Private car transfer from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai

The distance from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is only around 119 miles (187 km), but you'll spend the 3.5-hour drive surrounded by the mountains and forests of Northern Thailand, riding in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.

On the way, Daytrip lets you enrich your Thai experience with exciting stops. Don't miss the striking White Temple, where you'll see the purity, wisdom, and teachings of Buddha represented in stark white spikes. Then, get a dose of history at Wat Phra That Hariphunchai. The Mon-style pyramids are part of the largest and oldest temple in Lamphun.

Wat Phra Singh, with its wood carvings and Lanna-style roofs, and Wat Chedi, with its massive chedi, are only two of more than 300 Buddhist temples in Chiang Mai. Beyond its religious importance, Chiang Mai is also the gateway to the region’s hills and national parks, such as Doi Inthanon National Park, known as “The Roof of Thailand”, where you'll find the country’s highest peak. Or Doi Suthep, a mountain crowned by the 13th-century Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, where you’ll get to enjoy historic architecture and stunning views of the lush jungle.

Chiang Mai becomes even more magical during the Loy Krathong festival, locally known as Yipeng. During this festival, thousands of lanterns decorated with big orange stars are released into the sky. You might be familiar with this scene from the Disney movie “Tangled”, the reality is even more mesmerizing than on the screen.

The local Thai cuisine is another highlight, and the city offers dishes different from what you'd find in other parts of Thailand. For example, Chiang Mai is known for its khao soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup, and sai oua, a spicy local sausage.

Enjoy the sights

The drive between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai brings you through lush, forested mountains. Have your Daytrip driver put on some local music and enjoy the scenery! Or even better, add sightseeing stops along the way, like Wat Phra That Hariphunchai, a rare Mon-style temple where you'll find the world's largest gong!

Dress comfortably

Northern Thailand's mountainous terrain has its own microclimates, so it's wise to dress in layers. Mornings can be cool, especially outside of the hot season, and afternoons can get quite warm. Comfortable, breathable clothing will help you adjust to the changing temperatures easily when you stop to explore.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by bus

Direct buses run hourly between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. The bus ride also takes almost four hours and tickets cost $7-11 on average. Buses set off from the main bus station in Chiang Rai and arrive again at the main station in Chiang Mai. The main bus service is Greenbus Thailand, which has coaches with air conditioning and toilets. Check their website for the timetable. Keep in mind that the buses follow a different route than a typical car ride and that they often fill up and sell out.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by private car service

Daytrip's private car service is the most comfortable and flexible way to get from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Unlike with the bus, you set your own schedule. Your English-speaking driver will pick you up at your accommodation in Chaing Rai, load up your luggage, and set off to Chaing Mai.

During the 3.5-hour drive, you can chat with your driver about local culture, and get some insider travel tips, between enriching sightseeing stops. When you get to Chiang Mai, your driver will drop you off at your final destination, be it your accommodation or the airport, and offload your luggage for the perfect end to your trip.

Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai by rental car

You can rent a car and drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. If you didn't rent the car in Chiang Mai in the first place and aren't returning to Chiang Rai, make sure you get a rental that allows for returns in a different city. The drive is relatively easy to navigate since it mostly follows Highway 118. The main benefit of a rental car is the ability to travel on your own schedule and stop for sightseeing---both benefits you can get with Daytrip.

When you drive yourself, you have to navigate the busy streets of Chiang Mai, which can be very stressful if you're not used to Thai traffic. And then there's the issue of parking if you're not returning your rental right away.

Explore the Old City

The historic heart of Chiang Mai is remarkably well-preserved for being in the center of Thailand's second-largest city. The original walled and moated boundaries from the 13th century still stand, and they guard over 30 Buddhist temples. Some of these temples are as old as the city itself, like Wat Chiang Man, where King Mengrai lived while Chiang Mai was being constructed.

Be enchanted by Doi Suthep Temple

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is located around 9 miles (15 km) outside of the city, but well worth a trip. Scale the 306-step staircase, or take the cable car to the top of Doi Suthep to reach the temple precincts. Once you’re up, you’ll be welcomed by the delicately carved golden pagodas, numerous Buddha statues, and murals depicting Buddhist lore that fill this temple complex dating back to the 13th century. Arrange an evening tour for an even more magical experience.

Shop at the Sunday Walking Street Market

Every Sunday, the Sunday Walking Street Market transforms the center of Chiang Mai into a pedestrian market stretching from the Tha Phae Gate to the Ratchadamnoen Road. It’s a fantastic place to shop for local crafts, artwork, clothing, and jewelry made by the local hill tribes and other Northern Thai artists. Or just stroll around sampling the delicious street food.

Visit the Elephant Nature Park

Elephants are a cornerstone of Thai culture, but not everywhere treats these majestic creatures ethically. Head to the Elephant Nature Park for your chance to spend time with rescued elephants in a responsible setting. This sanctuary and rescue center allows you to learn about the elephants' stories and the conservation efforts being made to protect them. You’ll have a wonderful time helping to feed and bathe the elephants under the guidance of the park’s staff. There are also other rescued animals, and spending time with them is a truly heartwarming experience. Tours should be booked in advance.