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 automotive 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 instances. Flying is quicker—the flight often takes about an hour and fifteen minutes —however after all dearer, and it’s important to cope with the airport. 

Regardless of which route you select – airplane, prepare, 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 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 akin 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 completely different guidelines for baggage allowance (many enable simply 7kg carry-on) so you could consider the price of checked luggage if essential. 

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 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 safety. 

Prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 13-14 hours

Price: $25

Finest For: Backpackers, Adventurers, Price range Vacationers

The in a single day sleeper prepare experience from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is taken into account to be a backpacker right-of-passage and a highly regarded option to get to Chiang Mai! It prices about $25, and also you save on lodging for the night time. 

You can too take a day prepare, nevertheless it received’t be as comfy as having a mattress on the night time prepare.

Not solely do you get to absorb the sights of Thailand, but additionally journey in type. You’re going to wish to ebook both the first-class or second-class beds, and also you’ll in all probability need air-conditioning (fan-only choices are additionally obtainable). These tickets, particularly first-class, promote out a number of days prematurely, so that you’ll wish to ebook forward. The underside bunk has more room than the highest!

I attempted to ebook the first-class cabin after I was solo backpacking in Thailand, nevertheless it 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 the event you’re solo, and also you’ll sleep sideways throughout the prepare, which isn’t as comfy as your toes dealing with the path the prepare goes.

The second-class automobiles are stuffed with bunk beds which have a privateness curtain. In hindsight, I used to be completely satisfied to be within the second-class automotive as a result of I made buddies with different backpackers!

If you wish to go to Ayutthaya first, the historic capital of Thailand, you possibly can take a prepare from Bangkok. It’s about an hour and a half journey, nevertheless it’s price it to see the traditional ruins. Then you possibly can hop on the in a single day sleeper prepare proper from there.

Make sure that to convey some snacks, hand sanitizer, an eye fixed masks, earplugs, and a sweater as temperatures are saved low on board. The rocking of the prepare rocked me proper to sleep! However many vacationers complain that they don’t sleep nicely on the prepare.

The prepare experience gives wonderful views of Thailand’s panorama that you just received’t get every other manner – making it top-of-the-line methods to expertise touring by the nation! 

Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Time: 12 hours

Price: $15-25

Finest For: Backpackers, Price range Vacationers

For these vacationers searching 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 varieties 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 best way, with folks 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 rest room and meals breaks periodically throughout the journey, and often have a rest room on board too (I hate utilizing bus bogs as a result of they’re often soiled, nevertheless it’s good to have the choice in a pinch). 

Be sure you buy tickets from respected firms like 12.Go Asia and keep away from shopping for faux VIP tickets off of Khao San Street – I’ve heard of backpackers getting scammed with tickets they thought have 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. 

Preserve all valuables with you on the bus since some folks have had objects go lacking from their large luggage 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 Desire Flexibility

Personal switch or taxi from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a superb possibility for many who are touring in a gaggle, have just a little more cash to spend, or need the pliability to make stops alongside the best way. 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 often takes round 9 hours, and is dearer than different choices – anticipate to pay anyplace between $300-$400 and up for a personal 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 widespread 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 inexpensive, and a highly regarded route for backpackers.

Is it price taking the prepare from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Sure! Taking the prepare is a superb possibility for these eager to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The journey is extra comfy than a bus, and you’ll chill out in your sleeper berth and get some relaxation when 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 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 night time and you will 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 an incredible possibility for these eager to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Getting round Chiang Mai

Getting round Chiang Mai is comparatively simple, as the town gives a wide range of transportation choices to go well with completely different preferences and budgets. Listed here are some methods to navigate Chiang Mai from public transport to strolling:

Tuk-Tuks: These three-wheeled, motorized autos are a typical 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 experience, as they usually don’t have meters.

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

Bike Taxis: If you happen to’re touring alone or in pairs, bike taxis could be a handy and fast option to transfer across the metropolis. Make sure that to barter the fare earlier than getting on the bike.

Renting a Bike: Many guests select to lease motorbikes to discover Chiang Mai at their very own tempo. Be sure you’re comfy with using a motorcycle and familiarize your self with native site 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 obtainable. Biking could be a nice option to discover the town, particularly in areas with much less site visitors.

Seize (Experience-Hailing App): The Seize app operates in Chiang Mai, permitting you to ebook rides in automobiles or on motorbikes. This could be 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 widespread amongst vacationers as a consequence of language limitations, they’ll nonetheless be an possibility for getting round in the event you’re comfy with utilizing public transportation.

Renting a Automobile: If you happen to favor the pliability of getting your individual car, you possibly can lease a automotive. It is a good possibility in the event you plan to discover areas exterior of the town as nicely. Nonetheless, remember that site visitors and parking could be difficult within the metropolis heart.

Strolling: Chiang Mai’s Previous 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.

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Conclusion: Easy methods to Journey from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

When planning a visit from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you’ve gotten 4 choices for getting there: airplane, prepare, bus, or automotive. 

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 superb 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.