- Must visit
Baan Dam Museum
Private art museum with dark, thought-provoking buildings by Thawan Duchanee. It offers a very different visual experience from Chiang Rai’s temples.
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Rai will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 9 buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, including 9 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 688 km distance in an average of 11 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h .
The slowest buses will take 12 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai run on average 11 times per day, taking around 12h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 if you book in advance.
There are 11 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 09:30, the last at 20:30. The fastest coach covers the 688 km distance in 11h 0m.
Distance 688 km |
Average bus duration 12h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 11h 0m |
First bus 9:30 |
Last bus 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
The table below shows live departures for Bangkok to Chiang Rai coaches for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TARA TOUR & TRAVEL | 16:00 Bangkok, Samsen Rd (Tara Tour Office) | 14h05 | 6:05 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 16:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 5:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:00 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h20 | 5:20 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 18:00 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 5:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:40 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h20 | 8:00 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 20:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 11h00 | 7:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 2 November | |||||
![]() | 9:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 22:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:30 Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) | 12h40 | 1:10 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Chiang Rai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Rai trip today.
Private art museum with dark, thought-provoking buildings by Thawan Duchanee. It offers a very different visual experience from Chiang Rai’s temples.
Museum and art house by Chalermchai Kositpipat displaying paintings, Buddhist art, and personal collections connected with the White Temple artist.
Community museum focused on the Hall of Opium story and nearby Golden Triangle history. Useful for understanding the region’s past and trade routes.
Small central square with the city’s famous golden clock tower. Visit in the evening for the light-and-sound display and surrounding street life.
Lively evening walking street with handicrafts, music, and a local atmosphere. A good place to browse souvenirs and see central Chiang Rai at night.
Weekend pedestrian market around the clock tower area. It is popular for crafts, performances, and a busy local street scene.
Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, coconut broth and usually chicken or beef. A signature Lanna dish widely loved across Chiang Rai.
Aromatic Northern pork sausage seasoned with lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaf. It is a classic Chiang Rai snack and market favourite.
Young jackfruit curry cooked with pork, tomatoes and Northern spices. This hearty Lanna dish is traditional in homes and local eateries.
Famous noodle shop specialising in khao soi and other Northern noodle dishes. Simple, busy and ideal for an affordable traditional lunch.
Well-known casual restaurant serving Northern Thai classics such as khao soi, sai ua and nam prik in a relaxed local setting near the night bazaar.
Popular local restaurant for authentic Lanna dishes, grilled meats and relishes. Informal atmosphere and a reliable choice for regional flavours.
Budget-friendly for Thailand: guesthouses, street food and local transport are cheap, while hotels and tourist dining still cost less than in Bangkok or Phuket.
Tipping is not obligatory. Round up or leave ฿20-50 in restaurants and cafés for good service. Taxis usually do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 -> Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, Chiang Rai
Omio simplifies your travel planning across Southeast Asia by bringing together over 1,000 trusted travel companies on one comprehensive platform. Whether you're booking local trains, long-distance buses, or ferry tickets, Omio lets you compare options, prices, and schedules instantly to find the perfect journey for your needs. With convenient mobile tickets delivered straight to your phone and real-time travel updates keeping you informed every step of the way, you can travel with confidence knowing that dedicated customer support is always available when you need it. From discovering trending destinations to seamlessly connecting different modes of transport, Omio transforms complex multi-leg journeys into simple, stress-free bookings that let you focus on exploring incredible destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Pros: Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai offer considerable cost savings compared to flights, with tickets ranging from 500-900 THB. The journey provides scenic views of Thailand's countryside with minimal luggage restrictions. Higher-end services feature amenities such as reclining seats, onboard toilets, refreshments, and WiFi. Buses typically depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and arrive at Chiang Rai's central bus station, requiring minimal additional transfers to city centers.
Cons: The journey takes approximately 12-14 hours, significantly longer than a 1.5-hour flight. Overnight buses, while saving on accommodation, may reduce sleep quality. Delays are common due to traffic congestion leaving Bangkok and mountainous terrain approaching Chiang Rai. During peak holiday periods, advanced booking is essential as services can fill quickly. The final buses typically depart by early evening, limiting flexibility for late departures.
Chiang Rai captivates visitors with its unique blend of contemporary art, ancient temples, and cultural diversity in northern Thailand. The iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) showcases stunning modern Buddhist architecture with intricate mirror work and surreal designs. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) offers equally mesmerizing azure interiors and golden Buddha statues. Travelers can explore the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge along the Mekong River, and visit local hill tribe villages to experience traditional cultures. The vibrant Saturday Night Walking Street provides excellent shopping for handicrafts and street food. Adventure seekers can enjoy hot springs, tea plantations, and the mysterious Black House Museum showcasing dark art collections.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Rai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bangkok to Chiang Rai buses use the Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 station pair, with some services arriving at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai. Use this guide to compare Bangkok and Chiang Rai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal is 8 km from Bangkok city centre. Public transport options include:
Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various food stalls available inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal.
Available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chatuchak Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Street food vendors and local restaurants nearby
Free public Wi-Fi. ATMs are several ATMs from major Thai banks nearby.
Ticket office support is available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road.
Available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bangkok, Chakrabongse Rd - Khao San Road: Basic ramps available.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 is 5 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and several local food vendors inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks available.
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2.
Available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2: Wheelchair ramps and assistance available.
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai is 4 km from Chiang Rai city centre. Public transport options include:
Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small food court and convenience store available
Free Wi-Fi available in terminal. ATMs are aTM machines available in terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai.
Available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nakhonchai Air Bus Station Chiang Rai: Wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Bangkok and Chiang Rai, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need