How long is the journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

Bus: 3–3.5 hours. Minivan: 2.5–3 hours. Self-drive direct: 2.5–3 hours. The most scenic route (northern Highway 118) takes about 3.5 hours.

Can I visit the Golden Triangle from Chiang Rai?

Yes — the Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet) is 90km north of Chiang Rai in Chiang Saen. Easy half-day trip by local bus (฿50) or day tour from Chiang Rai town.

Is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) worth visiting?

Yes — Wat Rong Khun is one of Thailand's most remarkable contemporary temples and a genuine architectural spectacle. It is located 13km south of Chiang Rai city and easily included on a bus or minivan journey from Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai — Bus, Minivan & Scenic Route Guide

Best Option for Most Travellers

Green Bus from Arcade Bus Terminal — reliable, comfortable, direct, and the best value at ฿149–260. Book tickets online to guarantee a seat in peak season.

All Transport Options

Method	Duration	Cost	Frequency
Bus (Green Bus / Sombat Tour)	3–3.5 hours	฿149–260	Hourly, approximately 6am–6pm
Minivan (shared)	2.5–3 hours	฿180–250	Frequent throughout the day
Flight	40 minutes	฿600–2,500	3–5 daily flights
Private Car / Rental	2.5–3 hours	฿500–3,000 (rental)	On demand

Bus (Green Bus / Sombat Tour)

฿149–260

Duration3–3.5 hours

FrequencyHourly, approximately 6am–6pm

Green Bus (Chiang Mai) runs frequent air-conditioned coaches from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal. Most convenient and best-value option. Book online or at the terminal.

Minivan (shared)

฿180–250

Duration2.5–3 hours

FrequencyFrequent throughout the day

Shared minivans depart from Arcade Bus Terminal and from Chiang Mai Airport. Faster than the bus but less comfortable. Door-to-door service available at extra cost.

Flight

฿600–2,500

Duration40 minutes

Frequency3–5 daily flights

Thai AirAsia and Nok Air fly this short route but it is rarely practical given the short bus journey time and the time required for airport check-in at both ends.

Private Car / Rental

฿500–3,000 (rental)

Duration2.5–3 hours

FrequencyOn demand

Self-drive or private hire. Route via Highway 118 (northern route) is the most scenic — through Mae Suai and mountain terrain. Allows stop at Doi Mae Salong or Chiang Saen en route.

Where you actually leave from and arrive

The transport infrastructure mapped at each end. Distances are straight-line from the town centre, not travel time — in Bangkok in particular the two are very different.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport(CNX)· Airport3 km
Chiang Mai· Train station3 km
Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 2· Bus station4 km

Chiang Rai

Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport(CEI)· Airport6 km
Bus station Terminal 2· Bus station6 km

Tips & Things to Know

1
Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai is the main bus hub for northern routes. It is in the east of the city — take a songthaew (฿40–60) or tuk-tuk from the Old City.
2
The scenic northern route (Highway 118) via Doi Mae Salong is worth considering if you have a hired car — passing through mountain villages and tea plantations.
3
Chiang Rai's main attractions (White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House) are spread out — rent a scooter or hire a songthaew for the day from Chiang Rai town.

Disclaimer

Transport fares, schedules, and operators change frequently. Always verify current timetables and prices before your trip. Prices shown are approximate and may vary by season, operator, and booking platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related guides

All Travel Planning Guides

All Transport Options

Method	Duration	Cost	Frequency
Bus (Green Bus / Sombat Tour)	3–3.5 hours	฿149–260	Hourly, approximately 6am–6pm
Minivan (shared)	2.5–3 hours	฿180–250	Frequent throughout the day
Flight	40 minutes	฿600–2,500	3–5 daily flights
Private Car / Rental	2.5–3 hours	฿500–3,000 (rental)	On demand

Bus (Green Bus / Sombat Tour)

฿149–260

Duration3–3.5 hours

FrequencyHourly, approximately 6am–6pm

Green Bus (Chiang Mai) runs frequent air-conditioned coaches from Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal. Most convenient and best-value option. Book online or at the terminal.

Minivan (shared)

฿180–250

Duration2.5–3 hours

FrequencyFrequent throughout the day

Shared minivans depart from Arcade Bus Terminal and from Chiang Mai Airport. Faster than the bus but less comfortable. Door-to-door service available at extra cost.

Flight

฿600–2,500

Duration40 minutes

Frequency3–5 daily flights

Thai AirAsia and Nok Air fly this short route but it is rarely practical given the short bus journey time and the time required for airport check-in at both ends.

Private Car / Rental

฿500–3,000 (rental)

Duration2.5–3 hours

FrequencyOn demand

Self-drive or private hire. Route via Highway 118 (northern route) is the most scenic — through Mae Suai and mountain terrain. Allows stop at Doi Mae Salong or Chiang Saen en route.

Where you actually leave from and arrive

The transport infrastructure mapped at each end. Distances are straight-line from the town centre, not travel time — in Bangkok in particular the two are very different.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai International Airport(CNX)· Airport3 km
Chiang Mai· Train station3 km
Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal 2· Bus station4 km

Chiang Rai

Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport(CEI)· Airport6 km
Bus station Terminal 2· Bus station6 km

Tips & Things to Know

Arcade Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai is the main bus hub for northern routes. It is in the east of the city — take a songthaew (฿40–60) or tuk-tuk from the Old City.

The scenic northern route (Highway 118) via Doi Mae Salong is worth considering if you have a hired car — passing through mountain villages and tea plantations.

Chiang Rai's main attractions (White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House) are spread out — rent a scooter or hire a songthaew for the day from Chiang Rai town.