To reach Chiang Mai

By Car
There are two routes to Chiang Mai from Bangkok.

The first one is by taking Highway 1 (Phahonyothin) and then Highway 32, passing through Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Nakhon Sawan provinces. There take Highway 177 to reach Phitsanulok and then on to Highway 11 to Lampang, Lamphun and Chiang Mai. The total distance covered is 695 kilometers.

The second route is along the road to Nakhon Sawan and then take Highway1, passing through Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. The distance covered is 696 kilometers.

By Bus

From Bangkok, air-conditioned buses run to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) from 8am to 9pm. The time taken is 10 hours for the journey. Telephone: Bangkok - 936 2852, Chiang Mai - (053) 242664

There are frequent bus services to Chiang Mai Phuak Bus Terminal from other districts in the province. The buses running along the northern route in Highway 107 pass through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao, Chaiprakan, Fang and Mae Ai, some even up to Tha Ton. The Chiang Mai – Lamphun route is covered by local buses (Highway 106). Telephone: Chang Phuak Bus Station - (053) 211586

By Train

Daily 6 trains run from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to Chiang Mai, between 8am and 10pm. Telephone: Bangkok - 1690, 223 7010, 223 7020, Chiang Mai - (053) 242 094

By Air

Bangkok Airways operates two flights daily in the Bangkok – Chiang Mai route. There is a daily flight in the Chiang Mai - Sukhothai route. Telephone: Bangkok - 0 2229 3456-63

Thai Airways has many daily flights in the Bangkok – Chiang Mai route. They also operate daily flights from Chiang Mai to Phuket, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son. Telephone: Bangkok - 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, Chiang Mai - 0 5321 1044-7, Web site: www.thaiairways.com.

Air Andaman flies regular flights from Chiang Mai to northern provinces like Chiang Rai, Mae Sot, Nan and Phitsanulok. Telephone: Bangkok - 0 2996 9119, Web site: www.airandaman.com

Moving around Chiang Mai

By Motorbike

If you are comfortable with driving a motorbike, it is the cheapest transport option. Bikes are available for rent at 250 baht a day. The price may come down if taken for half a day.

By Songthaew (minibus)

Songthaews are taxi service, commonly found in the cities of Thailand. It is a pick-up truck, modified to carry passengers. It will ply to any destination of your choice. It is better to reach an agreement on the fare before undertaking the journey. The driver will allow other passengers to travel in the vehicle for short distances. The standard rate is 10 baht per person. It may go higher depending on your destination. The Songthaews plying the same route are colored same for the convenience of the passengers.

By renting a car

Many car rentals operate in Chiang Mai, including some international companies.

North Wheels – Telephone: (053) 216189, 418233-4, (01) 9515375

Avis – Telephone: Chiang Mai - (053) 201574, 210789-9, Bangkok - (02) 2511131-2

Journey Car Rent – Telephone: (053) 216189, 418233-4, (01) 9515375

National Car Rental – Telephone: (053) 245936, 242657, 210118

Budget – Telephone: Chiang Mai (053) 202871, (088) 220310, Bangkok (02) 2030250