- Recommended
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
The main city museum covering Chiang Mai history, Lanna culture, architecture, and local traditions in a restored historic building.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
16 h 5 m
Average duration
16 h 51 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
735 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 2 buses that leave Kham Yai for Chiang Mai on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 735 km distance in an average of 16 h 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 17 h 37 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.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a flight costs an average of $82.
Distance: 456 miles (735 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 42m Average total duration 16h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 56m Average total duration Fastest 5h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai:
A bus is $104 (€85) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai costing on average $140 (€114).
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 12m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 09:17AM | Arrival Time 02:54AM | Duration 17h37 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Nakhonchaiair | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
The table below shows live departures for Kham Yai to Chiang Mai buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:20 AM Kham Yai | 16h05 | 3:25 AM Chiang Mai | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 9:17 AM Kham Yai | 17h37 | 2:54 AM Chiang Mai | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai run on average 4 times per day, taking around 16h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 (€28) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest bus covers the 456 miles (735 km) distance in 16h 5m.
Distance 456 miles (735 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 (€28) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 16h 5m |
First bus 9:00 AM |
Last bus 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
The main city museum covering Chiang Mai history, Lanna culture, architecture, and local traditions in a restored historic building.
A well-curated museum on northern Thai daily life, crafts, festivals, and beliefs, useful for understanding Lanna identity before temple visits.
The leading regional museum for Lanna history, archaeology, Buddhist art, and the political development of northern Thailand.
The historic core inside the moat and remnants of the old walls, ideal for walking between temples, museums, cafés, and markets.
A fashionable district of boutiques, design spaces, and modern urban life, especially popular with younger travelers and digital nomads.
A busy walking area around Tha Phae Gate that serves as a gateway between the old city and newer commercial neighborhoods.
Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, usually served with chicken or beef, plus pickled mustard greens and lime. It is Chiang Mai’s signature dish.
Fragrant Northern Thai herb sausage made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and chili. A classic local specialty often eaten with sticky rice.
A Northern chili dip of minced pork and tomatoes, commonly served with fresh and blanched vegetables. It is a staple in traditional khantoke-style meals.
Famous casual spot specializing in classic Khao Soi and other Northern noodle dishes. Simple, local atmosphere and consistently popular with both locals and visitors.
Popular long-running restaurant in a teak house offering Thai classics in a charming garden setting. Good for visitors seeking a comfortable sit-down meal.
Well-known traditional Lanna restaurant serving Northern Thai specialties such as Sai Ua, Nam Prik, and Gaeng Hang Lay in a relaxed heritage-style setting.
Generally cheaper than Bangkok and many tourist hubs, with low food and transport costs; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more.
Tipping is not mandatory. Round up small bills for taxis, leave THB 20-50 at casual restaurants, or about 5-10% at nicer places if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, Chiang Mai -> Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Kham Yai to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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