Private van with driver

Bangkok to Chiang Rai Van Charter with Driver from ฿20,500

Chiang Rai sits at Thailand's northern tip, about 800 km from Bangkok, a drive of roughly ten to twelve hours including breaks. The province holds the internationally admired White Temple and Blue Temple, the cool highlands of Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salong, and the Golden Triangle where three countries meet. Kingtocar arranges private van charters here with a driver at one flat price from your Bangkok door — well suited to larger groups with substantial luggage who want a vehicle available throughout their stay.

Toyota Commuter · 9–13 seats฿20,500/ trip
Toyota Alphard · 6–7 captain seats฿31,500/ trip
Distance ~800 km
Fuel + tolls + driver + water included

Why book this route with us

Bangkok to Chiang Rai

Transport for your whole stay

Chiang Rai's attractions are widely scattered — the White Temple, Doi Tung and the Golden Triangle are tens of kilometres apart — so having a van and driver beats renting or hailing local rides.

Flat ฿20,500 per trip

฿20,500 for a Toyota Commuter and ฿31,500 for a Toyota Alphard, including fuel, motorway tolls, the driver and bottled water.

No luggage limits

Groups carrying gifts, camera equipment or bulky items avoid airline baggage fees and weight worries. A Commuter takes roughly 8 to 10 large cases.

Break the trip at Chiang Mai or Lampang

The route passes both, so a two-day journey with a night midway adds sightseeing and is safer than twelve hours in one go.

Stops & places to visit

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Chalermchai Kositpipat's all-white, mirror-encrusted masterpiece and an internationally recognised landmark. Arrive before 9am — later it becomes very crowded and the glare intense.

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

A deep blue and gold contemporary temple every bit as striking as the White Temple, close to the town centre and worth 30 to 45 minutes.

Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang Garden

The royal villa and a cool-climate flower garden in bloom year round, with pleasant mountain air. The approach winds uphill, about an hour from town.

Golden Triangle and Chiang Saen

The Mekong point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet, with viewpoints and an opium museum. Nearby Chiang Saen holds Lanna-era ruins.

Doi Mae Salong

A Yunnanese Chinese village high in the hills, with tea plantations and superb mountain views. Cool all year, with a steep winding approach that needs an experienced driver.

Mae Sai border market

Thailand's northernmost district on the Myanmar frontier, with a market selling border goods. Check the crossing's current status before travelling as it changes.

Travel tips for this route

  1. At 800 km and ten to twelve hours this is one of the longest routes we run. Plan two days with a night in Chiang Mai or Lampang rather than driving straight through.
  2. Attractions are widely spread — the White Temple south of town, Doi Tung and Mae Sai to the north, the Golden Triangle to the east. Group them by zone across separate days to avoid wasted driving.
  3. Wat Rong Khun is busiest from 10am to 2pm. Arriving before nine gives better photographs and no queue. Dress modestly, as it is an active temple.
  4. January to April brings heavy burning haze to the north, obscuring mountain views and affecting health. For scenic photography, choose November to December or wait until after the first rains.

What's included

  • Professional driver who knows the route
  • Fuel + expressway and motorway tolls
  • Chilled water on board · child seat on request
  • Parking fees everywhere · light snacks on board

Frequently asked questions

How long is Bangkok to Chiang Rai?
About ten to twelve hours for the 800 km including breaks. It is a very long haul, so we recommend planning two days with a night in Chiang Mai or Lampang for the safety of driver and passengers alike.
Is a van charter to Chiang Rai worth it?
Yes for larger groups who want transport throughout the trip — ฿20,500 split nine ways is about ฿2,300 each. For two to four people, flying into Chiang Rai and renting locally is cheaper and far quicker, and we will tell you so honestly.
What is included in ฿20,500?
Fuel, expressway and motorway tolls, the driver and bottled water. It is a flat one-way whole-vehicle price. Accommodation, meals, entrance fees and ฿500 per night driver accommodation are separate.
Can you drive up Doi Mae Salong or Doi Tung?
Yes, though both approaches are steep and winding and require a driver experienced on mountain roads. Tell us the destination at booking so we assign the right driver, travelling in daylight and safe conditions only.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?
November to December, with cool air, clear skies and sharp mountain views. January to April brings heavy burning haze that obscures views and affects health, so avoid that window if you can, especially with children or older travellers.

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