Overview

Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, is located 700 kilometers (435 miles) north of Bangkok. Due to the long distance, flying is recommended, but bus and train options are available for budget travelers.

Transportation Options

1. Flight ✈️ Highly Recommended

Airlines: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet Airports:

• Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK)
• Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)

Cost: 800-3,500 THB (varies by airline and booking time) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Frequency: 30-40 flights daily

Pros:

• Fastest option by far
• Comfortable and convenient
• Multiple daily departures
• Often cheaper than you think if booked in advance

Tips:

• Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best prices
• Budget airlines from Don Mueang are usually cheapest
• Early morning and late evening flights are cheaper

2. Private Car / Taxi Service 🚗

Cost: 12,000-18,000 THB (one way) Duration: 9-11 hours Distance: 700 km

Booking: Contact Smile Taxi Service for long-distance booking

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• Can stop at interesting places along the way
• Flexible schedule
• Good for groups (split cost)

Cons:

• Expensive
• Very long journey
• Tiring for driver and passengers

Route Highlights:

• Stop at Ayutthaya (ancient temples)
• Sukhothai Historical Park (UNESCO site)
• Lampang (traditional horse carriages)

3. Public Bus 🚌

Route: Bangkok (Mo Chit Bus Terminal or Chatuchak) → Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station

Types:

• VIP Bus: 650-900 THB (22-24 seats, more legroom, better service)
• 1st Class: 550-700 THB (32-40 seats, air-con, toilet)
• 2nd Class: 450-550 THB (basic but comfortable)

Duration: 9-11 hours Departures: Multiple daily, including overnight buses

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Overnight buses save accommodation cost
• Frequent departures
• Some VIP buses have snacks and entertainment

Cons:

• Long journey
• Can be uncomfortable for sleeping
• Traffic delays possible

Popular Bus Companies:

• Sombat Tour (highly rated VIP service)
• Nakhonchai Air (VIP 24 seats)
• Transport Co. (Government buses)

Booking: Online at 12go.asia, busonlineticket.co.th, or at Mo Chit terminal

4. Train 🚂 Most Scenic

Route: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station) → Chiang Mai Railway Station

Classes:

• 1st Class Sleeper (Private cabin): 1,200-1,500 THB
• 2nd Class Sleeper (AC): 600-880 THB
• 2nd Class Sleeper (Fan): 450-550 THB
• 2nd Class Seat (AC): 400-500 THB
• 3rd Class Seat: 250-350 THB

Duration: 12-15 hours Departures: 5-6 trains daily including popular overnight trains

Popular Trains:

• Train 9 (8:30 PM departure) - Most popular overnight
• Train 13 (6:30 PM departure) - Evening departure
• Train 7 (8:50 AM departure) - Daytime scenic journey

Pros:

• Romantic and scenic journey
• Comfortable sleeper berths
• Unique Thai rail experience
• Can walk around and socialize
• Central station locations

Cons:

• Slower than bus or flight
• Can be delayed (especially in rainy season)
• Book early for sleeper berths
• Limited luggage space

Booking:

• Online: www.thairailwayticket.com (open 60 days in advance)
• At station: Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue (recommended to book 1-2 weeks ahead for sleepers)

Recommended Routes by Travel Style

For Most Travelers:

✅ Flight - Save time, often similar price to bus/train when booked early

For Budget Backpackers:

✅ Overnight Bus or Train - Save accommodation cost, wake up in Chiang Mai

For Scenic Experience:

✅ Daytime Train - Beautiful countryside and mountain views

For Flexibility & Sightseeing:

✅ Private Car with Stops - Visit Ayutthaya and Sukhothai en route

Important Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai:

• Cool Season (Nov-Feb): Perfect weather, but most crowded and expensive
• Hot Season (Mar-May): Very hot, but fewer tourists (avoid March due to burning season smoke)
• Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Afternoon showers, lush greenery, good deals

What to Pack:

• Light sweater (evenings can be cool, especially Nov-Feb)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and hat
• Respectful temple clothing
• Light rain jacket (if visiting May-Oct)

Booking Tips:

• Flights: Book 2-4 weeks ahead, use Skyscanner or directly with airlines
• Trains: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for overnight sleepers
• Buses: Can usually book 1-3 days ahead, but popular routes fill up on weekends

Things to Do in Chiang Mai

Temples:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (mountain temple with city views)
• Wat Chedi Luang (historic city center temple)
• Wat Phra Singh
• Wat Umong (forest temple with tunnels)

Activities:

• Old City exploration (walk/bicycle around ancient walls and moats)
• Sunday Walking Street Market (Tha Pae to Ratchadamnoen)
• Saturday Night Market (Wua Lai Road)
• Elephant Nature Park (ethical elephant sanctuary)
• Thai cooking classes
• Doi Inthanon National Park (highest peak in Thailand)
• Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong)
• Night Safari
• Zip-lining in jungle
• White-water rafting

Day Trips:

• Doi Inthanon (highest mountain)
• Pai (4 hours north, hippie mountain town)
• Chiang Rai (3 hours north, White Temple)
• Mae Hong Son Loop (multi-day motorbike trip)

Return Journey

All options work in reverse. Consider:

• One-way flights are often cheaply available
• Open-jaw tickets (fly to one city, return from another)
• Extend your stay - Chiang Mai deserves at least 3-5 days

Final Recommendations

Best for Most People: Flight from Don Mueang Airport

• Book budget airline 2-3 weeks in advance
• Total cost similar to bus/train when you factor in time saved
• Arrive fresh and ready to explore

Best Experience: Overnight Sleeper Train (2nd Class AC)

• Unique Thai travel experience
• Comfortable sleeping berths
• Wake up in Chiang Mai ready to explore
• No accommodation cost for that night

Best Budget: Overnight VIP Bus

• Cheaper than flying
• More comfortable than basic bus
• Saves one night accommodation

Best for Families: Flight

• Kids handle short flight better than long journey
• More comfortable and less tiring

Contact & Booking

For private car service or special arrangements:

• Smile Taxi Service can arrange comfortable long-distance travel with experienced drivers
• Available 24/7
• Can customize route with stops at attractions
• Professional English-speaking drivers

Enjoy your journey to the Rose of the North! 🌹⛰️