Exploring Chiang Rai: Your Guide to Getting Around
Chiang Rai is a tranquil city in northern Thailand that is more relaxed compared to other tourist cities. Chiang Rai is a smaller city and the best way to get around is simply walking. Tuk-tuks and Songthaews are also a popular mode of transport. Songthaews operate along fixed routes and are a budget friendly option for visiting popular spots like the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) or the Night Bazaar which is in the very center of the city behind the bus station.
Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a easy way to explore Chiang Rai at your own pace. Motorbike rentals are inexpensive and allow you to venture to farther attractions like the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) or the Black House (Baan Dam Museum).
Traffic drives on the left side of the road. If you’re not comfortable driving, taxis and private car services can be hired for exploring attractions to the north like the Golden Triangle and Doi Tung Royal Villa.
See below for Chiang Rai bus and airport terminals.
When arriving into Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai by bus, it first stops for a short while at Terminal 2 outside of the main city area before continuing to Terminal 1 to the central area of the city. So for the direct city link, remain on the bus.
Other bus services from other towns in the area drop people off at terminal 2 to transfer elsewhere.
Mae Fah Luang International Airport (CEI)
(Chiang Rai International Airport)
Address: 404 Moo 10, Tambon Kok - Bandu, Amphur Muang 57100Directions: North of Chiang Rai city on Phaholyotin Rd 8 km from the centre of Chiang Rai or up Rural Road from Chiang Rai cityDomestic flights and limited international carriers.
Chiang Rai Airport Map
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 - City central bus station
Address: Directions: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the road T-junction of Phaholyothin Road and Prasopsook Road and then down Prasopsook Road going east about 100 meters/yards. It is on the main road and in front of the popular Night Bazaar.
Services bus routes to Phayao and Chiang Rai.
The Green Bus line stops here coming from Terminal 2 south of Chiang Rai city.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 Map
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 - Transfer bus station
Address: Directions: Take a taxi going south down Phaholyothin Road from the city into highway 1. (But you simply need to take a bus from the main city Terminal 1 which goes to terminal 2 and then onwards to Bangkok or Chiang Mai)
Services bus routes throughout Thailand.
The Green Bus line stops here but also continues on into Chiang Rai city to Terminal 1. Don't get off here if you want the city center.
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 Map
