Hello guys, there are basically 2 reasonable options how to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai:

• Green Bus – from bus station (start from 132 bath to 280 bath per person / 3h)
• Minivan – pick up at hotel (400 to 600 bath per person / 3h)

We prefer local way of transport which is cheaper for lowcost travelers and more authentic. For our transport to Chiang Rai we have choosed a local Greenbus. As we understood there is no other bus company which travel between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai  (www.greenbusthailand.com). Green bus to Chiang Rai is departing from Arcade bus station and leaves every half an hour. In peak season buy tickets in advance. In low just buy on the spot. We went out from guesthouse and stopped tuk tuk. Ask him for price but he took us for 40 bath each. It took us around 15 minutes to get to the bus station. Take your number from machine and wait untill they will call your number.  Lady at counter speaks english and it was surprisingly easy to buy tickets. She offered me first bus which in 30min. and booked seats for 132 bath each. We’ve found there should be 3 classes VIP/X/locals and if the chieapiest X class is sold they will try to sell you VIP expensive ticket. But it didn’t happend and we’ve got the local class tickets. This bus doesn’t have toilet but stops for a break. Bus has aircon and don’t forget to pack something warm. We were lucky and we have got an exit seats with plenty of space for Tom’s long legs 🙂 After 3 hours in very high quality bus and nice scenic journey the bus stops on first station (do not exit) wait with others and gett off on the 2nd stop in the city center. The bus station is at the hear of the city so if you booked hostel in the center just walk from the bus station, no need tuk tuk. Welcome in Chiang Rai.