around 10 hours, and prices typically range from 278-898 THB depending on the type of ticket you choose – 2nd Class Sleeper AC is recommended due to its air conditioning and comfortable sleeper seats for resting during longer trips.

Step 2: Take a taxi from Hua Lamphong to the Southern Terminal Bangkok.

Step 3: From there, take the bus from Bangkok’s Southern Terminal to Kanchanaburi, which costs only 140 THB and takes about 2.5 hours.

Whether you’re looking for luxury or simply want to save money, this route should provide an enjoyable travel experience while still allowing you to reach your desired location.

Bus Travel Tips

Departure Station in Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3

Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (known as Arcade Bus Station 3) is Chiang Mai’s newest and busiest public transportation hub, offering the most options. Although the station may seem a little too far from the Old Town (four kilometers to be exact), you can still cruise in like a true tourist—which means taking a tuk-tuk or taxi to get there! And bonus: it just so happens that this terminal is only steps away from its older sister, Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2. Now let’s all hop on board and start our journey!

Arrival Station – Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal

Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal is the perfect place to start your exploration of this vibrant Thai city. Located just north of Sangchuto Road, it lies in the center of all the bustling activity. As soon as you arrive, you will see the sign at the entrance indicating your arrival. From here, you can easily use songthaew and tuk-tuks to get around town or ask the station staff, who are only too happy to help with routes and information. For a convenient break during your journey, visitors can take advantage of free toilets, a variety of shops, and food stalls for snacks or drinks. Whether you’re getting off or on a bus, Kanchanaburi Bus Terminal always has something for everyone!

Final Thoughts

A direct bus is the best way to get there as quickly and efficiently as possible. It costs just 693 THB, which is the cheapest travel option and doesn’t compromise comfort. Just make sure to do your research in advance so you know exactly when and where your bus departs. It’s a surefire way to get you on your way without any issues, leaving plenty of time for you to explore the city during the day or spend some quality time. Plus, booking tickets online or through travel agencies has never been easier, so you can ensure your journey runs smoothly without any trouble.