How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Rai: direct flights from both airports, overnight buses from Mo Chit and private car transfers.
Last updated: November 11, 2026
Contents
Leaving the humid sprawl of Bangkok for the misty hills of Chiang Rai feels like entering another Thailand: cooler air, the intricate White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the Golden Triangle close by. The north is a long way off, so the choice is between a short flight and a long road trip.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai by Flight
Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Thai Vietjet, Thai Airways, Hahn Air and Bangkok Airways fly non-stop from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The flight takes around 1 hour 25 minutes, and fares start from about 800 THB. Thai Vietjet and Thai Lion Air fly from Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang (DMK).[1]
Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is a short taxi ride from the city centre.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai by Bus
The Transport Co. runs buses from Bangkok's Mo Chit 2 terminal to Chiang Rai, with fares from 650 THB.[2] The ride is a full night on the road, so choose a seat class with room to recline and bring a layer for the strong air conditioning.
Bangkok to Chiang Rai by Private Car
A private car works well for families and groups, especially in a van for up to 9 people, and lets you stop along the way. On booking platforms the drive takes from about 10 hours 30 minutes and prices start at about 9,100 THB (November 2026).[3]
Tips for Traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
- Book ahead in the cool season (November to February), when flights and buses to the north fill up.
- Check the airport: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang are far apart, so confirm which one your flight uses.
- Arrive early at Mo Chit, the terminal is large and the boarding platform can be hard to find.
Timetable
| Flight Bangkok - Chiang Rai $ 59.16–104.25 1h 25m – 1h 30m | |
|
|
| Bus Bangkok - Chiang Rai $ 21.02–37.81 11h – 21h 35m | |
|
|
| Taxi Bangkok - Chiang Rai $ 268.75–552.43 10h 30m – 11h 25m | |
|
| Flight Don Mueang Airport - Chiang Rai $ 58.87–67.72 1h 15m – 1h 25m | |
|
|
| Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Chiang Rai $ 350.54–389.49 11h 10m | |
|
| Bus Bangkok - Mae Sai $ 22.57–35.25 12h – 22h 5m | |
|
| Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Chiang Rai $ 321.33–649.16 11h – 11h 35m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, including current prices and schedules.
Flights from about 800 THB and buses from 650 THB are the budget options. Compare dates, because flight fares vary a lot.
Flying. A non-stop flight takes around 1 hour 25 minutes.
About 1 hour 25 minutes by air. By road it takes a full night: a private car takes from about 10 hours 30 minutes, and buses take longer.
Yes. The Transport Co. runs buses from Mo Chit 2 to Chiang Rai, and the journey is a night on the road.
Both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) have flights to Chiang Rai. Thai AirAsia uses Don Mueang, while Thai Vietjet and Thai Lion Air use Suvarnabhumi.
It pays off for groups of 4 to 9 people or when you want door-to-door service and stops along the way.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] AirAsia: Cheap Flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] The Transport Co., Ltd.: Find Buses with Transport Co.. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Bangkok - Chiang Rai. Retrieved November 11, 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.