Traveling in north Thailand by Greenbus unveils picturesque hill towns, glimmering lakes, and frontier towns in high style. With sleek buses providing Express and VIP services, the summer months are a perfect time to tour routes from Chiang Mai to places such as Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Chiang Khong, and Phrae. Prior planning is the key. What this actually translates to is intelligent reservation, comfortable seating, and finding off-the-beaten-path gems along the way.
If you are traveling north and require Greenbus tickets, you can reserve easily through SiamTickets with Express or VIP options. That site indicates schedules and fare information and allows you to compare classes without any hassle. Having that ticket in advance reserves your seat on busy-season days and provides you with a sense of security while organizing your trip.
Here are five great routes to take note of this summer.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai: the classic loop
This is Greenbus’s most-used route. It takes about three hours and twenty minutes by VIP buses, or three hours and forty-five minutes on Express. Daily buses leave Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 from early morning to late afternoon.
What you have is uncomplicated comfort. VIP buses have fewer seats per row, more leg space, personal reading lights, USB outlets, and on-board toilets. Express seats are still air-conditioned and spacious, but with one additional seat per row and fewer amenities. Buses travel reliably, the roads are now smooth, and green hill views seem easy from your seat.
Chiang Rai proper is a beautiful place to spend summer: temples on top of hills, riverfront restaurants, and cooler nights to go around. Descending into fresh air is a pleasant break.
Chiang Mai to Phayao: lakeside charm
Only three hours distant lies Phayao, a hill-fringed lakeside town. Greenbus operates multiple trips per day, with VIP and Express seating combined. Express fare is approximately 260 baht, and VIP roughly 360 baht.
When you arrive at the lake, the sunset walking paths are serene. Small cafés along the water provide a refreshing respite from daytime heat. It’s perfect for a half-day or overnight break before continuing on to Nan or Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai to Nan via Thung Chang: scenic and under-the-radar
This route travels further north into hills and includes two alternatives: Nan city or Thung Chang (nearer north). Trains take around four and a half hours to reach Nan, and around six hours and forty minutes to reach Thung Chang. There are frequent daytime schedules and an overnight service on some days; thus, overnight travel is feasible.
Mountains, foggy mornings, and crisp summer air make Nan a must-visit. Thung Chang is less busy and less touristy. Some travelers comment that the night service is better value if you’re not bothered about sleeping on the bus.
Chiang Mai to Phrae (via Lampang): alternative northern route
While less dramatic, the Chiang Mai to Phrae route through Lampang is a scenic and smooth one. Buses are generally in afternoon hours with around 305 baht fares, depending on your booking platform. Disembarking at Phrae creates possibilities to appreciate colonial architecture, temples, and serene alleys.
From Phrae, you may proceed further to Nan on Greenbus along northbound routes. This option provides the liberty to visit various places leisurely.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong: the gateway to the Mekong
This takes longer, about five hours and forty minutes for the 280-kilometre journey. It has two daily departures, a VIP and an Express service, costing about 550 baht or 380 baht respectively.
Chiang Khong shares a border with Laos. It’s an attractive border town with markets, Mekong vistas, and boat excursions. Summer brings clearer skies and smoother water along the river, making it a picturesque location to linger or start a journey into Laos.
Why do these roads excel in summer?
Summer in northern Thailand translates into green forests, cooler valleys, and fewer crowds that descend en masse to the southern beaches. The Nan and Chiang Rai hills are resplendent with green. You avoid the worst of the midday sun by traveling early or late in the day. And you arrive during daylight or evening light, ideal for exploration.
When you explore these routes with Greenbus, you are guaranteed comfort and convenience. All routes provide bottled water, a few stops, and good scheduling. Advance booking is wise since tickets are only available around 60 days in advance on prime routes such as Chiang Mai–Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai–Chiang Khong.
Final Words
These Greenbus routes enable you to connect destinations in comfort with safe scheduling, clean buses, and a straightforward booking system.
In short, pick the routes that fit your pace. Book your seat wisely. Arrive early. Pack smart. And you’ll have a northern Thailand summer ride worth remembering.
So, are you ready to have an amazing summer holiday exploring northern Thailand? Book your Greenbus tickets. And if you have already experienced these routes, share your experience.
