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Bangkok to Chiang Mai Cheaper Travel Options for Tourists

Here are 3 cheap and affordable ways you can travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai without worrying about your budget. You can bring a girl too.

Updated 7 min read

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Key Takeaways

The short version, in 5 points.

  1. Chiang Mai is about 700 km north of Bangkok, and you can reach it by flight, train or bus.
  2. The flight takes around an hour, and booking early saves money while last-minute fares and Thai New Year in April cost more.
  3. Don Muang Airport handles the local flights, while the bigger airlines use Suvarnabhumi and cost more.
  4. The train takes around 14 to 15 hours, so book a sleeper in an air-conditioned compartment and bring your own food.
  5. Buses run from Mo Chit station to the Arcade station in Chiang Mai, and VIP buses carry fewer passengers.
Contents4 sections
  1. 1Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Flight
  2. 2Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
  3. 3Cheaper Alternatives Are Busses
  4. 4Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for an affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai without busting your budget? There are a ton of things that you can possibly do in Bangkok. But once you are done with the city, it’s time to move to other amazing cities in Thailand. One of the most popular cities referred to as Chiang Mai is situated 700 km up north of Thailand. The largest city in Northern Thailand that offers a completely different experience than Bangkok.

The reason behind its vast attraction to tourists is the natural beauty it offers. Also, after partying in Bangkok and Pattaya, the next destination of tourists is generally Northern Thailand. Let’s see how can you reach there and carry on with your fun vacation.

In order to travel for cheap from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, you can either choose a flight, bus, or train. These are very cost-effective even though you may think otherwise. Let's take a look.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Flight

If you don’t have an ample amount of time in your pocket then choosing a flight is the best option. Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport handles local flights and you can easily book your tickets at a low cost. Bigger airlines are handled by Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The cost of tickets on these flights is comparatively high. Now, if you are worried about the price you need to pay then the cost of tickets varies according to the time of booking.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Flight

If you book early, then you can save an ample amount of money. But last-minute bookings can be really expensive. Decide in advance and book early if you plan on flying to Chiang Mai. You will reach your destination in approximately an hour. Do not get confused since no matter which airline you choose, local or international, you will reach Chiang Mai at the same time.

If you are planning to fly to Chiang Mai during the Thai New Year celebration in April then know that tickets are generally high during this time. Once you reach the Airport, you can take a Tuk-Tuk or a taxi according to your preference and move further.

A lot of airlines operate from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Airways are few of them. Try booking your tickets as much as in advance as possible. You can find tickets as low as $50 if you are booking internationally.

Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Trains are generally the most chosen way of traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Depending upon the hours that are most convenient, you can either book a day train or night train. Traveling through trains will help you in experiencing Thailand in a much better way. You will surely be far from boredom during this trip of approximately 15 hours. You can easily strike up a conversation with locals while enjoying the beauty. Enjoy the trip and do not forget to carry food all by yourself to save you from the costly food they offer on trains. Saving money will only lead to more valuable expenses once you reach your destination. Moreover, travelers generally prefer going for the night train.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train

Firstly, you need to understand that you will be spending almost 14-15 hours on the train. If you didn’t end up choosing a comfortable seat, your entire trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai will be uncomfortable and tiring. Go for a sleeper train and book the AC compartment if you do not want to end up experiencing the hot weather on a long trip. Know that whatever compartment you choose, the beauty of Thai villages will have you asking for more.

Cheaper Alternatives Are Busses

For budget travelers, taking a bus seems to be a convenient option since it is the cheapest of all. As far as the number of buses that take passengers from Bangkok’s Mo Chit bus station to Arcade main bus station in Chiang Mai is concerned, there are several buses running throughout the day. You can book in advance and have a hassle-free trip throughout. Express buses might not take you at full speed but do offer comfort. So go for it, and book your tickets at a reasonable rate. There are also bus stations at Chatuchak.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus

If you are willing to avoid the crowded local buses then you can also go for the VIP buses that take fewer passengers and offer full comfort. Also, what’s the point of a trip if you do not enjoy the ride, right? Thai Sriram VIP bus is ready to take you along the ride. It generally takes one stop along the way for passengers to stretch their legs.

No matter the means of transportation, the city has got so much covered for you that you will definitely enjoy yourself on your next trip to Chiang Mai. Don't forget to book your hotels too. If you want to take a girl with you to Chiang Mai, then you can find one using Smooci our reading our Best Bangkok Escorts guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Far Is Chiang Mai from Bangkok?

Chiang Mai is about 700 km north of Bangkok, in the north of Thailand. It's the largest city in Northern Thailand and offers a completely different experience from Bangkok. Many tourists head there after partying in Bangkok and Pattaya. You can get there by flight, train or bus, and all three are cost-effective.

How Long Is the Flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The flight takes about an hour, whichever airline you choose, local or international. Don Muang Airport handles the local flights, and fares vary with the time of booking: book early and you save a lot, while last-minute fares can be really expensive. Airlines include Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Airways.

Which Bangkok Airport Should I Use for Chiang Mai?

Don Muang Airport handles the local flights, and tickets there are cheaper. The bigger airlines are handled by Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where ticket prices are comparatively high. Either way, you reach Chiang Mai in roughly an hour, then you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi from the airport.

When Are Flights to Chiang Mai Most Expensive?

Flights are generally expensive during Thai New Year celebrations in April. Last-minute bookings can also be really expensive at any time of year. I'd decide in advance and book as early as you can, since prices vary with the time of booking. Once you land, you can take a tuk-tuk or a taxi.

How Long Is the Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The train takes approximately 14 to 15 hours. You can choose a day or night train, and most travelers prefer the night train. If you don't pick a comfortable seat, the ride will be tiring, so I'd go for a sleeper and book the air-conditioned compartment to avoid the heat.

Should I Bring Food on the Train to Chiang Mai?

Yes, I'd carry your own food. The food on the trains is costly, so bringing it yourself saves money that you can spend once you arrive. It's a long ride of around 14 to 15 hours, so pack enough, and you can strike up a conversation with locals along the way.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The bus is the cheapest of all the options. Several buses run throughout the day from Bangkok's Mo Chit bus station to the Arcade main bus station in Chiang Mai. You can book in advance, and express buses won't be fast but do offer comfort. There are also bus stations at Chatuchak.

Is There a VIP Bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Yes. If you want to avoid the crowded local buses, VIP buses take fewer passengers and offer full comfort. Thai Sriram is one VIP bus company I mention. It generally makes one stop during the trip so that passengers can stretch their legs. Book your hotel in Chiang Mai too.

Is It Cheaper to Fly or Take the Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

It depends on when you book. A flight can be cheap if you book early, and I've seen tickets as low as $50 when booking internationally, but it gets expensive last minute. The train and the bus are the cost-effective ground options, with the bus the cheapest. Compare prices on the day.

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