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Travel leg · Bangkok to the Andaman

Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Bangkok and Chiang Mai sit about 582 km (362 mi) apart in a straight line, with Chiang Mai to the north. It is leg 1 of 2 on our Bangkok to the Andaman itinerary, an 11-day trip. Here is how long it takes by train, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.

Directions in Google Maps See the full Bangkok to the Andaman route
Bangkok, where this leg starts
From · Bangkok
Chiang Mai, where this leg ends
To · Chiang Mai
Straight-line distance
582 km · 362 mi
Est. road distance
699–815 km
Est. drive time
7 h 15 min – 12 h 30 min
Direction
Heading north
Curated routes
1 itinerary

Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.

Ways to get there

We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.

By train

Our Bangkok to the Andaman itinerary is easy to do on public transport, so a train is the likely way to cover this leg. Timetables and direct connections vary — check the operator before you book.

By car

Driving is an estimated 699–815 km (434–507 mi) and 7 h 15 min – 12 h 30 min at typical average speeds, not a routed time.

Domestic flights are the usual way between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi, and there are overnight trains for the northern leg. Within cities, taxis, ride-hailing and river boats help. In Krabi, longtail boats and tour boats reach the beaches and islands.

Open Bangkok → Chiang Mai directions in Google Maps ↗

Worth stopping for

Picks from our curated guides at both ends.

When you arrive in Chiang Mai

Spend three days: old-city temples, Doi Suthep, a full day at the elephant sanctuary and night markets each evening.

Before you leave Bangkok

Give Bangkok three days: riverside temples in the mornings, markets and malls through the heat, street food and rooftops at night.

On this curated route

Where Bangkok → Chiang Mai sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.

Going the other way? Chiang Mai to Bangkok is the same 582 km in a straight line, heading south. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗

Weather at each end

The biggest gap comes in January, when Chiang Mai averages highs 4°C cooler than Bangkok.

Average monthly high temperature and rainfall in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
MeasureJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Bangkok high33°35°36°36°34°32°31°31°30°30°30°31°
Chiang Mai high28°32°35°37°34°32°31°30°30°29°28°27°
Bangkok rain161447751641651691812782033910
Chiang Mai rain15523631891411782372221233713

Temperatures in °C, rain in mm per month. Long-term monthly averages from NASA POWER satellite climatology — a guide to typical conditions, not a forecast. Month headings link to Chiang Mai month guides.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai: questions travelers ask

How far is Bangkok from Chiang Mai?

Bangkok is about 582 km (362 mi) from Chiang Mai in a straight line, with Chiang Mai to the north. By road, we estimate 699–815 km (434–507 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.

How long does it take to drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

An estimated 7 h 15 min – 12 h 30 min, assuming 699–815 km of road at average speeds of 65–95 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day. Our itinerary leans on rail, so check train times too.

Which itineraries include the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

Our Bangkok to the Andaman itinerary includes this leg. Bangkok to the Andaman runs about 11 days across 3 stops, best in Nov – Mar.

Onward from Chiang Mai

Guides for both ends

Chiang Mai by month

More to explore

Plan Bangkok → Chiang Mai with your crew

Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.

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