Comparison: which option for which traveller
| Option | Approximate duration | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Don Mueang) | 1h20 to 1h35 in the air | €€ to €€€ | Short on days, families |
| Direct night bus (Mo Chit) | 11 to 13 h | € | Small budgets, people who sleep well on buses |
| Night train to Chiang Mai, then bus | 12h30 by train + about 3 h by bus | €€ | Train fans, anyone who wants to see Chiang Mai |
| Flight to Chiang Mai, then bus | depends on the connection | €€ | If the direct flight is full or too expensive |
Levels: € = a few hundred baht, €€ = one to two thousand baht, €€€ = more. Prices and durations to be checked.
For temples and excursions around Chiang Rai, see the activities in Chiang Rai on GetYourGuide.
By plane: the fast way
Direct flights to Chiang Rai leave from Don Mueang airport, used by the low-cost carriers (Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air according to the guides consulted in October 2026). The flight takes roughly 1h20 to 1h35. Prices vary a lot with the date: book early for weekends and for high season, from November to February. Check the checked-baggage fee, often extra on low-cost airlines. To reach Don Mueang, see our guide to the Bangkok airports; on arrival, take a taxi or a transfer to central Chiang Rai.
By night bus: the cheapest
Night buses leave from the Northern bus terminal, Mo Chit (reachable by BTS or MRT), every evening. Government buses take about 11 hours to the central bus station; private companies usually count 13 hours and sometimes drop you a few kilometres from the centre. Expect about 720 to 1,070 baht depending on the class ("VIP" or "first class" reclining seats), according to the sites consulted. VIP seats are wider, but the air-conditioning is strong: bring a jacket. To book, compare the bus station counter and online platforms; keep your passport at hand.
Via Chiang Mai: night train then bus
This option makes the trip longer but gives you a real stopover. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai night train leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat station early in the evening and arrives around 7:15; from there, a bus links Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in about three hours (frequent departures from the Arcade bus station; check the times). To compare train, bus and plane to Chiang Mai, see Bangkok to Chiang Mai: train, bus or plane. This works well if you want to see both northern cities on the same trip.
What to do on arrival
Chiang Rai is mostly visited in one to two days: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple, the Black House, the Golden Triangle and the tea plantations. Agencies sell day trips, often departing from Chiang Mai; check the departure point before booking. For a place to sleep, compare hotels on Booking for Chiang Rai.
Before you go
The north is most pleasant from November to February, cool in the morning; in March and April, smoke from crop burning spoils the air (see the best time to visit Thailand). A data plan makes last-minute booking easier: see SIM and eSIM cards. For the overall budget, see our travel budget guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
No. The northern line stops at Chiang Mai. You have to finish by bus.
What is the cheapest way?
The direct night bus from Mo Chit, from about 720 baht according to the sites consulted in October 2026.
Can you do Bangkok to Chiang Rai in one day?
Yes, by plane: the flight takes about 1h30. By bus, count on a night.
Where should I stay in Chiang Rai?
Near the town centre and the night market, to do everything on foot. Compare on Booking before choosing.
