Travelling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao couldn’t be easier.
7 days a week from 6:00, 7:30am every half hour right through to 5:30pm you’ll be able to catch a bus from Chang Phuak bus station – Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao.
Chang Phuak bus station is located a short 5 minute walk south of Chang Phuak gate.
The bus always leaves on time usually taking 1hr 40minutes to Chiang Dao.
Destined from Chiang Mai to Fang, stopping by Mae Rim, Chiang Dao, Chai Prakan, Fang and Thaton (limited times). This particular bus is in bright florescent orange with chrome trim, with the names of the destinations printed on the passenger windows in large capital letters in English making this bus almost impossible to miss.
The price of a ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao (vice-versa) is 44 Baht.
Air-conditioned coaches are also available at limited times at the price of 67 Baht going to and from both Chiang Dao and Chiang Mai.
When arriving in Chiang Dao there are two stops, the first stop is in Chiang Dao town centre (recommended) walking distance from the Chiang Dao tourism office where you’ll find all the help and information you will need during your stay.
The second stop is Chiang Dao bus station itself, a small, well organised, easy to navigate station with regular and timely transport to Fang, with return destinations – Mae Rim to Chiang Mai.
All buses from Chiang Dao arrive on the hour into allocated bus bays with destinations written up in English.
Chiang Dao is an ideal visit for all travellers who intend to eventually arrive in Chiang Rai.
Travel to Chiang Rai has bus connections in Fang, or for those who wish to savour their journey or just fancy something different, there is a slow boat from Thaton to Chiang Rai also.
Travellers to Mai Sai can find connections in Chiang Rai.
For buses from Chiang Dao to Thaton: 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 5pm.
Chiang Mai bus station has an on-site ticket office where you can pre-purchase your tickets.
From Chiang Dao all tickets are bought onboard the bus.
From Chiang Mai it is not mandatory to pre-purchase a ticket, however this could present further waiting times during special weekends, celebrations and holy days when friends and family leave Chiang Mai to visit loved ones.
If you do happen to find yourself lost at either bus station, simply inform any uniformed member of staff your desired destination and they will be happy to assist.
Both stations contain baby change facilities, toilets and an on-site shop.
Note: Ensure you keep your passport at hand during the bus journey. There is a police road block along the way checking ID as a standard procedure.
.