Travel to Chiang Rai: Transportation options and Tips

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Travel to Chiang Rai: Transportation options and Tips

To reach Chiang Rai, multiple transportation options are available. Discover timetables and useful transport tips for your journey to Chiang Rai.

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Chiang Rai and buses

Chiang Rai has two bus terminals. The oldest - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 - is in the heart of the city. Most of the destinations from this station are to the cities to the north, and more specifically to the Golden Triangle. These are regional destinations.

The other station - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 - is located 8km from the city centre. It is served by a fleet of songthaew boats. A cheap but slow means of transport. It is therefore ideal for arrivals, perhaps a little less so for departures… From this station, you can take long-distance buses.

The taxi journey between the two terminals takes around 20 minutes.

Here are the top destinations from Chiang Rai. Keep in mind that van and minibus schedules may change frequently, so it’s recommended to visit the bus station or inquire at your hotel for updated information.

From Chiang Rai, you can go to:

CitiesBus per dayJourney timeTicket price (bath)
Khon Kaen112h14567
Lampang104h40237
Mae Sot109h55516
Nakhon Sawan209h10425
Phitsanulok207h20349

Chiang Rai by car/minibus with driver

While a chauffeur-driven car or van provides an ideal travel experience, it’s undeniably the least economical choice. Nevertheless, it’s worth considering, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Make a Reservation

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Chiang Rai and car rental

This is undoubtedly the most practical and independent way to get around. It’s very easy to hire cars from the airport. The only drawback is that the number of cars available is quickly exhausted in high season. It’s best to book in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.

rent-car

Chiang Rai and Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Chiang Rai. The nearest train station is Chiang Mai.

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Chiang Rai : Plane and airport

Chiang Rai boasts an international airport - Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport. It’s 8 km from the city center.

The main airlines serving Chiang Rai airport are :

  • Thai Airways avec Thai Smile,
  • Bangkok Airways,
  • AirAsia,
  • Nok Air,
  • Thai Lion Air,
  • Thai Vietjet Air.

The airport features :

  • Currency exchange offices,
  • ATMs for cash withdrawals,
  • Restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets.
  • Car rental agencies,
  • Grocery and souvenir shops,
  • A small duty-free shop in the international zone.

How to get to or from Chiang Rai International Airport

At the airport, travellers have a choice of means of getting to the city centre:

Practical Information for the Airport-City Centre Shuttle

The Chiang Rai Bus (CR Bus) connects Chiang Rai International Airport with the city center and bus terminals 1 and 2. This is the most economical option (20 baht per person). Please have change ready for the ticket fare.

Shuttle departureHours
From airport06h20 - 06h50 - 07h20 - 07h50 - 08h20 - 08h50 - 09h20 - 09h50 - 10h20 - 10h50 - 11h20 - 11h50 - 12h20 - 12h50 - 13h20 - 13h50 - 14h20 - 14h50 - 15h20 - 15h50 - 16h20 - 16h50 - 17h20 - 17h50 - 18h20 - 18h50 - 19h20 - 19h50 - 20h20 - 20h50 - 21h20 - 21h50 - 22h30
From Terminal 206h00 - 06h40 - 07h10 - 07h40 - 08h10 - 08h40 - 09h10 - 09h40 -10h10 - 10h40 - 11h10 - 11h40 -12h10 - 12h40 - 13h10 - 13h40 - 14h10 - 14h40 - 15h10 - 15h40 - 16h10 - 16h40 - 17h10 - 17h40 -18h10 - 18h40 -19h10 - 19h40 -20h10 - 20h40

From/to Bangkok

Plane to/from neighbouring countries

Here, we list the primary destinations to the countries closest to Thailand.

CountryMyanmarCambodiaVietnamMalaysia
Cities and BookingYangonPhnom PenhHo Chi MinhPenang
Siem ReapKuala Lumpur

For more information

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