Chiang Mai Travel Guide: How to Get There & Make the Most of Your Trip

Hello everyone! Around this time of year, many travelers from Vietnam are gearing up to head to Thailand for the magical Loy Krathong Festival—famous for its thousands of floating lanterns lighting up the sky at once. Last year, I wrote a series of posts on how to travel to Chiang Mai, and they sparked quite a bit of interest. So here’s a dedicated guide to help you plan your trip to Chiang Mai as smoothly as possible.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Chiang Mai?

If you can only travel once a year, then November is the best month. It coincides with the Loy Krathong Festival, and the weather in Chiang Mai at that time is cool and breezy—similar to the northern regions of Vietnam.

When to Book Cheap Flights to Chiang Mai?

If you can plan ahead, try booking your flights early in the year when AirAsia often runs promotions with 0-THB tickets to Bangkok. A round-trip flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok typically costs around 1.5 million VND (≈ $60 USD) if you book during these deals.

How to Get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

There are several ways to get to Chiang Mai from Bangkok. I personally took a VIP bus that cost 565 THB (≈ $15.30 USD) one way. That’s quite affordable for the comfort and service you get—especially when compared to long-distance buses in Vietnam.

I traveled during festival season, so prices might have been slightly higher. A Chinese traveler I met said they only paid 380 THB (≈ $10.30 USD) for a similar type of bus, though it might not have been the VIP option.

Thai buses are quite different from what you might be used to: they have clean onboard toilets, comfy reclining seats, and they serve snacks at night and coffee or milk in the morning—perfect if you’re still waking up groggy.

My itinerary was: a 2-hour flight from Vietnam to Bangkok, then a 10-hour bus ride from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.

You can also consider taking a domestic flight or the train, but in my opinion, buses are the most practical. If you take the night bus around 8 PM, you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai by 6 AM the next morning—saving on one night of accommodation!

How to Catch a Bus to Chiang Mai from Bangkok Airports?

If you’re arriving at Don Mueang Airport, take the A1 bus (right outside the terminal) straight to Mochit Bus Terminal, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 30 THB (≈ $0.80 USD). From there, you can purchase a bus ticket to Chiang Mai. The last bus to Chiang Mai from Mochit departs at 9:40 PM, so plan accordingly.

Arriving in Chiang Mai: What Next?

At the Chiang Mai Bus Terminal, tuk-tuk drivers tend to take pride in their pricing. They’ll negotiate firmly and may walk away if you hesitate. Even if you later agree to their original offer, they might not take you anymore.

Here’s a tip: look for other solo travelers or pairs, and form a small group. You can then share a tuk-tuk ride for around 40–50 THB/person (≈ $1.10–$1.35 USD) if you have 4–5 people. They’ll usually take you straight to the hotel you booked online.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai?

Whether you choose a hotel, guesthouse, or homestay depends on your budget and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Wherever you stay, I recommend booking in advance through Agoda—you’ll get much better rates than booking on arrival.

How to Rent a Motorbike in Chiang Mai?

I’ve had many people ask me whether it’s safe to rent a scooter in Chiang Mai, if helmets are provided, and whether to leave a deposit or your passport.

In short, scooter rental services in Thailand are generally reliable. It’s common practice to leave your passport as a deposit instead of cash. You’ll also sign a basic contract before renting. If anything happens, local authorities will handle it accordingly.

Just make sure to bring your Vietnamese driver’s license. Some rental shops won’t rent to you if you can’t show a license. Helmets are usually included, and remember—always wear one, and drive on the left side of the road in Thailand.

What to Do in Chiang Mai?

You can check out more of my posts here for detailed guides on the top attractions in Chiang Mai.

Wishing you a fun and memorable trip to Chiang Mai—especially if you’re visiting during the beautiful Loy Krathong Festival! If you have any questions or need help planning your itinerary, feel free to drop a comment—I’ll reply as best as I can.