PREMIUM
Green Bus VIP
VIP 24-seat + Gold Class 32-seat
Every 1-2h · 06:00-18:00
Price
฿300-450 (~$8-13)
AC WiFi Reclining Snacks
SE Asia bus route
🇹🇭 Chiang Mai Chiang Rai 🇹🇭
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) route — 3-4h north via Highway 118. Green Bus is the reliable operator — VIP AC coaches with WiFi + reclining. Departures from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 3) every 1-2h from 06:00 to 18:00. Chiang Rai arrivals at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 (old central terminal) or Terminal 2 (2km from centre). The White Temple is 15km south of Chiang Rai — take a songthaew or private tour from central.
Distance
200 km
Duration
3-4h
Operators
3
Region
SE Asia
Operators comparison
RELIABLE
Green Bus Standard
AC 40-seat
Every 60 min
Price
฿250-320
AC Reclining
BUDGET
Local minibus
AC minibus 12-seat
Every 90 min
Price
฿180-250
AC Faster + more stops
Book Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai
Live schedules + prices. Cancel free 24h before departure.
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Frequently asked
Is Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai worth a day trip?
Yes if you want the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) + Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten). Day trip: 08:00 bus from Chiang Mai, arrive 11:30, tuk-tuk to temples (฿500-800 for the day), lunch, 16:00 bus back. Or stay overnight in Chiang Rai for Golden Triangle + hilltribe visits.
Green Bus VIP vs Standard?
VIP has 24-seat 3-across configuration (extra legroom), WiFi, and snacks. Standard is 40-seat 4-across. For 3-4h ride: VIP is worth the ฿100-150 premium.
How to get from Chiang Rai bus to White Temple?
Bus arrives at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 (city centre). White Temple is 15km south. Options: (1) Blue bus 15-16 (฿20, 30 min); (2) Songthaew charter ฿500-800 return; (3) Grab ฿300-450 each way. Blue Temple is on the way back — visit both same day.
Chiang Rai bus or fly?
No direct commercial flights Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai. Bus is the only fast option. Alternative: Chiang Mai → Bangkok → Chiang Rai flight combos (all day + not worth it for the distance).