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Chiang Mai Information
Getting around Asia might seem like a bit of a hassle but with some research, it will turn out to be pretty simple. Chiang Mai has many means of transportation depending on where you are. If you prefer to travel by plane, Chiang Mai has an international airport that hosts a large number of flights both domestic and international from places all over the world like Singapore, Taiwan, Myanmar, Laos and of course Bangkok. You can also travel by train which is a popular option for travelers on a budget. One of the options is renting a car, which is for travelers who have some money to spend and seek more comfort and freedom. Another popular option is traveling by bus, buses run almost every day from many places especially from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, however, it is a long trip as it takes about 10 hours to get there.
Chiang Mai Information
Chiang Mai at a glance
Located 700 km north of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is a mysterious land of colorful hill tribes, mystical mountains and a heaven for shopaholics. This land has many things to offer from cooking classes, Thai massages to tons of shopping opportunities and an amazing nightlife for the wild child inside you.
Also, Chiang Mai has its own unique and delicious cuisine, with flavors representing its distinctive culture. It is a place of many sights to see and endeavors to take part in.
Northern Thailand's largest city sits in a river valley ringed by forested hills, and the old walled centre is compact enough to explore on foot. That mix of mountain scenery, temples and markets is why Chiang Mai works both as a destination in its own right and as a base for trips further north.
How to get to Chiang Mai
Most travellers arrive overland from Bangkok or from other towns in the north. We currently list several routes routes serving Chiang Mai, with fares starting from our online fares.
Services are run by operators such as our transport partners. Journey times, departure frequency and vehicle type vary by route and by season, so check the live results for your chosen date rather than relying on a fixed timetable.
Because the city lies inland, the practical options for reaching Chiang Mai are road-based. If your trip starts on one of Thailand's islands, plan it as two legs: an island crossing to the mainland, then a connection north.
Main arrival and departure points
Long-distance services generally use the Arcade Bus Terminal (Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 and 3) on the north-eastern side of the city, which handles routes to Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Pai, Sukhothai and other northern towns. Chang Phueak Terminal (Terminal 1) mainly serves shorter regional trips.
Minivans and private transfers often pick up or drop off closer to the Old City, and some services offer hotel pick-up. The exact pick-up point is confirmed on your ticket at booking, so read the stop details before you pay.
Nearby transport connections
Chiang Mai Railway Station links the city to Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat via the northern line, and Chiang Mai International Airport is around 15 minutes from the Old City by road. Both are useful if you are combining a booked transfer with a train or flight.
Around town, red songthaew shared taxis, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps cover short hops. Fares for these are agreed locally and are not part of your ticket.
Popular routes to and from Chiang Mai
The busiest connections are the long haul south to Bangkok and the shorter northern hops. Common searches include:
- Chiang Mai to Pai — a winding mountain road with hundreds of curves
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai — the usual route for the White Temple and the far north
- Chiang Mai to Sukhothai — often combined with a stop at the historical park
- Chiang Mai to Bangkok — overnight and daytime departures
Travellers heading to the coast usually route through Bangkok before continuing to the Gulf or Andaman islands. If that is your plan, book the two legs with enough buffer between them.
Practical travel information
Bring photo ID that matches the name on your booking, and arrive at the terminal ahead of departure — 30 minutes is a sensible minimum for long-distance services.
Luggage allowances, seat selection, refunds and changes are set by each operator and shown with the fare before you confirm. Check these conditions at checkout if you expect your plans to shift.
The cool season from roughly November to February is the most popular time to travel, and seats on the main routes sell out early around Thai public holidays and the Yi Peng and Loy Krathong festivals. Smoke haze from agricultural burning can affect air quality in the valley in March and April.
Overnight services are common on the longest routes; bring a layer, as air conditioning runs cold.
What to see and do
Doi Suthep, the temple on the mountain overlooking the city, is the classic first stop, reached by a short road climb and a stairway flanked by naga serpents. In the Old City, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh sit within easy walking distance of each other.
Markets are a large part of the appeal: the Sunday Walking Street on Ratchadamnoen Road, the Saturday market on Wualai Road and the nightly Night Bazaar near the river. Cooking schools, ethical elephant sanctuaries outside the city and day trips to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak, round out most itineraries.
For food, look for khao soi, the northern curry noodle dish, along with sai ua sausage and nam prik ong.
Book your trip to Chiang Mai
Compare departures, prices and travel times across all several routes routes in one place, and confirm your seat in a few steps. Enter your travel date and search availability for Chiang Mai now.
Highlights
Bor Sang Village
Chiang Mai Old City
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Chiang Dao Cave
Frequently asked questions
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May–September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October–April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Koh Samui
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
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