Thailand destinations
Getting to Chiang Rai: Flights & Road
How to get to Chiang Rai — fly via Bangkok, or travel overland from Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai is in the far north.
By air
Chiang Rai airport (CEI) has frequent flights from Bangkok and elsewhere. From Pattaya, route via Bangkok.
From Chiang Mai
Buses take around 3 hours along a scenic route; private transfers and tours are quicker and can include sights en route.
Getting around
The city is compact; songthaews, Grab and tours reach the spread-out temples and the Golden Triangle.
See also: the full Chiang Rai travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Chiang Rai? +
Fly via Bangkok to Chiang Rai airport, or travel overland from Chiang Mai in about 3 hours.
How do you get around Chiang Rai's sights? +
The temples and Golden Triangle are spread out, so a tour, Grab or rented scooter helps.
Part of our Chiang Rai guide.
