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Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
3 Days, 2 Nights Across the North

Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai sit only about 190 kilometres apart, a 3–4 hour drive along Route 118, which makes it easy to fold both provinces into one trip. We've mapped out 3 days and 2 nights starting in Chiang Rai and working your way down to Chiang Mai, with roadside stops that are actually open and rough timings so you can plan ahead.

🛣️ Route 118☕ Coffee at Mae Khachan🗓️ 3 days, 2 nights
Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai 3 Days, 2 Nights Across the North

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

A lot of people agonise over whether to visit Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai. The honest answer is you don't have to pick. The two provinces are linked by Route 118, an easy drive with mountain views the whole way and plenty of cafes to break the trip up. This plan starts in Chiang Rai (most people fly into either city, so you can swap the days around) and finishes in Chiang Mai, which has more flights home.

Route and transport at a glance

  • Distance — Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai is about 190 km on Route 118, passing Wiang Pa Pao, Mae Khachan and Doi Saket
  • Driving time — usually 3–4 hours; the road gets twisty through the Wiang Pa Pao mountains, so drive carefully and leave time for stops
  • Bus — Greenbus runs frequently from Arcade bus station in Chiang Mai, taking around three and a half hours, with departures from morning to evening
  • Car rental — the most flexible option for this trip, since the roadside stops and tea plantations are hard to reach by public transport

Pick the right direction

Flying into Chiang Rai and out of Chiang Mai (or the other way round) saves more time than a round trip from one airport. Check multi-city fares before you book.

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Book the activities in your Chiang Rai trip ahead

Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.

🎟️ Top tours in Chiang RaiHighlights, guided Klook 🎟️ Chiang Rai attractions & ticketsSkip-the-line entry tickets Klook 🚐 Day trips from Chiang RaiOut and back in a day Klook 🌎 Chiang Rai activities (GetYourGuide)Global tour marketplace GetYourGuide
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The 3-day, 2-night plan, day by day

Day 1

Chiang Rai: the in-town and out-of-town highlights

08:30
Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple)Go early before the crowds. Ajarn Chalermchai's white stucco work opens around 08:00; the main building's inner zone costs 100 THB.
10:30
Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple)On the far side of the Kok River, about 15 minutes' drive on. The blue-and-gold hall photographs beautifully.
12:00
Khao soi or northern lunch in townThe municipal area and the streets around the Clock Tower are full of northern Thai spots; khao soi starts at around 50–70 THB.
14:00
Choui Fong Tea Plantation, Mae ChanRolling green tea hills with a cafe and green-tea cake up on the plantation. About 45 minutes' drive from town; free entry.
18:00
Chiang Rai Walking Street / Night BazaarThere's a walking street on weekends; the Night Bazaar is open daily, with a food court and souvenirs.
Day 2

Drive Route 118 to Chiang Mai, coffee stop at Mae Khachan

09:00
Leave Chiang Rai onto Route 118Fill the tank first; stations are spread out around Wiang Pa Pao.
10:30
Mae Khachan Hot Springs, Wiang Pa PaoThe most popular rest stop along the way, with hot springs you can boil eggs in. Foot-soak cafes like Nine One Coffee and Sabuy D Coffee serve drinks for around 60–70 THB.
11:30
Coffee View or a roadside cafe around Mae KhachanSeveral spots have mountain views and foot-soak seating, and you can order a late breakfast such as pad krapow with a fried egg.
13:30
Arrive in Chiang Mai, check inYou'll come in through Doi Saket into the city. Staying in the Old City or Nimman makes it easy to get around on foot.
16:00
Walk the Old City: Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra SinghThese major temples sit within the city walls and are walkable between each other; entry to Wat Chedi Luang is around 40 THB.
18:30
Dinner in Nimman or on the walking streetOn a Saturday you'll catch the Wua Lai walking street; on Sunday it's the Ratchadamnoen walking street, perfect for grazing as you go.
Day 3

One more morning in Chiang Mai before you leave

07:30
Khao soi for breakfastMany of the famous khao soi shops open early and sell out by midday, so go early to be safe.
09:00
Doi Suthep: Wat Phra That Doi SuthepAbout a 30–40 minute drive up the mountain from town. Temple entry for foreigners is 30 THB, and the city views are lovely on a clear morning.
12:00
A mountain coffee cafe or lunch in townBefore returning the car or heading to the airport, leave time for souvenirs like sai ua and crispy pork (khaep mu) at Warorot Market.
14:30
Head to Chiang Mai airport or the bus stationThe airport is very close to town, around 15–20 minutes from the Old City; allow extra time for afternoon traffic.

Roadside stops worth pulling over for

Rest stop / coffee

Mae Khachan Hot Springs

In Wiang Pa Pao, the most popular rest stop along the way, with hot springs, restaurants and several foot-soak cafes.

Mountain views

Wiang Pa Pao

The twisty mountain stretch, prettiest at the end of the rainy season into the cool months, with roadside cafes and viewpoints to stop and shoot.

Nature

Khun Korn Waterfall

In Mueang Chiang Rai, a waterfall around 70 metres high, about a 30-minute walk from the car park. Good to fit in before you set off.

Timing and seasons

November to February is cool and the route is at its prettiest. March and April often bring haze to the north, so the mountain views can be murky. Manage your expectations if you're travelling then.

Rough budget per person

  • Car rental — a sedan or eco-car runs around 900–1,400 THB/day before fuel; splitting it between a few people makes it worthwhile
  • Greenbus — Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is in the low hundreds of THB each way, depending on the class of bus
  • Accommodation — guesthouses start in the low hundreds; mid-range hotels run around 800–1,800 THB/night
  • Entry fees — Wat Rong Khun inner zone 100 THB, Doi Suthep 30 THB for foreigners, Choui Fong Tea free

Find a base for your trip in Chiang Rai

See the Top 10 Chiang Rai hotels →

FAQ

How many hours is the drive from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

On Route 118 it's about 190 kilometres, normally 3–4 hours depending on traffic and stops. The Wiang Pa Pao section is a twisty mountain road, so drive carefully and leave yourself extra time.

How do you get between the two provinces without your own car?

You can take Greenbus, which runs frequently from Arcade bus station in Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and takes around three and a half hours. You can book tickets online in advance, though the roadside stops and tea plantations are harder to reach than with your own car.

Should you start in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai first?

It depends on your flights. This plan starts in Chiang Rai and ends in Chiang Mai because Chiang Mai has more flights home. If you fly into Chiang Mai first, just reverse the order of the days; the route is the same.

Where's a good coffee stop along the way?

The most popular spot is Mae Khachan Hot Springs in Wiang Pa Pao, with several foot-soak cafes such as Nine One Coffee and Sabuy D Coffee, drinks around 60–70 THB. There are also hot springs for boiling eggs and a few restaurants.

When's the best time to do this trip?

November to February is cool with clear mountain views, ideal for this mountain route. March and April often bring haze to the north and the views can be murky, so avoid those months if you're coming for the scenery.

Related

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