Getting To Chiang Rai

[Rinrada]

On the Move to Chiangers basic info.....plus getting around....

By Car

Travel from Bangkok by Highway 1 (Phaholyothin Road), which passes through Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, Kampangpetch, Tajc, Lampang, Phayao, before reaching Chiang Rai city.Total distance is 830 kilometers.

Another route passes through Chiang Mai.

In Lampang province, take the highway to Lampang and Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai city, go to Doi Saket, Mae Kajarn, Wieng Papao and Mae Saruay, then on to Chiang Rai city.Total distance from Bangkok is 900 kms.

A third route splits off from Highway 1 at Nakhon Sawan, going to Pichit province via Pc Talay and Po Pratap Chang districts. From Pichit, travel on Highway 1084 to Phitsanulok and Uttaradit.

Turn right on Highway 1105 to Denchai district, Phrae province. Turn right again onto Highway 101-46 kms. from Rong Kwang in Phrae. Turn left onto Highway 103, and travel 70 kms. until the intersection with Highway 1 at Ngao district.

Turn right to travel to Phayao and Chiang Rai.

Total distance from Bangkok is 780 kms.

By Bus

Air-conditioned and non-airconditioned under the Transport Co.,Ltd. (Bor.Kor.Sor.) and other private companies depart regularly from the Northern Bus Terminal on Kampangpetch 2 Road in Bangkok The ttip takes about 10 hours. Reservations are recommended for air-conditioned busses.

For more information, call the Northern Bus Terminal at 537-8055-6.

By Rail

There are no direct rail links to Chiang Rai. Passengers must go either to Chiang Mai or Lampang. From there, travel either by bus or car to Chiang Rai. For more information about train service to Chiang Mai and Lampang, call the Passenger Service Division at the Bangkok Railway Station at 223-7010 or 223-7020

By Air

Thai International flies directly 3 times each day (4 on Sunday) from Bangkok to Chiang Rai and twice daily from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

For more information call 1566.

For reservation phone 280-0060 or 628-2000 in Bangkok, or (053) 210043-5, 211044-7 in Chiang Mai, or (053) 715734-5 in Chiang Rai.

Getting Around....

Chiang Rai' city is quite a small town, it is possible to walk to destinations around the city. Anyway, several forms of transportations are available.

Songtaew

Songtaew is a pickup that has been converted into mini-bus with two long seats on each side. Generally songtaews ply the city's main routes and look for passengers along the way. They can also be privately hired to take you wherever you want to go Prices are around 700 - 1,000 baht for eight or nine hours. Bargaining is required.

Samlor

Samlor or pedal trishaw is one of the favourite local forms of transport in Chiang Rai. Although a much slower than other types of transportations, samlor is great for short distances and a relaxing way to see the sites. Fares start at 10 baht and increase according to distance.

Tuk Tuk

There is a set price from one point to another within the city and should not more than a few Baht. Outside the city, the price is negotiable but generally more expensive than Songthaews.

Vehicles for rent

Those who wish to be independent, and explore Chiang Rai at leisure, can rent motorcycles or cars. Rental shops can be easily found within the city. 90cc Honda Dream or Suzuki Crystal bike costs around 150 Baht/day while 250cc trail bike costs 450 Baht/day. Visitors are advised to shop around, and consult local tourism publications, for different companies offer different prices and conditions. An international driver license is required.

Bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a simply way to getting around the town. Beyond Chiang Rai City, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai are also great for cycling.

Boat

Mae Kok River

One of the more popular ways to travel to or from Chiang Mai is by boat along the Mae Kok River. Public boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day between Chiang Rai and Ban Tha Ton in Chiang Mai. Boats leave Chiang Rai at 10.30 am, the return trip leaves Tha Ton about 12.30 pm. Prices are 200 baht per person.

Long-tail boats can also be hired privately to some nearby destinations such as the Buddha Cave, Ban Ruam Mit elephant camp and the nearby hotsprings.

Mekong River

Boats can be hired from Chiang Saen to travel upstream to the Golden Triangle, and downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle takes some 30 minutes, the trip to Chiang Khong about 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on river currents and water levels. Prices are depend on group size.

A longer distance cruise to Luang Prabang in Laos, Sip Song Pan Na or Khunming in the south China is also possible at Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong.

[thai3]

Don't forget airasia, I just booked from bkk for 2 at 3.633, less than half the TG price-peter

[Limbo]

Don't forget airasia, I just booked from bkk for 2 at 3.633, less than half the TG price-peter

When we are talking about it:

One-Two-Go isn't bad either.

Everyday at about 14.30 from BKK to C'rai. About 1500 Baht.

Flight back to BKK every evening (they don't keep their planes in Chiangrai) about 17.30.