Two famous city destinations in Thailand are Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai. On the surface, there are plenty of similarities between these two places – both are capitals, both have rivers meandering through their hearts, and both are places that really should be on your bucket list!
Despite being the largest city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is dwarfed by the ever-bustling streets of Bangkok and hence offers a more relaxed atmosphere than the country’s capital city Bangkok.
With numerous daily flights linking these cities, transitioning from Chiang Mai’s serene landscapes to Bangkok’s dynamic streets is both quick and convenient, appealing to travelers who wish to experience the diverse facets of Thailand seamlessly.
Options for Travel From Chiang Mai to Bangkok
By road, the distance from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is approximately 690 kilometers (431 miles), a lengthy journey for any traveler. Despite this, traveling by bus is a popular choice due to its affordability, but it’s not the only option available.
Trains are also feasible; they’re not going to get you there any faster, but prices are comparable to buses, and you could argue that a train would be more comfortable.
For a quicker journey, flying is the efficient choice. Contrary to what one might expect, air travel can be surprisingly affordable and is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach Bangkok. To help you decide, we’ll outline the pros and cons of each travel method in our guide from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, demonstrating why flying might be the most advantageous option.
Flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Between Chiang Mai and Bangkok the actual flying time will be around 60 to 70 minutes.
While this is by far the quickest way to travel between cities, there are however two main drawbacks to Bangkok flights. The first is that you’ll be missing all the spectacular scenery that you would be passing through if you were on the road or on a train. To some travelers, this may not matter, or it’s a sacrifice you’re willing to make in order to get to Bangkok quickly.
Of course, if you’re pushed for time and want to see as much as possible during your time in Thailand, taking a direct flight could be the only answer for you.
Direct Flight From Chiang Mai International Airport to Bangkok
The second drawback is the cost; at least, you would expect it to be! Usually flying is so much more expensive than buses or trains that a flight is immediately ruled out by anyone traveling on a budget. For flights from Chiang Mai to Bangkok though, this simply isn’t the case. You can get a seat on one of the low-cost airlines for about the same price as a seat on a VIP bus!
Cheap Flights From Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Use a reputable travel website such as 12Go and you can easily compare all of the airlines at once, as well as seeing search results from both of Bangkok’s airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. Flying time is about the same to both airports, with quoted times for Suvarnabhumi being ten or so minutes longer in general, but there’s really not a great difference. And you can get cheap flights from Chiang Mai to both of these airports too.
When deciding which airport you want to fly to, the best way to decide is to first figure out where in Bangkok you are heading to and then see which airport is better positioned for your destination. Looking at a map, they don’t appear too far apart but it can make a big difference to your onward journey. Don Mueang Airport is more to the north east of central Bangkok, while Suvarnabhumi Airport is to the south east of central Bangkok.
Flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport
Flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can choose from airlines: Thai Smiles, Bangkok Air, Thai Vietjet, and Thai Airways. Thai Vietjet tends to offer the cheapest flights, but be aware that their standard ticket prices do not include a luggage allowance, whereas the other mentioned airlines do.
Navigating from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City
Traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the heart of Bangkok is a common concern for many tourists. The journey can be quite straightforward if you know your options. One of the most efficient ways is by using the Airport Rail Link (ARL). This service operates from 6 am to midnight, offering a swift commute of just 30 minutes to the city center. It’s not only fast but also economical, with fares that compete favorably with other modes of transport. The ARL stations connect with other transit systems within Bangkok, making it convenient for travelers to transfer to their final destinations.
However, for those who prefer a more direct route to their accommodation, taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the airport terminal. Public taxis offer a door-to-door service, which is particularly convenient if you’re traveling with luggage or in a group. Alternatively, for a more personalized service, travelers can pre-book private taxis online. These can be a cost-effective option for groups, as you can split the fare. While slightly more expensive than public taxis, private taxis provide a sense of security, especially for those new to the city, ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey to your destination in Bangkok.
For more information read our full guide: Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok
Flying from Chiang Mai to Don Mueang Airport
To Don Mueang Airport your options are Thai Airasia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air, and neither of these airlines include baggage allowances so you’ll have to pay extra if checking bags into the hold. Be sure to check the different prices depending on the time of day as often early morning flights will be the cheapest, or those that leave later in the evening.
How far is Chiang Mai from Bangkok?
It’s about 700kms (435mi) from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, in Northern Thailand. By road or rail it’s a long journey, with buses taking around 10 to 12 hours, while trains can take as much as 14 hours, both with overnight options.
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