Wondering what\u2019s the best way to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? In this article, I\u2019m going to walk you through all your transportation options.<\/p>\n
As soon as you\u2019re tired of the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, escaping the city and heading towards Northern Thailand is not a bad idea.<\/p>\n
Located around 700kms up North is a town called Chiang Mai. Known as a big cultural hub where tourists, locals, digital nomads meet. Given its popularity, there\u2019s a variety of ways on how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.<\/p>\n
Whether you plan on taking the train, bus, or even a short flight, here are our recommendations on how to get to Chiang Mai (plus details on how to book your trip!)<\/p>\n
Comparison Table on How to Chiang Mai from Bangkok<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\u2728The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without\u2026<\/strong>\u2728<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"Travel](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Untitled-design-23-min-1440x960.jpg\"\/)
![\"Travel](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Untitled-design-23-min-1440x960.jpg\")
\n<\/source><\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nComing from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Flying to Chiang Mai from Bangkok<\/span><\/h2>\nCost:<\/strong> Anything from $15-100 depending on how early you book<\/p>\nTrip length:<\/strong> 1 hour 10 minutes<\/p>\nAfter you\u2019re done exploring some of the sights in Bangkok and Pattaya, moving towards Northern Thailand is usually the next part of every traveler\u2019s itinerary. If you don\u2019t have a lot of time, catching a flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is your best option.<\/p>\n
Chiang Mai International airport is a mere 10-minute drive from the city center. Depending on when you book, flights can vary in price. In fact, if you book ahead of time, sometimes you can get pretty sweet deals. Click here to check flight prices<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nIf you are thinking of taking an International flight directly to Chiang Mai, expect a short layover in Bangkok as most flights regularly stop there before flying to the North. Sometimes, even if you\u2019re traveling on a budget, it pays to spend a few minutes checking flights as often, they\u2019re almost the same price or just a little bit more than a train ticket.<\/p>\n
\n![\"20-travel-hacks_to](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/20-travel-hacks_GENERIC3.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAirlines that fly to Chiang Mai<\/h3>\n\n- AirAsia<\/li>\n
- Air Mandalay<\/li>\n
- Bangkok Airways<\/li>\n
- China Airlines<\/li>\n
- Korean air<\/li>\n
- Lao Airlines<\/li>\n
- Singapore Airlines<\/li>\n
- Silk Air<\/li>\n
- Thai AirAsia<\/li>\n
- Thai Airways International<\/li>\n
- Nok Air (You can pay for Nok Air Flights in some 711 stores!)<\/li>\n
- SGA Air<\/li>\n
- Vietjet<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Insider Tip:<\/strong> Before you book anything, make sure that you double check your baggage allowance. A lot of the budget carriers have baggage restrictions so double check before booking your flight.<\/p>\nTaking the Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\nCost:<\/strong> The prices varies from $28-41 depending if you book a sleeper train or not.<\/p>\nTrip Length:<\/strong> 11-15 hours (Thai trains tend to run late)<\/p>\nThe train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/a><\/strong> is actually one of the most popular travel routes in the country. You have two options if you are traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You can either take a day train which is somewhat cheaper, or you can opt to take the night train. Either way, traveling by train gives you a real feel of Thailand.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s a great way to interact with locals while seeing the countryside. The day train can get a little bit boring which is why we recommend doing the night train. Not only do you make the most out of your day, you also get to save money on accommodations that night. While it\u2019s not a huge deal, saving a few bucks here and there only means more pad thai and khao soi\u2019s when you get to Chiang Mai!<\/p>\n
Top Tip:\u00a0<\/b>To save you time, you can check train schedules and book tickets ahead of time through\u00a0\u00a012go.\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Use the search widget below or click on the button below to find out the train schedules ahead of time.<\/p>\n\n![\"train-thailand\"](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/train-thailand.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIf you do the sleeper train, get out of your bunk and go to watch the sunrise<\/strong> from the other carts-the view of the countryside is pretty beautiful. You have different options on the sleeper train, with seats varying from 3rd<\/sup> class wooden seats all the way to 1st<\/sup> class with air-conditioned bunks.<\/p>\nThe choice is really yours! They sell food and drinks on the train but you might want to bring some snacks yourself as the food they sell on board is pricier than usual. There are about six trains that leave from Bangkok to Chiang Mai running from around 8.30am till 10.00pm. Likewise, there are at least six trains daily from Chiang Mai to Bangkok from 6.30am till 9.00pm.<\/p>\n
How to Buy Train Tickets in Thailand\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\nNowadays, all long-distance express trains require a reservation, which can be made on the day of travel or up to 60 days in advance.\u00a0 Reservations are now computerized, and the booking office at any main station can reserve seats or berths for any journey in Thailand.<\/p>\n
Please take note that a passport is now needed to book any train journey. It is also useful to know that they have a special ticket office in the Hualamphon Station just for foreigners. They have staff who speak English and they also accept credit cards!<\/p>\n
Combo tickets to the islands are also available from here. You can also reserve a ticket via phone but you need to pick it up within 24 hours. However, if you don\u2019t want to go through all this hassle, you can also book using the recommended website below.<\/p>\n
View Train Schedules Here<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\nEditor\u2019s Note: After living in Thailand, we\u2019ve put together an epic Thailand Travel Tips<\/strong> <\/a>section. Check it out!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n Psst…Want in on a Secret? \ud83e\udd2b
\n <\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n\n \n<\/picture>\n![\"Tropicfeel\"\/](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Untitled-design-24-min.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript>\n <\/div>\n\nWe’ve scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We’ve taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they’re still alive and kickin’. Check them out below. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Riding the Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\nCost:<\/strong> Price varies from 200-600 baht $13-$21 depending if it is a fan or an air-conditioned bus and where it drops you off.<\/p>\nTrip Length:<\/strong> 10-11 hours<\/p>\nAfter traveling most of Southeast Asia, I have come to the conclusion that long bus rides are part of the experience. Don\u2019t worry as they trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is honestly not that bad. (The longest bus trip I\u2019ve done was close to 30 hours, so trust me-I know what I\u2019m talking about!)<\/p>\n
Overall, the buses are fairly safe, punctual, and very affordable. You can book these bus trips from almost any tour agency in Bangkok. If you are staying anywhere near Khao San Road, you won\u2019t run out of options.<\/p>\n
The prices between all the agencies vary so best to walk and canvas around. You need to book at least a day in advance to avoid any inconveniences. If you don\u2019t want to take the bus from Khao San Road, you can also take a Deluxe bus from Mo Chit Terminal. These buses often have a bus stewardess that will give you a snack and a bottle of water for your journey. A lot of tour agencies try to upsell you to get the VIP or deluxe bus-but really, they just put you on a regular one.<\/p>\n
Insider Tip:<\/strong> Always keep your valuables with you at all times. There is a lot of theft that goes on in the buses (some bus attendants climb in and take your valuables while the bus is moving). To avoid this, make sure that you have your valuables close to you and that you take the time to lock your bags. A few padlocks and extra precautions will definitely turn off thieves as it often takes too much effort to try to open it.<\/p>\nReminder:\u00a0<\/b>If you want to compare the prices of both flights, busses, we recommend checking either Bookaway<\/strong><\/a> or 12go<\/strong> <\/a>to get a full comparison. We use these two sites to book transport tickets all over Asia. Check out these two websites as they also have full reviews for each bus company!<\/p>\n\n![\"buses](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/1thailand.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nSo, whether you\u2019re flying, taking a bus, or taking the train, do make time to head up to Chiang Mai because it is awesome. There are lots to do, things to see, and food to eat! If you\u2019re looking for a different experience, you can also try getting a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai<\/strong><\/a> which is a traditional tattoo done by monks. So what are you waiting for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nIf you\u2019re wondering how much money we\u2019re talking about, check out this guide on Chiang Mai travel costs<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to get a better idea of how much you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n
\nTrending Tours in Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nLooking for Other Things to do? Read these articles to help you plan your trip<\/h3>\nInspired? Pin This!<\/h3>\n\n![\"Travelling](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/bangkok-to-Chiang-Mai-480x720.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n
\u2728The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without\u2026<\/strong>\u2728<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Get a quote below!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cost:<\/strong> Anything from $15-100 depending on how early you book<\/p>\n Trip length:<\/strong> 1 hour 10 minutes<\/p>\n After you\u2019re done exploring some of the sights in Bangkok and Pattaya, moving towards Northern Thailand is usually the next part of every traveler\u2019s itinerary. If you don\u2019t have a lot of time, catching a flight to Chiang Mai from Bangkok is your best option.<\/p>\n Chiang Mai International airport is a mere 10-minute drive from the city center. Depending on when you book, flights can vary in price. In fact, if you book ahead of time, sometimes you can get pretty sweet deals. Click here to check flight prices<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n If you are thinking of taking an International flight directly to Chiang Mai, expect a short layover in Bangkok as most flights regularly stop there before flying to the North. Sometimes, even if you\u2019re traveling on a budget, it pays to spend a few minutes checking flights as often, they\u2019re almost the same price or just a little bit more than a train ticket.<\/p>\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Before you book anything, make sure that you double check your baggage allowance. A lot of the budget carriers have baggage restrictions so double check before booking your flight.<\/p>\n Cost:<\/strong> The prices varies from $28-41 depending if you book a sleeper train or not.<\/p>\n Trip Length:<\/strong> 11-15 hours (Thai trains tend to run late)<\/p>\n The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/a><\/strong> is actually one of the most popular travel routes in the country. You have two options if you are traveling by train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. You can either take a day train which is somewhat cheaper, or you can opt to take the night train. Either way, traveling by train gives you a real feel of Thailand.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a great way to interact with locals while seeing the countryside. The day train can get a little bit boring which is why we recommend doing the night train. Not only do you make the most out of your day, you also get to save money on accommodations that night. While it\u2019s not a huge deal, saving a few bucks here and there only means more pad thai and khao soi\u2019s when you get to Chiang Mai!<\/p>\n Top Tip:\u00a0<\/b>To save you time, you can check train schedules and book tickets ahead of time through\u00a0\u00a012go.\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Use the search widget below or click on the button below to find out the train schedules ahead of time.<\/p>\n If you do the sleeper train, get out of your bunk and go to watch the sunrise<\/strong> from the other carts-the view of the countryside is pretty beautiful. You have different options on the sleeper train, with seats varying from 3rd<\/sup> class wooden seats all the way to 1st<\/sup> class with air-conditioned bunks.<\/p>\n The choice is really yours! They sell food and drinks on the train but you might want to bring some snacks yourself as the food they sell on board is pricier than usual. There are about six trains that leave from Bangkok to Chiang Mai running from around 8.30am till 10.00pm. Likewise, there are at least six trains daily from Chiang Mai to Bangkok from 6.30am till 9.00pm.<\/p>\n Nowadays, all long-distance express trains require a reservation, which can be made on the day of travel or up to 60 days in advance.\u00a0 Reservations are now computerized, and the booking office at any main station can reserve seats or berths for any journey in Thailand.<\/p>\n Please take note that a passport is now needed to book any train journey. It is also useful to know that they have a special ticket office in the Hualamphon Station just for foreigners. They have staff who speak English and they also accept credit cards!<\/p>\n Combo tickets to the islands are also available from here. You can also reserve a ticket via phone but you need to pick it up within 24 hours. However, if you don\u2019t want to go through all this hassle, you can also book using the recommended website below.<\/p>\n View Train Schedules Here<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: After living in Thailand, we\u2019ve put together an epic Thailand Travel Tips<\/strong> <\/a>section. Check it out!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/figure>\n We’ve scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. We’ve taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they’re still alive and kickin’. Check them out below. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Cost:<\/strong> Price varies from 200-600 baht $13-$21 depending if it is a fan or an air-conditioned bus and where it drops you off.<\/p>\n Trip Length:<\/strong> 10-11 hours<\/p>\n After traveling most of Southeast Asia, I have come to the conclusion that long bus rides are part of the experience. Don\u2019t worry as they trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is honestly not that bad. (The longest bus trip I\u2019ve done was close to 30 hours, so trust me-I know what I\u2019m talking about!)<\/p>\n Overall, the buses are fairly safe, punctual, and very affordable. You can book these bus trips from almost any tour agency in Bangkok. If you are staying anywhere near Khao San Road, you won\u2019t run out of options.<\/p>\n The prices between all the agencies vary so best to walk and canvas around. You need to book at least a day in advance to avoid any inconveniences. If you don\u2019t want to take the bus from Khao San Road, you can also take a Deluxe bus from Mo Chit Terminal. These buses often have a bus stewardess that will give you a snack and a bottle of water for your journey. A lot of tour agencies try to upsell you to get the VIP or deluxe bus-but really, they just put you on a regular one.<\/p>\n Insider Tip:<\/strong> Always keep your valuables with you at all times. There is a lot of theft that goes on in the buses (some bus attendants climb in and take your valuables while the bus is moving). To avoid this, make sure that you have your valuables close to you and that you take the time to lock your bags. A few padlocks and extra precautions will definitely turn off thieves as it often takes too much effort to try to open it.<\/p>\n Reminder:\u00a0<\/b>If you want to compare the prices of both flights, busses, we recommend checking either Bookaway<\/strong><\/a> or 12go<\/strong> <\/a>to get a full comparison. We use these two sites to book transport tickets all over Asia. Check out these two websites as they also have full reviews for each bus company!<\/p>\n So, whether you\u2019re flying, taking a bus, or taking the train, do make time to head up to Chiang Mai because it is awesome. There are lots to do, things to see, and food to eat! If you\u2019re looking for a different experience, you can also try getting a Sak Yant in Chiang Mai<\/strong><\/a> which is a traditional tattoo done by monks. So what are you waiting for?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering how much money we\u2019re talking about, check out this guide on Chiang Mai travel costs<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>to get a better idea of how much you\u2019ll need.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \n\t\t<\/div>\n
\n<\/source><\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nFlying to Chiang Mai from Bangkok<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"20-travel-hacks_to](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/20-travel-hacks_GENERIC3.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAirlines that fly to Chiang Mai<\/h3>\n
\n
Taking the Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"train-thailand\"](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/train-thailand.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow to Buy Train Tickets in Thailand\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n Psst…Want in on a Secret? \ud83e\udd2b
\n <\/h3>\n<\/p>\n![\"Tropicfeel\"\/](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Untitled-design-24-min.jpg.webp\"\/)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript>\n <\/div>\nRiding the Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"buses](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/1thailand.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\nTrending Tours in Chiang Mai<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nLooking for Other Things to do? Read these articles to help you plan your trip<\/h3>\n
Inspired? Pin This!<\/h3>\n
![\"Travelling](\"https:\/\/k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/bangkok-to-Chiang-Mai-480x720.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n