Chiang Rai travel guide: highland coffee, tea, and transport

Chiang Rai, Thailand, serves as a major hub for northern regional travel, offering diverse highland destinations and transport links. Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) provides frequent domestic connections to Bangkok via airlines such as Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways, and Thai Vietjet Air, alongside international service to Singapore via Scoot.

For land travel, overnight VIP bus services operated by Sombat Tour connect Chiang Rai to Bangkok, with routes departing from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2. Travelers can choose between different VIP classes, such as the VIP 20 and VIP 33, which offer varying layouts and amenities.

The region is noted for its highland agricultural and cultural sites. Doi Chang is a prominent area for Arabica coffee production, situated at high altitudes in the Mae Suai District. Nearby, Doi Mae Salong, also known as Santikhiri, is characterized by oolong tea plantations and a unique cultural history shaped by Chinese Nationalist Army veterans. These mountain destinations are accessible via winding roads from Chiang Rai City, making car rentals or private tours common for visitors.