How to Get in and around Chiang Rai
Tucked away in the hills of northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is the lesser-known yet equally beautiful cousin of Chaing Mai. There are two popular ways to get to the beautiful region. You can either take a direct flight from Bangkok or drive for 3 hours from Chiang Mai. In this article, we talk about getting to and around Chiang Rai.
How to get to Chiang Rai
Before you get into checking for activities in Chaing Rai, figure out the best way for you to get there. Do you want to take a direct flight from Bangkok or drive from Chiang Mai? If you’re flying, check with your hotel like the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort for private transport from the airport. You could also use a taxi, but a private transfer would be less tiring. Over 20 flights go back and forth daily from Bangkok to Chaing Rai. You can book with an airline like Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways or try budget airlines like Thai Lion Air, Nok Air or Thai AirAsia.
How to get to Chaing Rai by plane?
Ticket prices to Chiang Rai from Bangkok range between 100 to 200 USD. You can carry up to 7 kg of baggage, and 20 kg of hold baggage free of charge. Budget airline tickets cost around 30 to 60 USD. You’ll need to pay extra for food and drinks and checked baggage. If your baggage exceeds the carry-on allowance of 7 kg, you need to pay for extra baggage online 4 hours before departure. If you wait to do this until check-in, you’ll end up paying three times the rate you can get online.
Image via Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
How to drive to Chaing Rai?
Rent a comfortable car along with a driver for your drive from Chaing Mai to Chaing Rai. You’ll travel in comfort for about 3 hours to get to your hotel. Ask the driver to pick you up from Chaing Mai and drive you to the hotel straight. Take a light snack along for the ride, and enjoy the passing landscape.
How to get around Chiang Mai by car?
A private car is the most comfortable way to explore Chiang Mai. The mountainous roads of the region call for an experienced driver. This way, you can access even the most remote areas. Plan for a slow-paced itinerary over the course of your stay. Ask your hotel concierge and the driver/guide for recommendations.
How to get around Chiang Mai by Samlor and tuk-tuk?
Motorized tuk-tuks are what locals mainly use to get around in Chaing Rai. You can find a friendly tuk-tuk driver on your first day, and get him to drive you around for the duration of your stay. Samlors are three-wheeled, yet man-powered vehicles. These are perfect for short-distance travel.
How to get around by bicycle in Chiang Rai?
Rent a bicycle and pedal along the countryside for a couple of hours. Breathe in the fresh air, and scan the alluring landscape. You’ll get to witness local life at its most authentic. Remember to wear sunscreen, and take a bottle of water along.
How to explore Chaing Rai on foot?
Go for walks in the evening to watch life unfold as everyone gets ready to wind down. Go for a stroll in the local market, and drink in the sights and sounds of a lively bazaar. Feast on some authentic street food and buy 1-dollar curios to take back home. Nighttime is ideal for a walk in Chiang Mai, with the cobalt blue sky and star tingles adding to the magic of a tranquil land amongst hills.
