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How to
Get There
By Road
From Chiang Mai around
182 km. a scenic 4-6 hours (depending on local weather conditions)
From Bangkok.
Drive to Chiang Mai first. Most car hire companies will give instructions and
maps for any journey from Bangkok to the provinces! By
Air
Thai Airways has a number of flights direct from Bangkok to
Chiang Rai (flying time: 85 min.) and daily flights from Chiang Mai (flying time:
40 min.). Tel Bangkok on 02535-2084. Flight schedules vary with the season so
check with Thai Airways for details.
Chiang Rai International Airport is
about 10km (6.2 miles) north of town. There's a currency exchange open daily 9am
to 5pm. It's easy to catch a taxi to your destination but many hotels will provide
transfer services. Taxis cost around 50 Baht to town.
By
Bus
Overnight or day buses from the northern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
The journey takes about 12 hours. The best buses are the VIP buses which are simply
better quality and more comfortable. By Train
No direct rail link. Catch a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then
a bus or flight from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. When
to Go
Chiang
Rai has a similar climate to the rest of northern Thailand, but the rainy season
lasts longer: -
Cool Season :
November
to March the days are beautifully warm, and the evenings cool enough to warrant
a sweater or light jacket. At higher altitudes, heavier clothing is needed. Average
temperature 21º C and much cooler at night. The coolest months are December and
January. -
Hot Season :
From April and May can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the afternoons,
but the nights are cool, and early mornings perfect for sightseeing. (Early March
to end of May) Average temperature 29.9º C. The hottest month is April. -
Rainy Season :
The rainy season,
roughly from June to November gives a pleasant mix of tropical downpours and bright
sunshine, transforming the countryside into lush quilts of green, and a profusion
of tropical flowers. Average temperature 25.º C. The wettest month is October/November.
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