How to go to Chiang Mai from Bangkok

   Hello everyone, I'm Matthew. Today, I would like to share with you about Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Please note that I am sharing my personal experience. This is not about Chiang Mai itself but about traveling to Chiang Mai.

   Chiang Mai province is a old capital of the Lanna Kingdom (1296 - 1768). It is located about 700km from Bangkok in mountainous Northern Thailand. The old city areas still retains vestiges of citadels and moats from its history as a culture and religiuos center.

   I visit Chiang Mai often because Chiang Mai's weather is very good, cold, fresh and it is a beautiful city and quiet. I came to Chiang Mai in November mostly because the locals celebrate Loy Krathong festival which is an awesome scene. You can read more "Loy Krathong and Yee Peng Understanding".

   There are 3 way to go to Chiang Mai from Bangkok:

   With bus: You should go to Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2). You have many choices with a lots agency offices in there. The ticket costs from 500 baht for standard to 800 baht for VIP. Travel times are shown on board or you ask them, the answer is always 10 hours. But you should believe me, it will take 12 hours. The bus will pick up and drop off passengers in every province. You will have long day on bus and you know how you can arrange your time. Last stop is Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2. You can take a songteow, tuktuk or taxi, grab taxi from there to town. The songteow costs from 100 baht depending on your negotiation. They won't take less than 100 baht per person. Grab taxi is good choice in this case. I will share my experience about Songteow in Chiang Mai in the next post.

   With train: You can buy ticket in Hua Lamphong Railway Station Bangkok. It cost around 1000 baht and includes 2 meals. I said 2 meals are free because travel time is 12 hours too. Last stop is Chiang Mai Railway Station. Then you can pick songteow, tuktuk, taxi or grab go to center.

   With airplane: This mean is fastest way: 1 hour 30 minutes. If you are lucky, you can find good price with Nokair, Airasia, Lionair, Thaismile, Vietjet under 1000 baht. Note that you can't check-in online with Vietjet so don't be late your flight.

   Althought Chiang Mai center is small, there are many accommodations such as dorms, hostels, hotels, apartments, resorts, villages...You can walk in and find your room easily. But you must book accommodation online before you go to Chiang Mai in Loy Krathong festival. I had to sleep outside one time because all accommodations are full during Loy Krathong festival. However, the hotel and resort's prices are affordable and there are wonderful architectures.

Booking.com

   Chiang Mai  town is small. You can walk or rent a bicycle to discover. Mostly, I walk around center. I only rent motorbike when I visit some popular places that are far away. Motorbike rental costs from 150 baht to 300 baht depending on the type of motorbike and rental shop will keep your passport. Otherwise, you can book a tour in tour office or rent taxi to visit those places:

• Doi Inthanon: It is located 104 kms away in South Western Chiang Mai. The mountain is the highest in Thailand. The fog will stay around you when you reach the peak of mountain. You can read more in Doi Inthanon Fast Guide.
• Doi Suthep: It is the same distance as Doi Inthanon but it is located in North Western Chiang Mai.
• Exploring around the city such as temples, museums, old architecture of citadels, night market...Special is Loy Krathong festival in November every year.

   I hope my experience is helpful for you when you travel to Chiang Mai, Thailand. Any questions or you want to share experiences, please comment below. We will discuss it. Thank you!