How to Get from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang
Compare minivans, buses and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang: fares from about $8, journey from 4 hours 25 minutes through Northern Thailand.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Contents
Leave the night markets and golden temples of Chiang Mai behind and the road climbs into quiet hills and teak forest. Mae Sariang sits on the Yuam River, a small town of wooden houses and misty mornings, and a good base for the Thai-Myanmar border country and the southern end of Mae Hong Son province.
The road is the draw and the challenge: hundreds of curves, so how you travel matters as much as how long it takes. You can book your seat or a private car through GoAsia.cc.
Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang by Bus
Prempracha Transport runs buses on the Chiang Mai-Mae Sariang-Mae Hong Son corridor (route 170), calling at Hod, Mae La Noi and Khun Yuam on the way.[1] Minivans cover the same road. On booking platforms a minivan seat costs about ฿280 (about $8) (November 2026), and the ride takes from about 4 hours 25 minutes, longer with traffic or weather.[2]
Minivans are modern and air-conditioned, but space is tight if you carry a big trekking pack. Sit near the front if you get carsick, and pack ginger sweets or medication.
Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang by Private Transfer
A private car takes you door to door and lets you stop at viewpoints. On booking platforms, private transfers cost about ฿4,620 to ฿8,294 per vehicle ($137 to $246), depending on the vehicle: economy cars for two, SUVs for four, vans and VIP vans for nine (November 2026). The drive takes 4 to 5 hours.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan | ฿280 (about $8)[2] | from 4h 25min | Standard |
| Private transfer (per vehicle) | ฿4,620 - ฿8,294 ($137 - $246)[2] | 4h - 5h | High to luxury |
Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang
- Manage Motion Sickness: Take a front seat in the minivan or choose a private SUV, and take medication before you set off.
- Book Ahead: Seats are scarce in high season (November to February) and around Thai public holidays. Book online via GoAsia.cc to lock in your time.
- Pack a Light Jacket: The air conditioning and the climb into the hills can feel chilly even when Chiang Mai is hot.
- Carry Some Cash: Bring Thai baht for guesthouses and small restaurants in Mae Sariang.
- Know Your Terminal: Prempracha buses leave from the Chiang Mai Arcade station. Check the terminal on your ticket before you go.[3]
Timetable
| Bus Chiang Mai - Mae Sariang $ 8.26 4h 25m | |
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| Taxi Chiang Mai - Mae Sariang $ 136.32–244.72 4h – 5h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chiang Mai to Mae Sariang, including current prices and schedules.
The minivan is the cheapest option, at about ฿280 (about $8) per person on booking platforms (November 2026).
A private transfer takes 4 to 5 hours door to door and the minivan takes from about 4 hours 25 minutes, so the two are close. The private car skips the station and the minivan's pick-up stops.
Plan on 4 to 5 hours. Traffic out of Chiang Mai and weather on the mountain road can add time.
Yes. The road crosses the mountains with many sharp bends and changes in elevation, so take medication if you are prone to motion sickness.
Yes. Vans for 9 passengers and VIP vans are available, and private transfers cost about ฿4,620 to ฿8,294 per vehicle ($137 to $246) on booking platforms (November 2026).
Minivans usually make a short stop for restrooms and snacks. In a private car you can stop whenever you like.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Prempracha Transport: Chiang Mai-Mae Sariang. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] Prempracha Transports: Stations and boarding points. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.