• Thailand Guide

  • Introduction to Thailand
  • Weather
  • Things Not to Miss
  • Getting around
  • Money
  • Public holidays
  • Entry requirements

• Explore Thailand

  • The central plains
  • The north
  • The east coast
  • The northeast: Isaan
  • Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
  • Southern Thailand: the Andaman coast
  • The deep south

• Cities

  • Bangkok
    
  • Chiang Mai
    
  • Chiang Rai
    
  • Chumphon
    
  • Hat Yai
    
  • Kamphaeng Phet
    
  • Nakhon Si Thammarat
    
  • Pattaya
    
  • Phitsanulok
    
  • Surat Thani
    

Thailand Guide

The north

Arrival

The obvious way to reach Chiang Mai is on one of the comfortable, inexpensive, overnight train services from Bangkok. The train station is on Thanon Charoen Muang, about 2km from the central accommodation area around Tha Pae Gate.

You can also fly to Chiang Mai from various cities and resorts around Thailand, including: Bangkok (25 daily; 1hr), Chiang Rai (8 weekly; 40min), Koh Samui (daily; 2hr), Mae Hong Son (2–4 daily; 35min), Pai (1–3 daily; 30min) and Phuket (daily; 2hr). Some international carriers alos run flights from Southeast Asian cities to Chiang Mai. The airport is 3km out of the centre and served by buses and taxis.

Buses use either of two terminals: the Arcade bus station on Thanon Kaeo Nawarat, 3km out to the northeast; or the more central Chang Phuak bus station on Thanon Chotana.