Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are neighboring provinces that share many amazing similarities. From stunning mountainous scenery to rich history, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai attract both international and local visitors. Most visitors when visiting Chiang Mai will most likely visit Chiang Rai as well.
Here are some popular attractions in the 2 provinces that leave visitors nothing but unforgettable experiences:
The distance between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai is around 200 kilometers (~125 miles). It would take around 4 hours to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by car. The flying option is also impossible as there are no direct flights available from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai International Airport
The airport is located just about 8 kilometers away from Chiang Rai City and travelers can fly directly to Chiang Rai from Bangkok.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
Located right in the city center, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 is a transport platform popular among locals. There are various services of public transport to choose from, making it convenient for travelers to find information and get to different places in Chiang Rai and other destinations.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
Like Chiang Rai International Airport, the bus terminal is located about 7 kilometers away from the city and has buses traveling to Chiang Mai and other provinces in Thailand.
For those looking for a one-stop service and prefer privacy, hiring a private taxi is an excellent option to travel from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. The fees vary depending on the agreed-upon deal by both parties. The most common rates range from 2,000 – 3,000 Baht. Passengers can determine the destination to their liking.
Green Bus is one of the most popular transport options for all locals and tourists alike. The bus operates mainly between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. They also offer services on other routes throughout Thailand such as the Southern and Northeastern routes.
Their northern routes usually take travelers to main destinations for locals such as the Golden Triangle, Mae Sai, Lampang, and Mae Sot. The fares may vary but are not more than 500 Baht per person.
If you are traveling in a big group, you can hire a private van from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. The van services can be found at Chiang Rai International Airport and the bus terminal. Passengers can determine their desired departure time and destination within the fee rates ranging from 3,000 – 5,000 Baht.
Note to remember to always check with the tour agency or transport company first before booking as there may be sudden changes that may affect your journey. Safe Travels!
