Getting to Chiang Mai

As the north's major tourist destination, Chiang Mai is quite easy to get to. The city is even being promoted as something of a hub. Whether its planes or buses, you have several travel times a day to choose from to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

Planes

Chiang Mai's international airport is served by just about every domestic air carrier in Thailand, as well as a few international airlines based in the region.

Thai Airways

The national flag carrier flies to and from Chiang Mai more or less hourly. Onward and return flights for Mae Hong Son and Chiang Rai also fly out of Chiang Mai. Thai's web site allows you to view schedules and seat availability. You can now even book and pay online for paperless travel. See our article on Thai e-Travel for more information.

Bangkok Airways

The nation's second carrier services Chiang Mai from Bangkok. They have e-ticket capability, but only accept Visa and MasterCard for e-tickets.

Air Asia

The Malaysian budget carrier is now flying domestic routes in Thailand, including Chiang Mai. If considering Air Asia, it's important to keep in mind that the fares go up the closer you get to your departure date. To get the cheapest fares you need to book three months in advance.

Nok Air

Budget carrier with Thai Airways as one of its major investors. Like most other budget lines, serves mostly the major tourist destinations such as Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son and Phuket. See our own detailed review of Nok Air.

One-Two-Go

The budget arm of charter carrier Orient Thai, One-Two-Go distinguishes itself by using larger planes than other low cost lines. Serves mostly the standard destinations - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket.

Silk Air

This Singaporean airline flies between Singapore and Chiang Mai directly.

Tiger Airways

Budget Singaporean carrier with daily flights direct to Chiang Mai from Singapore.

Airport Transfers

The airport taxi service is cheap and easy to use. Just visit the counter just outside the baggage claim area. Transfers to most city hotels are just 120 Baht (3.59 USD). There is no need to book in advance. However, if you're traveling in a small group that may need a van or mini-bus, you may want to consider booking one in advance through one of the services below:
 

	Chiang Mai Airport Arrival Transfer Shuttle
	Varies. Departs from Chiang Mai, Thailand	Starting from USD $11.11 per person
	Travel from Chiang Mai Airport to your Chiang Mai City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer, and your own private vehicle transfer. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. Vehicles used: SHARED - Air-conditioned Minivan / Minicoach PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Standard Sedan Car (1 to 2 people) PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Minivan (3 to 6 people) At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: Arrival Flight Number Arrival Time Arriving from (City name) Hotel Name (where you would like to be dropped off) Hotel Address Don't forget to book your Hotel to Airport transfer! More information & booking »
	Chiang Mai Airport Departure Transfer Shuttle
	Varies. Departs from Chiang Mai, Thailand	Starting from USD $11.11 per person
	Travel from your Chiang Mai City hotel to Chiang Mai Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Choose between a shared vehicle transfer, and your own private vehicle transfer. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. 24 - 48 hours prior to your Hotel to Airport transfer, you will be required to reconfirm exact pick up times and places (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher). Vehicles used: SHARED - Air-conditioned Minivan / Minicoach PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Standard Sedan Car (2000cc) (1 to 2 people) PRIVATE - Air-conditioned Minivan (3 to 6 people) At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details: Departure Flight Number Departure Time Hotel Name (where you would like to be picked up from) Hotel Address Don't forget to book your Airport to Hotel transfer! More information & booking »

Trains

State Railway

The state railway operates at least two trains a day to Chiang Mai. It can be an amazingly cheap way to get around the country, if you have the time. You can go by first class almost anywhere for under 1,000 Baht. First class is only available on the overnight train from Bangkok.

Eastern & Oriental Express

The very definition of luxury from days gone by. Operates special trips from Bangkok to Chiang Mai as an extension of their train from Singapore.

Buses

Thailand has an extensive network of inter-city buses. Bus service is available in two classes. Second class is not air conditioned, while first class services have air conditioning, and often much more. A few of the longer routes, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, even have a sort of super-first class service with fully reclining seats and other amenities. Bus service is generally inexpensive, but be sure to watch the bags unloaded at intermediate stops, as theft is rather common. Buses for Chiang Mai leave from Bangkok's Mor Chit bus station in Chatuchak.