Getting to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is about 800km north of Bangkok. It is connected to Bangkok by rail as well as road, and has air connections to and from several international destinations.
There are several ways of getting to Chiang Mai, including bus, train and airplane. Bus is the cheapest but least comfortable. Many people take an overnight sleeper train which takes longer, however, with the new cheap flights, for as little as 1000 baht one-way, more and more are opting for air travel.

By Air to Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport has connections to and from Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Singapore, Luang Prabang, Taipei, Kunming, Rangoon, Mandalay and Chittakong, there are also local flights to Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Chiang Rai. There are many flights between Chaing Mai and Bangkok every day, on a veriety of diferent airlines including budget airlines, AirAsia, Nok Air and Orient Thai One2Go. However, some depart from the old Don Mueng Airport north of Bangkok. Airfares are much more reasonable, so it’s cheaper to arrange this leg by booking online with these budget flights. Even in the busy season there can be same day availability, but the best prices are usually offered a couple of weeks in advance. Flights to and from Singapore are available on Sundays, Tuesdays and Fridays by Singapore Airlines and the budget carrier Tiger Airways.

By train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Getting to Chiang Mai by train is another popular option with budget travellers. There are six trains a day, of differing classes and speeds. The journey can be slow (11 hours) and the overnight sleeper is recommended. All trains departing from 16:00 onwards have comfortable bunks (some without air-conditioning), except the 20:30 departure. Trains depart from the Hua Lampong Station and have full food services available onboard.

By bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Buses depart at least every hour between 05:30 and 22:00 from Mo Chit Station and take about 10 hours, with a similar schedule in reverse from Chiang Mai's Main Bus Terminal. VIP buses are available for 400 - 600 per ticket, these are offered by either the government or private companies. And can be arranged from travel agents on Khao San Road and at other points around the city, but be wary of agents who promise services that aren't delivered, such as reclining seats and aircon.

By car from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

You can also hire a car in Bangkok or elsewhere for getting to Chiang Mai, and drive up at your own leisure, stopping off in Ayutthaya and Sukothai. With dual-lane highways most the way, and some stunning scenery along the way, reaching Chiang Mai by car is a straight-forward journey of about seven hours. Driving in Thailand is on the left hand side, roads are in good condition.

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