Bangkok to Chiang Rai: No Train, Flights From 1 h 20 min, Night Bus THB 738

No train reaches Chiang Rai: the SRT booking system lists Chiang Mai as the northern stop. The fastest option is a direct flight of 1 h 20 min from Don Mueang. The overnight bus from Mo Chit 2 takes about 11 hours and costs THB 738 to THB 1,148.

By Vincent Nguyen and team

No train to Chiang Rai, so pick a flight or a bus

The first thing to know is that the railway stops short: there is no Chiang Rai station on SRT’s booking system, and Chiang Mai is as far north as you can ticket. That leaves you three real options, and which one is right depends on whether you are paying with money or with time.

We recommend flying if your schedule is tight, because a night bus eats a full evening and the next morning. Take the bus if you want to save on a hotel night and do not mind a long ride.

Flying from Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Direct flights run from both Bangkok airports: Don Mueang has Thai Lion Air and Thai AirAsia, and Suvarnabhumi has Thai Vietjet. Mae Fah Luang airport is the one you land at in Chiang Rai.

Flight time is 1 h 20 min on most of these, with 1 h 25 min on the Vietjet flight. The quickest listing on the fare pages was a Thai AirAsia flight from Don Mueang on 24 November, 1 h 10 min. Fares start from THB 883 on the airline’s page, but the dates above are single samples, so check the day you want. For what your ticket includes, read the domestic flight baggage rules.

The overnight bus from Mo Chit 2

The bus is the budget way to go. Sombat Tour runs two routes from Mo Chit 2 to Chiang Rai, numbered 909 and 90.

Route 909 is the better pick: it takes an estimated 11 hours and runs via Phitsanulok, Phrae, Ngao, Phayao and Paan. The buses leave in the evening and arrive in the small hours or early morning.

Route 90 is slower, at an estimated 12 hours 40 minutes, and runs via Nakhon Sawan, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang and Phayao. It leaves at 07:00 and arrives at 19:40 on a Super bus for THB 905, or leaves at 18:15 and arrives at 06:55 on a Supreme bus for THB 1,207. Take it if its departure suits you better.

Times and fares on these buses may change, and you should allow extra time for traffic. If you have questions, the call centre is 1215.

Train to Chiang Mai, then a bus

You can still ride most of the way by rail. Five trains run from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Chiang Mai, and from there you change to a bus for Chiang Rai.

A 2nd class sleeper berth on train 9 costs THB 938 upper or THB 1,038 lower, and on train 109 it is THB 688 upper or THB 758 lower. The day train 7 has just air-conditioned 2nd class seats at THB 558. Our full guide to the Bangkok to Chiang Mai train has every fare and the booking steps, and the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai guide covers the bus leg.

The catch is the total: a night train, then a bus, adds up to more time than the direct night bus. Choose it when you want a berth or a stop in Chiang Mai on the way, not to save time. To book, see how to book SRT trains online.

Coming back from Chiang Rai

Buses on route 909 leave Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 at 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00 and 19:20. If you board at the Nang Lae depot rather than the terminal, arrive at least 2 hours before the time on your ticket, which is the terminal time.

Tickets and ID

Bring your passport: foreign passengers must show the original, unexpired document to board a Sombat Tour bus. To book or ask about a seat, call 1215 during office hours of 06:00 to 20:00.

Once you arrive

Chiang Rai’s biggest draw is the White Temple, and we have a guide to its tickets and opening hours. For where to stay and eat in the city, head to our sister site, chiangmaijao.com (opens in a new tab).

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Not confirmed: Sombat Tour's times and fares are subject to change, so confirm yours before you travel. The Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus leg and the airport transfer in Chiang Rai are not priced here; see the linked guide. Flight fares are sampled dates.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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