This mountain city in northern Thailand is a calm, laid back place. You’ll find hill tribe villages, elephant sanctuaries and busy markets. So, it’s only natural that’s it become such a huge tourist hotspot. As for how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? You’ve a few options.
You can take a bus or take the train – what you choose depends on your budget and schedule.
How To Get From Bangkok To Chiang Mai
1. Fly from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
This is the easiest way to reach Chiang Mai – flights take just 1.15 hours, leaving from both Don Muang airport and Suvarnabhumi. AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air fly throughout the day and you can find tickets starting from just $30 USD one way if you book well in advance. High season will be more expensive!
2. Take the Train
Trains run throughout the day between Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station and Chiang Mai Station. This is a cheap option, with tickets around $15 USD. The journey takes 12-15 hours, so we suggest you book onto an overnight sleeper train to arrive in Chiang Mai in the morning.
You can book tickets via a third party website in advance, or at the station itself.
3. Book Tickets in Advance Via Bookaway
Use Bookaway to reserve your tickets in advance for a number of transport options, including standard trains and VIP buses. Not only can you be assured that you have a guaranteed ticket, you can also make use of the handy filters for finding the best transport option.
Can’t live without air conditioning? Check. Absolutely need to have a toilet on board? You can choose the exact features you need your transport option to have.
Book Your Tickets with Bookaway here
4. Take a Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
This is definitely the cheapest option, but might also be the most uncomfortable – it depends what level of comfort you want your bus to have! It will leave Mo Chit Bus Station (the Northern Bus Station) in Bangkok and arrive at the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai about 12 hours later.
You can find both regular local buses and VIP tourist buses.
