VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Bangkok
SiamTickets offers premium travel options with VIP buses from Chiang Mai to Bangkok. Choose between five bus operators, each providing first-class experiences starting in Thailand’s northern cultural hub and ending in its bustling capital.
Pro-tip for solo travelers: Book a bus with 1-1 single seating for maximum comfort, and save a hotel night with popular evening departures arriving fresh in Bangkok by morning.
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Contents
Departure: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
Getting to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3:
- By Songthaew: These red shared taxis are the most common way to reach the terminal from anywhere in Chiang Mai city.
- By Grab: Use the Grab app for convenient door-to-door service.
- By Taxi: Available throughout the city, with fares typically ranging from 100-200 THB from the Old City.
Before checking the schedules, it’s important to understand the different VIP seating configurations available:
On the Chiang Mai to Bangkok route, VIP buses offer two distinct seating layouts. The 1-1 configuration (left), as seen in the Wiang Ping Bus (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 in VIP 33 buses, offers single seats on one side and paired seats on the other, accommodating 33 passengers while maintaining a good balance of comfort and capacity.
Schedule and Fares
Here’s the complete schedule and fare information for VIP bus services from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 to Bangkok’s Mo Chit Terminal. Note that during festival periods, additional travel time should be allowed due to potential traffic delays.
Two Ways to Ride in Style:
- Private Layout (1-1): Like having your own private pod! Single seats on both sides of the aisle – perfect for privacy lovers.
| Bus Company | Departure Times | Arrival Times | Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Busline | 20:05 | 06:00 | 920 |
| Sombat Tour “VIP 20” | 21:30 | 07:30 | 1,020 |
- Mixed Layout (1-2): One side has single seats, the other has pairs – great if you’re traveling with a friend or want a more budget-friendly option.
| Bus Company | Departure Times | Arrival Times | Price (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Busline | 19:10, 20:00 | 05:10, 06:00 | 690 |
| Budsarakam Tour | 20:15, 21:00 | 07:30, 08:00 | 770 |
| Nakhonchai Air | 09:30, 19:46, 20:15, 21:00 | 19:50, 05:00, 05:30, 06:10 | 970 |
| Sritawong Tour | 19:00, 20:30 | 06:00, 06:15 | 1,000 |
| Sombat Tour “VIP 33” | 07:30, 20:30 | 17:30, 06:30 | 1,020 |
Planning tip: Night buses (departing 19:00-21:30) are most popular and save you a hotel night. Prices range from 693 to 1,020 THB, with trip duration around 10-11 hours.
BOOK VIP BUS TICKETSVIP Bus Styles
1. Sombat Tour Supreme Class
Sombat Tour offers two premium options, departing from dedicated platforms at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3:
| Bus Type | Seating Configuration | Key Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| VIP 20 “Wiang Ping Bus” | 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. Nakhonchai Air First Class
- Vehicle Type: Mercedes-Benz, 15 meters long
- Seating: 1-2 configuration with 30 seats
- Premium Features:
- Capsule-style seating with electronic controls
- Real leather upholstery
- Personal entertainment system
- Multiple daily departures including morning and evening options
3. Other Premium Operators
- Bangkok Busline:
- Choice of 1-1 and 1-2 configurations
- Late afternoon and evening departures
- Competitive pricing for VIP service
- Sritawong Tour:
- Evening departures ideal for overnight travel
- Free meal coupons at rest stop
- Two drivers per bus for safety
- Budsarakam Tour:
- Comfortable 1-2 configuration
- Value-oriented pricing
Standard VIP Features
- Comfort:
- Air conditioning
- Reclining seats (up to 135°)
- Adjustable footrests
- Blankets provided
- Two professional drivers per bus
- Entertainment & Connectivity:
- Central or personal TV screens
- USB charging ports (on newer buses)
- Onboard Wi-Fi (where available)
- Services:
- Onboard toilet
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Onboard attendant
- Rest stop with meal service
Policies and Information
- Check-in Time: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure
- Required Documents: Valid passport or ID card
- Children’s Fares: Infants under 3 years travel free on adult’s lap (policies vary by operator)
- Baggage Allowance: Typically one carry-on plus one piece of luggage (dimensions not exceeding 80cm x 80cm x 80cm)
- Prohibited Items: Alcohol, animals, fresh food, dangerous goods
Terminal Information
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade)
Chiang Mai Terminal 3 Facilities
- Food and Shopping:
- Food court with local and international options
- Multiple convenience stores
- Coffee shops and snack vendors
- Services:
- ATMs and money exchange
- Left luggage facilities
- Clean restrooms
- Air-conditioned waiting areas
Detailed Baggage Policies
| Operator | Allowance | Size Restrictions | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sombat Tour | 2 pieces total | Max 25 kg combined | Additional fees for excess baggage |
| Sritawong Tour | 1 carry-on + 1 luggage | Max 80cm x 80cm x 80cm | Standard allowance included in ticket |
| Bangkok Busline | 1 carry-on + 1 luggage | Not specified | No animals allowed in any form |
| Budsarakam Tour | 1 carry-on + 1 luggage | Standard size restrictions apply | No animals or oversized items |
| Nakhonchai Air | 2 pieces total | Standard cabin + checked bag | Personal care items allowed in cabin |
Frequently Asked Questions
Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure for regular periods, and 2 hours during festival seasons. This allows time for check-in, baggage handling, and finding your departure gate.
The journey typically takes 10-11 hours, including one rest stop. Night buses usually depart in the evening and arrive in Bangkok early the next morning.
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.
All buses arrive at Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Northern Bus Terminal). From there, you can easily connect to the BTS (Mo Chit Station) or MRT (Chatuchak Park Station) public transport systems.
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 Chiang Mai to Bangkok? Remember these key points:
- Journey takes approximately 10-11 hours
- Prices range from 690 to 1,020 THB
- Multiple evening departures available
- Check-in 30-60 minutes before departure
- Valid ID/passport required
- Arrives at Bangkok Mo Chit Terminal
- Easy connections to Bangkok public transport