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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 bike in Chiang Mai and spend days roaming the gorgeous countryside.
As a backpacker, I’ve taken the in a single day sleeper prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and extremely advocate it to the cost-conscious traveler. It’s a enjoyable option 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 after all costlier, and you must cope with the airport.
Regardless of which route you select – airplane, prepare, bus, or personal switch – getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (or vice versa) is an journey all its personal!
Bangkok to Chiang Mai Overview
Listed below are the principle methods to get to Chiang Mai and the final prices to get there relying in your price range. For a few of these transportation automobiles, it truly is the journey that makes the expertise completely different than only a fast flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. However, in case your time is restricted, then do contemplate the quickest means which usually is by airplane transportation.
| Mode of Transport | Time | Value (USD) | Professionals/Cons |
| Aircraft | 1 hr 15 min | $50+ | Professionals: Quick, comfyCons: Costlier, baggage charges, must cope with airport |
| Prepare | 12-14 hrs | $25 | Professionals: Enjoyable, Low-cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying |
| Bus | 12 hrs | $15-25 | Professionals: Low-cost, Fairly ViewsCons: Lengthy, Much less Snug than Flying/Bus |
| Non-public Switch | 9 hrs | $300+ | Professionals: Versatile, Good for Teams, Non-publicCons: Costly |
Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 1 hour quarter-hour
Value: $50+
Greatest For: Vacationers Who Wish to Get There Quick!
Flying is the quickest option 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 corresponding to Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways. It’s vital to remember that every airline has completely different guidelines for baggage allowance (many enable simply 7kg carry-on) so you have to consider the price of checked luggage if needed.
There are two airports in Bangkok: Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport; price range airways fly from Don Mueang Airport whereas Suvarnabhumi Airport affords nicer airways and could be accessed by the rail hyperlink.
In Chiang Mai, there is only one airport – Chiang Mai Worldwide Airport – which is conveniently positioned near city.
Vacationers ought to consider each the time and price of attending to their chosen airport in addition to the time to get by way of safety.
Prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 13-14 hours
Value: $25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Funds Vacationers
The in a single day sleeper prepare trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is taken into account to be a backpacker right-of-passage and a very talked-about option to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the evening.
You can even take a day prepare, but it surely received’t be as comfy as having a mattress on the evening prepare.
Not solely do you get to absorb the sights of Thailand, but additionally journey in type. You’re going to wish to guide both the first-class or second-class beds, and also you’ll most likely 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 guide forward. The underside bunk has extra space than the highest!
I attempted to guide 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 personal cabins with two berths. They’ve higher bogs and a bathe. On the draw back, you’ll be with a stranger for those who’re solo, and also you’ll sleep sideways throughout the prepare, which isn’t as comfy as your toes going through the course the prepare goes.
The second-class automobiles are stuffed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be pleased to be within the second-class automobile as a result of I made buddies with different backpackers!
If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you’ll be able to take a prepare from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, but it surely’s price it to see the traditional ruins. Then you’ll be able to hop on the in a single day sleeper prepare proper from there.
Be certain to carry some snacks, hand sanitizer, an eye fixed masks, earplugs, and a sweater as temperatures are stored low on board. The rocking of the prepare rocked me proper to sleep! However many vacationers complain that they don’t sleep properly on the prepare.
The prepare trip affords wonderful views of Thailand’s panorama that you just received’t get every other means – making it top-of-the-line methods to expertise touring by way of the nation!
Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 12 hours
Value: $15-25
Greatest For: Backpackers, Funds Vacationers
For these vacationers on the lookout for a less expensive possibility than the prepare to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, buses are the reply.
There are two completely different bus sorts to select from: Authorities or VIP.
Authorities buses are cheaper, value round $15, and might 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 really like 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).
You’ll want to buy tickets from respected firms like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for pretend VIP tickets off of Khao San Highway – 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.
Maintain all valuables with you on the bus since some individuals have had gadgets go lacking from their large luggage saved within the bus’s baggage compartment. All the time lock your bag too.
Non-public Switch from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Time: 9 hours
Value: $300+ for Switch
Greatest For: Teams, Vacationers Who Choose Flexibility
Non-public switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a superb possibility for individuals who are touring in a gaggle, have somewhat more cash to spend, or need the pliability to make stops alongside the way in which. Taxis are secure in Thailand. You may 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 costlier than different choices – anticipate to pay wherever 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: airplane, prepare, 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 prepare is comfy and reasonably priced, and a very talked-about route for backpackers.
Is it price taking the prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
Sure! Taking the prepare is a superb possibility for these desirous to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra comfy than a bus, and you’ll calm down in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation when you journey. Plus, it’s an reasonably priced possibility in comparison with flying. You’ll additionally get the prospect to benefit from the stunning Thai countryside views in your means up North.
How lengthy is the prepare journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
The prepare journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes round 13-14 hours, relying on the kind of prepare you’re taking. The in a single day sleeper prepare is a superb possibility because it saves on lodging prices for one evening and you may get some relaxation throughout the journey.
How a lot is the most cost effective 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 prepare. Tickets for the bus and sleeper prepare value round $15-$25 baht relying on the kind of ticket and seat you select. It’s a terrific 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 affords quite a lot of transportation choices to go well with completely 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 standard mode of transportation in Chiang Mai. Tuk-tuks are nice for brief distances and could be discovered all through the town. Nonetheless, it’s vital to barter the fare earlier than you begin the trip, as they usually don’t have meters.
Purple Songthaews: These shared crimson vans with coated again compartments function as shared taxis alongside particular routes. You may flag them down and hop in. They’re an economical option to get round, however you may 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, bike taxis is usually a handy and fast option to transfer across the metropolis. Be certain to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.
Renting a Motorcycle: Many guests select to lease motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Be sure to’re comfy with driving a motorcycle and familiarize your self with native visitors guidelines and rules. All the time 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 option 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 guide rides in automobiles or on motorbikes. This is usually a handy and sometimes extra reasonably priced 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 as a result of language boundaries, they will nonetheless be an possibility for getting round for those who’re comfy with utilizing public transportation.
Renting a Automobile: If you happen to want the pliability of getting your individual automobile, you’ll be able to lease a automobile. It is a good possibility for those who plan to discover areas exterior of the town as properly. Nonetheless, understand that visitors and parking could be difficult within the metropolis middle.
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 could be an effective way to soak within the environment and uncover hidden gems.
Experience share apps – the go to app to make use of in Chiang Mai, if not most of Asia is Seize. You may obtain the app and guide fast transportation to get you the place you wish to go quick and comparatively low cost.
Try these different posts to visiting Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand
High issues to do in Chiang Mai
Go to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai
15 high locations to go to in Northern Thailand
Conclusion: The way to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you may have 4 choices for getting there: airplane, prepare, bus, or automobile.
Taking a airplane is the quickest possibility, whereas the in a single day sleeper prepare is an unforgettable expertise, particularly for backpackers. I’ve traveled between Bangkok and Chiang Mai with each of those choices and might personally advocate each! And I do know vacationers who’ve taken the in a single day bus and had a very good expertise.
The bus and sleeper prepare 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.
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