THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Rai to Phayao at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- To
- Phayao พะเยา
- Road distance
- About 94 km
- Straight line
- 83 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~1 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Phayao to Chiang Rai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's second city and a gateway to the Golden Triangle and Laos. It has two bus terminals: one in the centre for regional buses and one south of town for long-distance services.
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
In the town centre. Regional buses to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
About 5 km south of the centre. Long-distance buses to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beyond.
Arriving in Phayao
Ask the seller where the service ends in Phayao. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
KEEP GOING
From Phayao, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Phayao
More buses from Chiang Rai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Rai from Phayao by road?+
About 94 km by road (83 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Rai to Phayao take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 1 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Rai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Phayao to Chiang Rai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Phayao to Chiang Rai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Rai arrive in Phayao?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Rai to Phayao?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Rai to Phayao bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Phayao by bus?+
Direct buses from Phayao include Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Bangkok and more. See all connections on our Phayao bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Rai to Phayao bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →