Hey guys, there are basically 4 options how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai without renting a vehicle:

• Airplane (800-2000 bath / 1h)
• Train (600 – 2000 bath / 12-15h)
• Bus (500 – 900 bath / 9-10h)
• Minivan private taxi (negotiable / 8-9h)

Because of low fare prices of AirAsia and speed to move up north we chosed to fly for 54 dollars each. Its very fast and we didn’t want to make stops during the way up in other cities. As we flew from europe we arrived at Suvarnabhumi international Airport (BKK) around 7am. After landing prepare for visa control which can take half an hour or more. We were not sure if the flight will not have delay or if shuttle bus really goes on time. So we have booked afternoon flight at 2.30pm. For domestic connecting flights you have to get to 2nd airport Don Muang. The easiest way is to take a free Shuttle bus to Don Muang airport (DMK) which leaves every hour at 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am and so on from the same floor we picked up our luggage, in front of the door 3. It took us an hour to manage visa and took luggage into the shuttle bus. The guy at the bus wanted to see our reservation for our connecting flight so don’t forget to take it with you. We just showed him our flight reservation in mobile email and found a seat. After 50 minutes (in heavy traffic during high season it can take up to 2 hours) we arrived in front of the departure hall, easily found AirAsia counter on the ground floor and waited for boarding. Our flight and shuttle bus were ok, so we had to wait 6 hours for flight to Chiang Mai. We had “low cost fare” so we couldn’t change to earlier flight. But if you have normal business class go to Air Asia customer help and ask for earlier  flight. In this case you don’t need to wait. After check-in you will get to boarding zone where you can find all fast foods such McDonalds, KFC, Burger King etc. You can eat and wait for your flight. Flight took aprox 60 minutes and we smoothly landed at Chiang Mai international airport (CNX). Right after we got out from arrival hall we were surprised with the attitude of local people. When we asked about transport to Chiang Mai downtown the “parking lady” told us 150 bath for taxi for both of us. We said its expensive, she advise us just to cross the the parking (50m) to get to main street and find tuk tuk (Tuk tuk are not allowed to enter airport so they are waiting on the main street). In one minute we were in tuk tuk for 100 bath for both of us and in 15 min in the city center. After long flights from Europe finaly arrived to our booked guesthouse Huean Samilla. To read about our accomodation, experience and tips please click here.