Bangkok to Chiang Mai bus with Bangkok Bus Lines

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus: A Complete Guide 2025

Embark on an epic overland adventure from Bangkok to the cultural heart of the North by bus! The 700-kilometer bus journey to Chiang Mai is a traveler's rite of passage, offering an authentic way to experience Thailand's diverse landscapes and local life. Starting from THB 500, this 9-11 hour journey transforms travel time into an adventure itself.

Choose from luxury VIP sleeper buses with lie-flat seats for overnight comfort, or daytime coaches with entertainment systems to watch the countryside unfold. As you leave Bangkok's urban sprawl behind, you'll witness Thailand's rural beauty, from rice paddies to mountain foothills, before arriving in Chiang Mai's temple-filled old city.

Why choose to take bus?

• Cost Efficiency: Bus travel provides exceptional value with tickets starting from 500 THB compared to flights at 1,000+ THB, offering 50%+ cost savings.
• Convenience: Buses depart from Bangkok's major terminal Mo Chit, arriving directly in Chiang Mai's city center.
• Overnight Options: VIP sleeper buses allow you to travel overnight, saving on accommodation costs while maximizing your time in both cities.
• Flexibility: Multiple departure times throughout the day, from morning express services to comfortable overnight coaches.
• Comfort: Modern VIP buses feature reclining seats, air conditioning, onboard toilets, and entertainment systems, making the 9-11 hour journey through Thailand's beautiful countryside a comfortable experience.

Booking Tickets

Booking through Omio simplifies the entire process: select Bangkok as departure city and Chiang Mai as arrival city, choose your preferred travel date, and compare all available operators, departure times, and prices in one convenient view. Filter options help narrow choices by price range, departure time, and bus operator.

After selecting your preferred service, enter passenger details and complete payment using major payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or digital wallets. Digital tickets are delivered instantly via email or to app. The platform provides real-time journey updates and 24/7 customer support, ensuring a smooth booking experience from search to boarding.

Choosing Bus Providers

• Sombat Tour operates various types of overnight services with Supreme Class (VIP) buses featuring 20-seat configuration, massage chairs, and complimentary meals. Known for luxury Wiang Ping VIP 20 coaches with 1+1 seating, personal entertainment, and superior comfort for the 10-hour journey, with price from THB 1,131.
• NakornChai Air provides modern VIP services with comfortable air-conditioned coaches featuring spacious seating and onboard amenities. Known for reliable scheduling with journey times around 10 hours, it offers competitive pricing and professional service on this popular overnight route.
• Bangkok Busline operates efficient express services with modern coaches featuring comfortable seating and onboard facilities. Known for reliable service, competitive pricing from THB 594 and modern fleet, it provides good value for money on Thailand's busiest bus route.

Bus Classes and Types

Extensive overnight services cater to Thailand's most popular route:

• Standard Express - Comfortable coaches with AC and reclining seats
• VIP Buses - Enhanced comfort with 24 seats and extra legroom
• Super VIP - Premium experience with 20 seats and superior amenities
• First Class - Luxury service with fully reclining seats and meal service

Onboard Experience

Modern buses in Southeast Asia provide a comfortable travel experience with these standard amenities:

• Seating - Comfortable reclining seats with spacious legroom and individual air conditioning controls
• Connectivity - Complimentary WiFi (connection quality may vary) and power outlets for device charging
• Entertainment - Premium services include personal entertainment screens with movie selections
• Luxury Features - High-end buses offer massage functions and hot meal service
• Rest Stops - Regular 15-20 minute breaks at highway service areas for refreshments and restroom facilities

Note that:

• Buses normally don't have onboard toilets, so make use of rest stops.
• Bring light snacks as meal service isn't standard on most routes, though premium operators may provide complimentary refreshments.
• Specific amenities and service quality vary between different bus providers, so it's recommended to check individual operator offerings when booking.

Departing from Bangkok

The primary terminal that serves Thailand's most popular bus route:

• Mo Chit Terminal (Chatuchak Bus Terminal) - Main departure hub with multiple operators (Bangkok Bus Lines, Sombat Tour, Transport. Co), near Chatuchak Park

Most premium buses depart evening 6pm-10pm, arriving morning 5am-8am the next day.

Arriving in Chiang Mai

Centralized arrival point in Chiang Mai facilitates easy city access:

• Chiang Mai Bus Terminal (Arcade 2/3) - Main arrival terminal located 15-20 minutes ride from city center

Local transport to old city via red truck (songthaew) costs 20-30 THB per person or tuk-tuk for 100 THB per ride.

Bus Travel Tips

Make your Bangkok to Chiang Mai bus journey smooth with these practical tips:

• Book tickets in advance during peak periods (weekends, holidays)
• Arrive 30 minutes early at departure point for check-in procedures
• Bring a light jacket as buses can get cold with air conditioning
• Download offline entertainment as WiFi may be unreliable
• Keep important documents (ID, passport, tickets) easily accessible

Essentials to Bring:

• Light snacks and water bottle
• Phone charger and power bank
• Travel pillow and eye mask for comfort
• Small amount of Thai Baht notes for rest stop purchases

Thailand Travel Tips

Before leaving for Thailand, here are some travel tips:

Thailand Visa:

• Visa-free entry: Most countries get 30-60 days (US, UK, EU, Australia: 30 days by land, 60 days by air)
• Visa on arrival: Available for some countries (2,000 THB fee)
• Entry requirements: Passport valid 6+ months, proof of onward travel

Currency Used in Thailand:

• Thai Baht (THB/฿)
• Exchange rate: ~1 USD = 35-37 THB
• Best exchange: Super Rich money changers offer excellent rates
• ATMs: Abundant, but charge 220 THB foreign transaction fee

Payment Methods Accepted in Thailand:

• Cash: King in Thailand - essential for street food, markets, taxis, tuk-tuks
• Cards: Accepted in malls, hotels, upscale restaurants
• Digital payments: PromptPay, TrueMoney popular locally
• Rabbit Card: For BTS/MRT in Bangkok

Things to do in Chiang Mai

Nestled in northern Thailand's mountains, Chiang Mai offers a perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern charm:

Old City Temple Circuit:

• Wat Phra That Doi Suthep - Visit the mountaintop temple offering breathtaking panoramic views and housing sacred 14th-century Buddha relics
• Wat Chedi Luang - Explore the massive partially ruined pagoda in the heart of the Old City
• Wat Phra Singh - Admire exquisite Lanna architecture in this beautifully preserved temple
• 300+ Buddhist Temples - Discover numerous spiritual sites within the ancient walls and moats

Nature & Adventure:

• Mae Sa Valley - Explore lush landscapes and visit ethical elephant sanctuaries
• Doi Inthanon National Park - Trek through mist-covered mountains to Thailand's highest peak and spectacular waterfalls

Culinary Experiences:

• Khao Soi - Savor the aromatic coconut curry noodle soup that defines northern Thai cuisine
• Nam Prik Noom - Try the distinctive fiery green chili dip unique to the region
• Cooking Classes - Participate in traditional cooking experiences to learn authentic techniques

Markets & Shopping:

• Sunday Walking Street Market - Browse the Old City's transformation into a vibrant handicraft bazaar
• Night Bazaar - Shop for local goods and souvenirs every evening

Cultural Immersion:

• Festival Timing - Experience Yi Peng Lantern Festival or Songkran water festival for authentic cultural celebration
• Temple Meditation Retreats - Join respectful meditation sessions with welcoming local monks
• Bamboo Rafting Excursions - Enjoy peaceful river adventures through scenic landscapes

Getting around Chiang Mai

Navigating Chiang Mai is straightforward with diverse transportation options, though the city lacks metro systems:

Local Public Transport:

• Songthaews (Red Trucks) - Most prevalent shared pickup trucks serving as informal buses (20-40 baht per ride) operating without fixed schedules—simply flag one down. But do discuss destination and price before boarding

Tourist-Friendly Options:

• Tuk-tuks - Convenient for short distances (starting 60-100 baht) available near tourist areas
• Traditional Taxis - Less common but found near tourist areas and airport with fixed rates

Airport Transfers:

• Airport Shuttle Bus - Affordable option (40 baht) running every 20-30 minutes
• Fixed-Rate Taxis - Reliable service (150-200 baht) for 15-20 minute journey

Ride-Hailing Services:

• Grab - Widely used ride-hailing service (starting around 60 baht) often more convenient than negotiating with drivers, and it accepts cards through the app, unlike most other transport options

Independent Exploration:

• Motorbike Rentals - Popular choice (200-300 baht daily) but requires international license
• Bicycle Rentals - Eco-friendly alternative (50-100 baht daily) perfect for exploring the compact Old City

Pro Tip:

• Most transportation requires cash payment except for Grab.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Bus Wrap up

Taking the bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is one of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to reach Northern Thailand's cultural heart! This journey (9-11 hours) offers fantastic value for money while taking you through Thailand's beautiful countryside. With VIP coaches featuring reclining seats and onboard facilities, you'll arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Remember to book through reliable platforms like Omio for the best deals! Whether you choose day or night travel, this scenic route will be a memorable part of your Thai adventure. Safe travels and enjoy exploring beautiful Chiang Mai!

Frequently Asked Questions