Chiang Mai to Phayao
Taking a road trip from Chiang Mai to Phayao is a great way to take in the beauty of Northern Thailand. Along the 150-kilometer journey, you will pass through small towns, national parks, and rivers that all make for scenic stops. Although it may take up to 4 hours to travel by bus or taxi from Chiang Mai to Payao, the unique city of Payao is well worth the trip. Situated 726 kilometers north of Bangkok, it stands out as its own destination, with plenty of cultural activities for visitors to explore and local cuisine to enjoy.
So what’s the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Phayao? You have two options: a bus (the most popular option), or a taxi.
Chiang Mai to Phayao by Bus
- Price: 244 THB
- Travel time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Greenbus offers five daily departures from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, taking passengers all the way to Phayao. It’s a great way to see the beautiful scenery of northern Thailand without breaking the bank. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with Greenbus.
Fare and Travel Time
| Chiang Mai | Phayao | Price |
| 8:30 | 11:45 | ฿ 244 |
| 11:00 | 14:15 | ฿ 244 |
| 12:00 | 15:15 | ฿ 244 |
| 14:00 | 17:15 | ฿ 244 |
| 16:00 | 19:15 | ฿ 244 |
Tickets on Greenbus cost around 244 THB per seat and it will take you approximately three hours and fifteen minutes from Chiang Mai to Phayao. That’s a great deal for such an incredible journey! The buses are airconditioned and use intensive air conditioning technology to avoid water condensation in the mountains caused by high humidity levels in the air. As a result, it can get quite cold on the bus, so make sure you bring along something warm!
Use the form below to check the schedule and ticket availability.
Baggage Allowance
One of the biggest benefits of traveling with Greenbus is their generous baggage allowance. Passengers are allowed 20 kg per passenger, so there’s plenty of space for all your belongings during your journey. Just make sure that any oversized or fragile items are packed securely and properly labeled before putting them in the luggage compartment.
Chiang Mai to Phayao by Taxi
- Price: 3355 THB
- Travel time: 3-4 hours
This scenic taxi journey from Chiang Mai to Phayao can take anywhere from 3-4 hours, depending on where you board and disembark, and it is well worth the effort. The price of taking a taxi from Chiang Mai to Phayao starts at 3355 THB per car. All the cars have air conditioning, which is important because temperatures can be quite high during the summer months. In addition, the taxi can pick you up at your hotel in Chiang Mai or at the Chaing Mai airport, making it super convenient for those who are traveling with luggage or have limited time in the area.
What You Will See Along the Way
This journey offers an amazing opportunity to explore some of Thailand’s most incredible scenic wonders. The route follows routes 118 and 120 before reaching Phayao and takes travelers through several charming towns and villages. Take note of beautiful rice fields and lush forested areas as you make your way up north. You may even get lucky enough to spot some Thai wildlife along the way!
Traveling Tips
It is important that you bring along plenty of water when traveling by taxi in this part of Thailand because temperatures can be very high during certain parts of the year. Additionally, it is wise to book your taxi ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about finding a driver on the spot. Finally, make sure that you dress warmly because strong air conditioning is no joke.
Chiang Mai to Phayao Map
Chiang Mai to Phayao distance is around 155 km with an approximate driving time is about 3 hours.
Is Phayao Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Phayao, Thailand is a beautiful and enchanting place that is certainly worth exploring all year round. There are five national parks in the area – Doi Luang National Park, Doi Phu Nang National Park, Mae Puem National Park, Phu Sang National Park, and Tham Sakoen National Park – each offering some magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The two wildlife sanctuaries here offer a unique opportunity to observe some rarely seen species in their natural habitat. And if all this nature isn’t enough to entice you, Phayao also boasts one of the best traditional Thai cuisines around, as well as many interesting cultural experiences. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, there are plenty of activities for everyone in Phayao.
