Local Transport Options
Motorbike rental: 150–250 THB/day. Best for Golden Triangle, White Temple, and Blue Temple circuit Songthaew (shared truck): 20–40 THB. For in-city travel Grab: 80–200 THB. Less reliable than Chiang Mai; motorbike rental is better Tuk-tuk: 50–150 THB/trip. Good for temple circuit if you negotiate a fixed price for the day (600–900 THB)
Getting to ${name}
From Bangkok (DMK): plane takes 1 hr 20 min, costing 1,000–3,500 THB. AirAsia and Thai Lion Air fly direct from Don Mueang From Chiang Mai (Arcade Terminal): minivan takes 3 hrs, costing 180 THB. Frequent departures throughout the day; most popular option From Chiang Mai or Bangkok: bus takes 3.5 hrs from CM; 10 hrs from Bangkok, costing 130–600 THB. Air-con buses from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal From Laos (Huay Xai via Chiang Khong): ferry takes 15 min ferry crossing, costing 50 THB + visa fees. Enter Thailand at Chiang Khong from Huay Xai, Laos
Ride-Hailing Apps
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Thailand and works well in Chiang Rai. Download it before arrival and link a credit card for cashless rides. Bolt is the main competitor with slightly lower prices. Both are significantly safer and more reliable than flagging random taxis or tuk-tuks, with transparent pricing and GPS tracking.
Motorbike and Car Rental
Motorbike rental in Chiang Rai costs 150–350 THB/day and gives maximum flexibility. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required. Wear a helmet — police checkpoints are common and fines are 500 THB. Car rental runs 800–1,500 THB/day. Insurance is essential and not always included in the base price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
Our editorial standards