City, Thailand
Getting around Chiang Rai
How to get around Chiang Rai
The old town is walkable; for the White Temple and tea hills, hire a songthaew or tour, or rent a scooter. Buses link Chiang Mai in 3–4 hours.
Ways to get around Chiang Rai
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Songthaew | About 20–50 THB in town | Local trucks on set routes by day |
| Tuk-tuk / motorbike taxi | About 50–150 THB | Agree fare first |
| Bus to Chiang Mai | About 180–400 THB | Green Bus, 3–4 h |
Taxis in Chiang Rai
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No dependable ride apps; use songthaews, tuk-tuks and hotel drivers. Agree fares first and expect higher fares at night.
Arriving in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai International (CEI)
Taxi to the old town about 200–300 THB, 20–30 min; airport shuttle vans and Grab are not reliable.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented for 200–300 THB a day; mountain roads are curvy and police check licences.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Chiang Rai?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No dependable ride apps; use songthaews, tuk-tuks and hotel drivers. Agree fares first and expect higher fares at night.
What's the best way to get around Chiang Rai?
The old town is walkable; for the White Temple and tea hills, hire a songthaew or tour, or rent a scooter. Buses link Chiang Mai in 3–4 hours.
How do I get from the airport to Chiang Rai?
Taxi to the old town about 200–300 THB, 20–30 min; airport shuttle vans and Grab are not reliable.
Is Chiang Rai walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Chiang Rai
Going to Chiang Rai solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.