THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Nan at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Nan น่าน
- Road distance
- About 327 km
- Straight line
- 188 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~4 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Nan to Chiang Mai →
Ready to travel from Chiang Mai to Nan?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand. Long-distance buses use the Arcade bus terminal, with services across Thailand and into Laos.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
Arriving in Nan
Ask the seller where the service ends in Nan. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
KEEP GOING
From Nan, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Nan
More buses from Chiang Mai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Nan by road?+
About 327 km by road (188 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Nan take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 4 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Nan to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Nan to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Nan?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Nan?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Nan bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Nan by bus?+
Direct buses from Nan include Phitsanulok, Bangkok, Ubon Ratchathani, Pua, Thung Chang and more. See all connections on our Nan bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Chiang Mai → Nan on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Mai to Nan bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →