Chiang Rai / Transportation
Bangkok - Chiang Rai
Thai Airways has 2 and on some days 3 direct flights daily from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The first departure is usually near noon, the second in the mid-afternoon. If there is a third flight it’s likely to depart from Bangkok in the morning. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is 1:25hr. There are more daily connections if one doesn’t mind to go via Chiang Mai (see below). The price of a one-way ticket is 1855 Baht.
Buses from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road; 844km, non-aircon 150 Baht, 6:20, 8:30, 9:30, 15:30, 16:25, 17:15, 19:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30; aircon 283 Baht, 19:30, 19:45, 20:00; VIP 420 Baht, 19:00, 19:30
Several private bus companies operate coaches between Bangkok and Chiang Rai. Among them are:
Karuhat, near Indra Hotel, Tel 252-1483
Thai Transport, Tel 412-5038
Thavorn Farm, Tel 279-5850
Kitti Tour, Tel 278-4532
Setthi Tour, Tel 278-5660
Chiang Rai - Bangkok
Thai Airways has two to three direct flights daily from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Departures are around noon and in the late afternoon. There are additional possibilities for those who don’t mind changing planes in Chiang Mai (see below). Flight time is around 1:20hr. The price of a one-way ticket is 1855 Baht.
By Boat
A combined bus and boat trip to Chiang Rai can be made by taking a local bus from Chiang Mai to Tha Ton which takes approximately 3 hours, and continuing on a long-tail boat along Mae Kok River (4-6 hours). Boat fare is 160 Baht per person or 1,600 per boat.
Provincial Flights
Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai
Thai Airways has one to three direct flights daily from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The first departure is in the morning, the second and third usually in the early afternoon. Flight time is around 40min.
Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai
Thai Airways has two to three direct flights daily from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Departures are in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Flight time is around 40min.
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