- Must visit
Khum Chao Luang Phrae Museum
A restored teak mansion with period rooms and exhibits on local rulers, architecture, and daily life in old Phrae.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Phrae is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chiang Mai to Phrae will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 1 buses from Chiang Mai to Phrae, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 141 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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 Chiang Mai to Phrae run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€9) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 19:20. The fastest bus covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 3h 50m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€9) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 50m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 7:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chiang Mai to Phrae.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator Greenbus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Chiang Mai to Phrae buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:30 AM Chiang Mai | 3h50 | 9:20 AM Phrae | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Phrae — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Phrae trip today.
A restored teak mansion with period rooms and exhibits on local rulers, architecture, and daily life in old Phrae.
An elegant pink European-influenced mansion associated with the teak era, open for visits to admire architecture and heritage displays.
A local history museum presenting archaeological finds, regional culture, and exhibitions that give context to Phrae province.
The old town quarter with teak mansions, temples, and lanes ideal for walking between Phrae's key heritage sights.
A central street area near heritage houses and temples, suitable for exploring traditional architecture and small local shops on foot.
A forest park area known for striking earth pillars and short walks, offering a natural contrast to the city's cultural attractions.
Northern Thai chilli dip of roasted green chillies, shallots and herbs, usually eaten with sticky rice and vegetables; a staple Lanna dish in Phrae.
Mild Northern Thai pork and tomato chilli dip with minced pork, fermented soybeans and aromatics. It is a classic local sharing dish with sticky rice.
Slow-cooked Northern pork curry with ginger, tamarind and garlic. It is traditional in Lanna homes and distinctively rich but not coconut-based.
Casual local restaurant known for Northern Thai dishes, especially khao soi and Lanna favourites, in a simple friendly setting.
Well-known noodle shop popular for traditional Phrae-style soups and everyday Thai dishes. Busy, informal and reliable for lunch.
Riverside-style garden restaurant serving Thai food, grilled dishes and local specialities in a relaxed open-air atmosphere.
Budget-friendly for Thailand: guesthouses, local meals, and short trips cost less than in major tourist hubs like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or Phuket.
Tipping is not expected. Round up small taxi fares, leave ฿20-50 at casual restaurants if service is good, and small change at cafes if you wish.
Official public transport app
Phrae Bus Terminal -> Phrae City Hall, Phrae
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Phrae.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chiang Mai to Phrae by bus. 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 bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Phrae, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chiang Mai to Phrae buses use the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Phrae Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Chiang Mai and Phrae bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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 Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Phrae Bus Terminal is 1 km from Phrae city centre. Public transport options include:
Phrae Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside the terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Phrae Bus Terminal.
Available at Phrae Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Phrae Bus Terminal: Wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Chiang Mai and Phrae, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need