Thailand is a popular getaway with Singaporeans, and the two biggest cities are Bangkok and Chiang Mai. From the towering skyscrapers and fancy rooftop bars of Bangkok to the vibrant night markets, lush rainforests, and old city charm of Chiang Mai, why visit one when you can visit both?

This blog post covers the flight, train, car, and bus options for travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, along with the pros and cons of each method. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.

How to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: A quick overview

There are three main ways to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and here’s a quick table to compare each one based on duration, cost, and who it will suit.

Now let’s take a look at each one in more detail.

Travelling by air: The fastest way

Travelling by air is the quickest way of getting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. There are three main budget airlines serving the busy Bangkok - Chiang Mai route: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Lion Air. In addition, Thai VietJet Air and full-service airlines such as Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Malaysian Airlines also fly daily.¹

Tickets are relatively inexpensive and can start from 37 SGD if you book early and fly without check-in baggage. The flight is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and snacks will not be served, so prepare yourself. Note that most flights depart from Don Mueang International Airport, and most flights from Singapore arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Flying is best for those who are on a packed schedule. You can fly to Chiang Mai in the early morning and still enjoy a full day, while those traveling by other methods will have to spend a full day or night traveling. In addition, try to travel without check-in bags, as doing so can significantly add to your flight price.

Travelling by train: The scenic option

Traveling by train is a scenic way to enjoy Thailand’s countryside, but it’ll take 10 to 14 hours. All long-distance trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the north of Bangkok near Chatuchak, ending at the Chiang Mai Train Station on the east side of the Ping River.

If you’re looking to enjoy the scenery, then you might want to travel during the day, but the most popular way of traveling is by sleeper train. If you sleep well on the train, the journey will feel way less than 14 hours, and you’ll save on a night’s accommodation. There are also seat-only tickets for much cheaper, but you’ll have to be prepared to sit for the duration of the journey.

Ticket prices vary according to the time of travel and company, but to give you a rough idea, here’s a breakdown of the ticket price of the Train No. 13 departing Bangkok daily at 2005 hrs, according to Thai Railways.²

First-class tickets sell out fast, so if you want those, get them well in advance. However, most travelers opt for the second-class tickets as it is a great balance of value for money and comfort.

In addition, an exciting new luxury train called the Blue Jasmine will set off on its maiden voyage on 16 November 2025. This journey isn’t simply to get from one place to another, as the journey takes nine days, meandering through other cities like Ayutthaya, Uthai Thani, and Sukhothai, showcasing the best of Thailand’s culture, history, and nature.³

This exclusive journey only takes 37 passengers per trip, and prices start at 195,000 THB (7,714 SGD) for double occupancy in a classic cabin and go up to an impressive 310,000 THB (12,260 SGD) for a premium suite, which even comes with a private butler!

Travelling by bus: The most budget-friendly choice

There are countless bus companies that serve the popular Bangkok to Chiang Mai route, like Bangkok Busline, Budsarakam, Cherdchai Tour North, and Nakhonchai Air. Buses depart frequently, so you don’t have to book online. However, book in advance if you want something special, like a luxury sleeper bus.

Prices range from $15 to $25 SGD, and the journey takes about 9 to 12 hours. To get your ticket, simply show up at the Mochit Bus Terminal and pick one up.

Travelling by taxi or rental car: The most flexible option

Traveling by taxi can give you the luxury of a private car hire, but it can also be pricey, costing between $350 and $400 SGD for a car and driver for the day. The advantage is that you can stop anywhere you want or make detours, but a better option would be to rent a car and drive yourself.

The approximately 700-kilometre-long drive will take 6 to 14 hours, and you’ll have the luxury of stopping wherever you want or doing detours along the way to break up the journey. The roads are in relatively good condition, and renting a car will cost approximately $30 to $50 SGD a day plus insurance.⁴

Keep in mind you’ll need to keep your International Driving Permit with you at all times, and roads in Thailand aren’t as structured as roads in Singapore. Cars can pull out suddenly, and motorbikes weave in and out of traffic, so practice defensive driving and be safe. Also, you might want to download offline Google Maps, as cell service can be spotty in some areas.

Summary: Which is the best way to travel?

The best way to travel depends on many factors, like the time you have, your budget, and your priorities. Those on a tight budget might want to take a bus, as it is the cheapest option. Those on a time crunch might prefer to fly, and those who want a different experience and enjoy spectacular scenery can choose to take the train.

Drivers who are confident driving outside of Singapore can rent a car and explore northern Thailand at their own pace, for the ultimate in flexibility and freedom. To sum it up, it’s all up to you!

Pay for transport, food, and shopping with the Wise card to maximise your SGD to THB conversions

The Wise card lets you spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate including MYR, JPY, CNY, and USD so you know you'll be getting a great deal in over 150+ countries. Simply create a free Wise account, order a card and top-up SGD to get started.

Virtual cards are free and can be added to your Google or Apple Pay wallet, while a physical Wise card can be ordered for a low fee of 8.50 SGD. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as 2 free ATM withdrawals to the value of 350 SGD each month, before low fees start.

While abroad, you can choose to spend with directly in SGD and let auto-conversion do the trick, or convert to your desired currency with your Wise account. Either way, you’ll get the exchange rate you see on Google, with low, transparent fees from 0.26%.

💳 Get your Wise card