Visitors will find a host of convenient transfer options for getting around Chiang Mai.

If you hire a car or motorbike make sure it is insured. A motorbike can be hired for as little as 150 baht per day and a car for around 800 baht a day. If you do not have an international driving license, check that your country's license is valid in Thailand. Remember that in Thailand people (usually) drive on the left side of the road.

Also always negotiate your fare before you get into a tuk tuk or a Chiang Mai red mini-taxi (songtaew), the two most common vehicles plying the city's streets. Songtaew should cost a standard fee of 12 baht per journey anywhere in the city in the day time.

By Car from Bangkok:

Take Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin Road) and turn to Highway No.32 (Asia Highway) passing Ayutthaya, Angthong, Nakhon Sawan, then by Highway No. 11, from Tak, Lampang, Lamphun to Chiang Mai: a distance of 696 kilometres or 9 - 10 hours.

By Rail:

Express and rapid trains leave for Chiang Mai from Hualamphong Station, Bangkok, several times daily and the trip takes about 12 - 15 hours. It is recommended to reserve seats in advance, especially for sleepers.

By Air:

Most domestic standard and low-cost airlines, as well as a few international carriers, operate several daily flights between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A one-way flight takes about one hour.

By Bus:

Several ordinary and air-conditioned buses leave daily from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Jatujak) and it takes about 10 hours. There are also private buses which can be booked at the Bangkok Bus Terminal, the Bus Company or any licensed travel agent.

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