VIP bus from Bangkok to Chiang Rai
SiamTickets offers premium travel options with VIP buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Choose between four luxury buses, each providing first-class experiences starting in Thailand’s capital and ending in its scenic northernmost province.
Pro-tip for solo travelers: Book the Sombat Tour VIP 20 with 1-1 seating for maximum comfort on this 12-hour journey. All services are overnight buses departing from Mo Chit in the evening and arriving fresh in Chiang Rai early in the morning, saving you a hotel night.
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Contents
Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit)
Getting to Mo Chit Bus Terminal:
- By MRT: Alight at Kamphaeng Phet Station (Exit 1). Take a short taxi ride (under 50 Baht) to the terminal.
- By BTS: Get off at Mo Chit BTS Station. The terminal is about 2.3 kilometers away – take a taxi or motorbike taxi.
- By Taxi: Direct service from anywhere in Bangkok (150-250 THB from city center).
Before checking the schedules, it’s important to understand the different VIP seating configurations available:
On the Bangkok to Chiang Rai route, VIP buses offer two distinct seating layouts. The 1-1 configuration (left), as seen in the Sombat Tour VIP 20, features single luxury seats on both sides of the aisle, with just 20 seats total for maximum privacy and comfort. The more common 1-2 configuration (right), used by several operators, offers single seats on one side and paired seats on the other, accommodating more passengers while maintaining good comfort levels.
Schedule and Fares: VIP Buses
Here’s the complete schedule and fare information for VIP bus services from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. All services are overnight buses, arriving early morning in Chiang Rai:
| Bus Company (Seating Style) | Departure Times | Arrival Times | Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sombat Tour 1-1 “VIP 20” | 18:15 | 06:55 | 1,190 |
| Sombat Tour 1-2 “VIP 33” | 19:50 | 06:50 | 1,130 |
| Cherdchai Tour North 1-2 | 19:30 | 06:10 | 650 |
| Kasemthara Tour 1-2 | 19:00 | 07:30 | 700 |
Premium VIP Bus Options
1. Sombat Tour Supreme Class
Sombat Tour leads the Bangkok to Chiang Rai route with two premium options, available at Mo Chit Terminal counters 11-18:
| Bus Type | Seating Configuration | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| VIP 20 | 1+1 (20 seats) | Spacious single capsule seats, personal TV screens, USB chargers |
| VIP 33 | 1+2 (33 seats) | Wider seats, USB chargers, personal TV screens (on some buses) |
2. Cherdchai Tour North
- Service Type: VIP 1-2 configuration
- Key Features:
- Modern fleet with comfortable seating
- Value-focused pricing
- Evening departure with morning arrival
- Experienced operator on northern routes
3. Kasemthara Tour
- Service Type: VIP 1-2 configuration
- Key Features:
- Competitive pricing
- Overnight service
- Standard VIP amenities
- Regular service to Chiang Rai
General info: VIP bus
- Check-in Requirements:
- Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure
- Valid passport or ID card required
- Exchange your e-ticket for a boarding pass at the operator’s counter
- Festival Period Notice:
- Allow extra time during Songkran (April) and major holidays
- Recommended: Arrive 2+ hours early during peak periods
- Book well in advance for holiday travel
Journey Details
- Distance: Approximately 785 kilometers (488 miles)
- Duration: 11-13 hours depending on traffic and stops
- Rest Stops: One main stop halfway through the journey
- 30-minute break for refreshments
- Restaurant facilities available
- Clean restrooms
- Small shops for snacks and essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
The journey to Chiang Rai is longer than other northern routes, making overnight travel the most practical option. Evening departures allow you to arrive in Chiang Rai early morning, maximizing your day.
The main differences are in seating configuration and amenities. VIP 20 offers maximum privacy with 1-1 seating, while standard VIP provides 1-2 seating at a lower price point. All services include air conditioning, reclining seats, and onboard toilets.
VIP services typically include a meal stop at a designated restaurant. Most operators provide meal coupons for VIP passengers. Complimentary snacks and drinks are also available on board.
Tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared taxis) are readily available at the terminal. Many hotels also offer pickup services with advance notice. Grab taxi service is also available in Chiang Rai.
Contact your bus operator’s customer service immediately. Provide your travel details and information about the forgotten item. The staff will check and contact you about retrieving your belongings.
Summary
Planning your VIP bus journey from Bangkok to Chiang Rai? Remember these key points:
- Journey takes 11-13 hours
- Prices range from 650 to 1,190 THB
- Evening departures with morning arrivals
- Check-in 30-60 minutes before departure
- Valid ID/passport required
- One rest stop during journey
- Multiple transport options in Chiang Rai