getting to Chiang Mai

[davu]

simple question really. I will probably going to Chiang Mai once a month from month of August, what's the best way to go? I heard that there is a direct bus, I couldn't find it. The plane journey, if you manage to find one on the web seems to go over Bangkok and cost more than 10 000. I don't mind driving that far, but once a month seems a bit of a grind....
thanks ....

[gotlost]

There are only two viable options. There is no direct air connection from our neck of the woods to CM. So from Buriram to CM take NCA bus to CM. Approximately 13 hours and about 900 baht each way. I take NCA from CM to Surin and it is about 940 baht each way. and 14 hours, this is the same bus that stops in Buriram. NCA is by far the safest bus line in Thailand. The other option is to drive. I have it down to 11.5 hours 890 km from CM to Kap Choeng and no I'm not breaking the sound bearer. Next week I'll be driving from KP on the 15th and returning on the 21st. Hope this gives you an idea.

[gotlost]

Web page for NCA

http://primia.net/thaibus/

[gotlost]

another link

http://www.nca.co.th/index.php

[davu]

ah thanks guys, I can manage 11/ 12hours driving but prefer not to. So it'll be the Nakonchai Air that will get my attention.
17 hours drive... of course, the driver is changed after 8 hours???

[gotlost]

From Buri the bus should be about 13 hours and yes NCA does change its drivers.

[davu]

My wife tells me Thais pay 600 Baht from Buriram! jing jing
( I am in Switzerland at the moment)

[isanbirder]

I make this trip from Buriram every few months;  the fare is 716 Baht.... for everybody.  You have to book your seat a couple of days before travelling, longer if you have any seat preference.  The office is just at the back of Buriram Bus Station.

[davu]

thanks very much guys

[urleft]

Consider taking the bus to Bangkok and the overnight train to Chaing Mai. 

I took the overnight train and would highly recommend it, get's in about 9 am.