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 residing there for some time!).

Chiang Mai is a superb jumping-off level for exploring Northern Thailand, like Chiang Rai and Pai. Many adventurous vacationers lease a automobile or motorcycle 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 throughout the journey.

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

Irrespective of which route you select – aircraft, practice, bus, or non-public switch – getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is an journey all its personal!

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overview

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 1 hour quarter-hour

Price: $50+

Finest 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 comparable to Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s vital to keep in mind that every airline has totally different guidelines for baggage allowance (many enable simply 7kg carry-on) so you have to consider the price of checked baggage if vital. 

There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; funds airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport gives 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 situated near city. 

Vacationers ought to consider each the time and value of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get by way of safety. 

Practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 13-14 hours

Price: $25

Finest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Finances 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 highly regarded technique to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the night time. 

You may also take a day practice, but it surely gained’t be as snug as having a mattress on the night time practice.

Not solely do you get to soak up the sights of Thailand, but in addition journey in fashion. You’re going to wish 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 out there). These tickets, particularly first-class, promote out a number of days prematurely, so that you’ll wish to e book forward. The underside bunk has more room than the highest!

I attempted to e book the first-class cabin once 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 non-public 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 snug as your toes going through the route the practice goes.

The second-class automobiles are crammed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be joyful to be within the second-class automobile as a result of I made pals with different backpackers!

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

Ensure to deliver 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 nicely on the practice.

The practice journey gives wonderful views of Thailand’s panorama that you just gained’t get some other manner – making it probably the greatest methods to expertise touring by way of the nation! 

Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 12 hours

Price: $15-25

Finest For: Backpackers, Finances Vacationers

For these vacationers in search of a less expensive possibility 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, price round $15, and may take longer than VIP buses as a result of they make quite a few stops in cities alongside the way in which, with individuals 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 throughout the journey, and normally have a rest room on board too (I hate utilizing bus bogs as a result of they’re normally soiled, but it surely’s good to have the choice in a pinch). 

Make sure to buy tickets from respected firms like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for pretend VIP tickets off of Khao San Street – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought had been for the deluxe bus however ended up being for the federal government bus. 

Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Mai go away from Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern Terminal) and arrive at Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station. 

Hold all valuables with you on the bus since some individuals have had objects go lacking from their huge baggage saved within the bus’s baggage compartment. At all times lock your bag too.

Personal Switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 9 hours

Price: $300+ for Switch

Finest For: Teams, Vacationers Who Want Flexibility

Personal switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a superb possibility for many who are touring in a gaggle, have a bit extra money to spend, or need the pliability to make stops alongside the way in which. Taxis are protected in Thailand. You’ll be able to 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 in style 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 snug and inexpensive, and a highly regarded route for backpackers.

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

Sure! Taking the practice is a superb possibility for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra snug than a bus, and you’ll calm down in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation whilst you journey. Plus, it’s an inexpensive possibility in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the possibility to benefit from the lovely Thai countryside views in your manner 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 are taking. The in a single day sleeper practice is a superb possibility because it saves on lodging prices for one night time and you will get some relaxation throughout the journey.

How a lot is the most affordable transport from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The most affordable 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 price round $15-$25 baht relying on the kind of ticket and seat you select. It’s an amazing possibility for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Getting round Chiang Mai

Getting round Chiang Mai is comparatively straightforward, as the town gives quite a lot of transportation choices to swimsuit totally different preferences and budgets. Listed below are some methods to navigate Chiang Mai from public transport to strolling:

Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled, motorized automobiles are a typical mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are nice for brief distances and will be discovered all through the town. Nonetheless, it’s vital to barter the fare earlier than you begin the journey, as they usually don’t have meters.

Pink Songthaews: These shared purple vans with coated again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You’ll be able to flag them down and hop in. They’re a cheap technique to get round, however you would possibly want to attend till the truck fills up with passengers earlier than it departs.

Motorcycle Taxis: If you happen to’re touring alone or in pairs, motorcycle taxis is usually a handy and fast technique to transfer across the metropolis. Ensure to barter the fare earlier than getting on the motorcycle.

Renting a Motorcycle: Many guests select to lease motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Be sure to’re snug with using a motorcycle and familiarize your self with native visitors guidelines and laws. At all times put on a helmet and train warning.

Bicycles: Chiang Mai is comparatively bike-friendly, with bike lanes and rental choices out there. Biking is usually a nice technique to discover the town, particularly in areas with much less visitors.

Seize (Experience-Hailing App): The Seize app operates in Chiang Mai, permitting you to e book rides in automobiles or on motorbikes. This is usually a handy and sometimes extra inexpensive possibility 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 in style amongst vacationers on account of language obstacles, they’ll nonetheless be an possibility for getting round in case you’re snug with utilizing public transportation.

Renting a Automobile: If you happen to favor the pliability of getting your individual automobile, you’ll be able to lease a automobile. It is a good possibility in case you plan to discover areas exterior of the town as nicely. Nonetheless, take into account that visitors and parking will be difficult within the metropolis heart.

Strolling: Chiang Mai’s Outdated Metropolis is comparatively compact, and lots of the points of interest are inside strolling distance of one another. Exploring on foot will be an effective way to soak within the environment and uncover hidden gems.

Take a look at these different posts to visiting Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand

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Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

15 high locations to go to in Northern Thailand

Conclusion: The right way to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

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

Taking a aircraft is the quickest possibility, 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 may personally suggest each! And I do know vacationers who’ve taken the in a single day bus and had an excellent 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 whenever you simply wish to get there quick.