I'll be in Chaing Mai for a week and I thought I'd go to Chaing Rai for the day, and try to take the bus by myself. It seems there are numerous departures from the Chaing Mai bus termnal. Has anyone done this? Does it make sense to go for a day trip?

Thanks very much.

Personally, I don't think it makes sense as a day trip. It's at least 3 hours (that's by car, likely longer by bus) each way. If you are interested in Chaing Rai or the Golden Triangle, plan to go for a few days. For me, a week in CM would be way too long.

Same here, I think a day is too short. I've been to Chiang Rai a few times and always stayed at least 1 night. It is a nice place to stay. Quieter and cooler than Chiang Mai.

Thanks Kathie and losjax: Thanks for the input. This does seem too long, although I subsequently found a tour guide on line who will drive me there and back as a day trip.

I'll actually be in CM for 5 days after about a week in Bangkok.

You could spend a night in Chiang Rai. Otherwise, it's six hours of driving.

i joined a 14-hour or so day tour to chiangrai and the golden triangle from chiangmai. visited the white temple, a very small hot spring and the long neck karen village in between. depending on what u expect from chiangrai, a day tour is do-able and probably more value for money and save trouble than going by bus yourself.