Bus
Bangkok-Chiang Rai The 9-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on airconditioned coaches originating from Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal. Call 936 3659 (Bor Kho Sor's 24-seat VIP coach), 9362963 (Siam First Tour), 9362492 (Indra Tour), 936 2495 (Sombat Tour) or 936 3531 (Kharuhat Tour).
Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Chiang Rai is 182 kilometres north of Chiang Mai. Airconditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen. Call Thai Phatthanakit Transport at tel: (053) 246503 (Chiang Mai) or (053) 711154 (Chiang Rai)

AIR
Bangkok-Chiang Rai Thai Airways operates 5 flights daily from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Call 1566 or 66 2628 2000
Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai From October 20,2003, Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flights time are available at 07.30 and 18.00 hrs.
Thai Airways has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.
Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai From October 20,2003, Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flights time are available at 09.00 and 19.30 hrs.

Getting Around Town:

Tuk-tuk These three wheeled carts, properly called a samlor, are generally the quickest way to get somewhere. Chiang Rai is small enough that the tuk-tuk is appropriate for getting around town. Note that despite their noise samlors don't have a lot of power so you won't find them climing the hills outside of town. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your trip.

Pedalo These three wheeled bicyles are more common than tuk-tuks once you get away from the city center. They can cost as much as a tuk-tuk so it's really a matter of what comes along first.

Motorcycle You can rent morotcylces from several places around town, and they make a great way to get around town, if you're able to ride. Note that helmets are required.

Car There are a number of car rental agencies around town, including some of the international chains such as Budget, Avis and National. Driving in Chiang Rai is not as difficult as Bangkok, but you'd still be well advised to rent a car with driver. If you plan to head north towards the border, you will encounter police check points, so a local may be needed to help you negotiate these.

Airport Transfers The airport is extremely close to town, and it's generally no more than a 15 minute drive to most city hotels from the airport. Many, if not all, hotels offer a free pick up service, but check the charges before you order hotel transportation.