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. See our comprehensive Chiang Mai airport guide at Asia-Airports.com for more information about the airport and which airlines fly there.
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 (3.67 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:
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Chiang Mai Airport Shared Arrival Transfer  Duration: Varies | $ 11.89 |
Travel from Chiang Mai Airport to your Chiang Mai City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your shared transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
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Private Arrival Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport to Hotel Duration: Varies | $ 14.57 |
Travel from Chiang Mai Airport to your Chiang Mai City Hotel. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your private transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
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Chiang Mai Airport Shared Departure Transfer  Duration: Varies | $ 11.89 |
Travel from your Chiang Mai City hotel to Chiang Mai Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your shared transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:
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Private Transfer: Chiang Mai Airport to Four Seasons Hotel Arrival Transfer Duration: Varies | $ 18.79 |
Travel from Chiang Mai Airport to the Four Seasons Hotel by private vehicle. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your private transfer will be confirmed immediately and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver.
At time of booking, YOU MUST include the following flight and hotel details:
Don't forget to book your Hotel to Airport transfer! | ||
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Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chiang Mai Airport Duration: Varies | $ 13.42 |
Travel from your Chiang Mai City hotel to Chiang Mai Airport. Transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your private 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 time and place.
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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.