Saturday, 07 December 2024

Transportation

Getting around Chiang Mai

From Airport, Train & Bus Terminal to Town

There is an airport taxi service which can be contacted at the taxi kiosk. From the airport, train station and bus terminal, you can easily get a mini-bus (or song thaew in Thai) to town. If you would like to charter a minibus or car, better check the correct fare at the TAT counter first. Normally, first-class hotels provide free transportation between the airport, railway station or bus terminals and the hotel for their advance booking guests.

In Town

Minibuses The major means of public transport in Chiang Mai town is mini-buses. Plying around town, they are in vivid colours and look like small pick-up with a roof. Tell the destination to the driver and negotiate the price before getting on. Normally the rides cost between 10 and 20 baht.

Three-wheeled Taxis (Tuk Tuks) and Motorcycle Taxis These types of taxis are available around the town. Fares are to be negotiated.

Bicycles Many travellers prefer to use a bicycle to get around and this is very convenient as everywhere in Chiang Mai town as well as the suburbs is accessible by bike. Bicycles can be rented at bicycle shops and certain guesthouses.

Motorbikes, Mountainbikes & Private Cars These can be hired from any car rent company in Chiang Mai town.

Out of Town

From Chang Phuak Bus Station near Chang Phuak Gate, there are regular buses and minibuses going to the following destinations:

 Destinations  Distance(km.)  Duration
 Bo Sang - San Kamphaeng  10 15 min
 Fang (via Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, Chiang Dao)  155 3 hrs.
 Hot - Doi Tao (via Hang Dong, Mae Klang Fall, Chom Thong)  100 2.30 hrs.
 Mae Cho - Phrao  107 2.30 hrs.
 Tha Ton  177 4 hrs.
 Lamphun  21 40 min.
 Doi Saket 14 30 min.


For more information, call Chang Phuak Bus Station, 0 5321 1586.

Getting to/from Other Provinces

By Bus

From Arcade Bus Station on Kaeo Nawarat Road, there are ordinary and air-con buses going to other northern provinces, e.g. Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Phrae and some major provinces in the northeastern, e.g. Khon Kaen, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani.

For detailed information, call Arcade Bus Station, 0 5324 2664.

By Train

Besides Bangkok, tourists can travel between Chiang Mai and some northern and central provinces by train, too.

For details, call Chiang Mai Railway Station, 0 5324 4795, 0 5324 2094, 0 5324 5363 to 4, or Bangkok Railway Station, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020.

By Air

Apart from Bangkok, domestic airlines operate flights between Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, e.g. Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Nan, Phrae, Mae Sot (Tak province) as well as Udon Thani, Samui and Phuket. International fights operating are from Chiang Mai to Kunming and Chiang Mai to Xishuangbanna in China.