Thailand Guide

Getting around Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is known for a small grid and a southbound temple hop, so stay in town. CEI is 80 to 95 minutes from Bangkok, and the Green Bus from Chiang Mai takes about 3.5 hours.

Back to Chiang Rai
CEIGreen BusGrab to temples
Getting around Chiang Rai
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0)
AirportCEI, 80 to 95 minutes from BKK
Green BusAbout 3.5 hours from Chiang Mai Arcade
White Temple13 to 15 km south; 200 THB foreigners
TownGrab or a short walk near the bazaar
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Fly into CEI (Mae Fah Luang) in 80 to 95 minutes from Bangkok, or ride the Green Bus about 3.5 hours from Chiang Mai Arcade. Sleep in Chiang Rai town. A car from CEI to the White Temple is about 25 to 30 minutes. Local buses run from Bus Terminal 1 toward Highway 1; check the last useful bus if you are not using Grab back.

Foreign tickets at Wat Rong Khun are 200 THB since 1 January 2026, hours about 08:00 to 17:30, last entry 17:00. Blue Temple is free in town, and Baan Dam is 80 THB north. See the White Temple day, and do not rent a scooter at 01:00 for the Golden Triangle.

Which mode for which hop

  • CEI: 80 to 95 minutes from BKK. Town Grab, not a temple hotel.
  • Green Bus: About 3.5 hours from Chiang Mai Arcade Terminal.
  • Grab: White Temple, Baan Dam, night bazaar with bags.
  • Walk: Town grid only. The White Temple is not a stroll.

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Common questions

Green Bus or flight from Chiang Mai?
Green Bus about 3.5 hours if you already sit at Arcade. Fly CEI from Bangkok, not as a CNX hop unless the fare is silly.
Bus to the White Temple?
Yes from Bus Terminal 1 toward Highway 1. Grab if you want the 08:00 gate without a timetable argument.