Flight (via Bangkok)
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Bus / minivan
Cheapest option but long and tiring
Train + train (via Bangkok)
Possible option but very long and requires transfers
Motorbike
Not practical for this long cross-border route
Quick answer: The main transport options from Vientiane to Chiang Mai are tourist bus/minivan + border crossing, flight (with stopover) and train + bus via Bangkok. The bus is the most budget-friendly but longer, the flight is fastest though more expensive, and the train is cheapest though very long. You can book tickets or flights to Chiang Mai from Vientiane online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 670 km by land between Vientiane and Chiang Mai.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/minivan ~15-18 hours | Flight (with stopover) ~5-10 hours | Train (via Bangkok) ~22-25 hours
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~$50-60 per person | Flight ~$150-250 per person | Train via Bangkok ~$20-70 per person
- 🚍 Best for budget: Tourist bus/minivan
- ✈️ Fastest option: Flight (with stopover)
- 🚆 Cheapest long option: Train + bus via Bangkok
Last updated in March 2026
From Vientiane to Chiang Mai you can travel by plane, train, bus, or private car.
The travel distance from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is about 670 km via Nong Khai. The fastest option is a flight with a stopover in Bangkok or Luang Prabang, taking about 5–10 hours and costing around $150-250/pp. You can also travel by bus via Nong Khai or by train through Bangkok.
There is no direct train between Vientiane and Chiang Mai. If you travel by rail, you need to take a train to Bangkok and then another train to Chiang Mai. This route takes about 25 hours. Tickets and flights can be searched and booked online in advance.
Chiang Mai is the most popular destination in northern Thailand, famous for its temples, mountains, nature, and relaxed atmosphere. From there you can also travel to Chiang Rai or visit Mae Hong Son.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Chiang Mai | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 15-18 hours | $50-60 per person |
| Plane (with stopover) | 5–10 hours | $150–$250 per person |
| Train (via Bangkok) | 22–25 hours | $20–$70 per person |
| Private Car from Nong Khai | 10-12 hours | $240-550 per car |
How do I get from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHTS from Vientiane to Chiang Mai
👉 Connecting flights are the fastest and most comfortable way from Vientiane to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer speed and air travel convenience
- ✔️ Total travel time: approx. 5–10 hours (including layover)
- ✔️ Price: about $150–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern aircraft with airline services)
- ✅ Recommended: Flights with airlines like Lao Airlines, AirAsia, or Thai Airways via Bangkok or Luang Prabang
- 💡 Tip: Compare different routes and book early to find better deals, as there are no direct flights available.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is by plane with a stopover. There are no direct flights between these cities, so travelers usually connect via Bangkok or occasionally Luang Prabang. Flights operate from Wattay International Airport to Chiang Mai International Airport, usually via Bangkok.
The total travel time by connecting flight is about 5-10 hours, depending on the transfer time at the connecting airport. Flights from Vientiane to Bangkok take about 1 hour, while flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai take around 1 hour 15 minutes. Various airlines operate on this route, including AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, and other regional carriers.
Flight prices from Vientiane to Chiang Mai range from $150-250/pp, depending on the airline, season, and booking date. Travelers can sometimes find cheaper promotional fares, especially when booking several weeks in advance or traveling during the low season.
It is recommended to compare different flight options before booking, as layover times can vary significantly. You can easily search and book flights online in advance. Always check baggage allowances, transit requirements, and airline conditions before departure.
2. BUS / VAN from Vientiane to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus or minivan is the most economical land option from Vientiane to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Suitable for: budget travelers and those comfortable with long journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 12–15 hours depending on route
- ✔️ Cost: about $30–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: basic to moderate (buses or minivans, sometimes combined transfers)
- ✅ Recommended: Services by Family Service, Tara Tour and Travel, or connections via Nong Khai
- 💡 Tip: Consider departing from nearby Nong Khai for shorter travel time and lower fares, and always check transfer details carefully.
A popular low-cost option for traveling from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is by bus or minivan. Companies such as Family Service and Tara Tour and Travel operate services from Vientiane, while Orsuksa Tour offers connections from Nong Khai, just across the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Travel time by bus or minivan from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is about 15 hours, or around 12 hours from Nong Khai. Bus tickets cost approximately $50-60/pp from Vientiane and $30-40/pp from Nong Khai.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Chiang Mai ➜
Buses depart from various locations in Vientiane and arrive at different stations in Chiang Mai. Some companies may also offer hotel pick-up services. It is recommended to book tickets online in advance and arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
This transport option is affordable but time-consuming, making it most suitable for budget travelers who have more time for their journey.
3. TRAINS from Vientiane to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is a scenic and interesting way to travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who enjoy rail journeys and want to explore Thailand along the way
- ✔️ Total duration: approx. 22–25 hours (with transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: about $16–80 per person depending on class and route
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (seats or sleeper berths available)
- ✅ Recommended: Split journey via Bangkok with Thai Railways sleeper trains
- 💡 Tip: Choose overnight sleeper trains for better comfort and consider a short stop in Bangkok or Ayutthaya.
Another option is to travel by train via Bangkok. Although this route takes longer, it is a comfortable way to reach Chiang Mai and gives you the opportunity to visit Thailand’s capital along the way. The total journey by train from Vientiane to Chiang Mai via Bangkok takes about 22-25 hours.
In the first step, take the train from Khamsavath Railway Station (Vientiane-Tai Railway Station, see Laos Railway Map) to Bangkok. The journey takes about 10 hours and trains offer both seats and sleeper berths. Train tickets from Vientiane to Bangkok cost about $8-30/pp.
The second step is the popular train route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Trains offer seats and sleeping berths in different classes, with travel time of about 10-14 hours. Tickets cost approximately $8-50/pp depending on the class and train type.
Trains arrive at Chiang Mai Railway Station and can be booked online in advance. Sleeper berths are recommended for both routes, especially for overnight journeys. You can also stop in Ayutthaya on the way and continue to Chiang Mai later.
4. PRIVATE CAR from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable and flexible way from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups or travelers who prefer door-to-door convenience
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 10–12 hours
- ✔️ Price: about $240–550 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern SUVs, minivans, or private cars with driver)
- ✅ Recommended: Transfers with companies like Smart En Plus, Kanokwan Travel, or Easyride Services
- 💡 Tip: Split the cost among passengers and arrange exact pickup/drop-off points to maximize comfort and save time.
Another option is to travel by private car or minivan with a driver from Nong Khai, a Thai border city located only about 20 km from Vientiane. You can easily reach Nong Khai by local bus, train, or private transfer after crossing the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge.
Private transfers from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai are offered by companies such as Smart En Plus, Kanokwan Travel, Than Car Service, Easyride Services, and Firstplan Transport Services. They provide modern cars, SUVs, and minivans suitable for families or small groups. Travel time is approximately 10-12 hours.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Chiang Mai ➜
A private transfer is the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Prices range from $240-550/car, depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers. The main advantage is the flexibility of choosing your departure point in Nong Khai and arrival location in Chiang Mai.
Private cars can be searched and booked online in advance. Always read the transfer details and company conditions before booking.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smart En Plus | 12 hours | From $425.00 |
| Than Car Service | 11 hours | From $307.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 11 hours | From $372.00 |
| Easyride Services | 11 hours 30 minutes | From $244.00 |
| Firsplan Transport | 9 hours 30 minutes | From $293.00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai
How do I book tickets or flights from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
How long does it take to get from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
Travel time is about 5–10 hours by flight via Bangkok, 15–18 hours by tourist bus, or around 22–25 hours by train.
What is the distance between Vientiane and Chiang Mai?
The travel distance from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is approximately 670 km by road and rail routes.
How much does travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai cost?
Travel costs range from about $20–70 by train, $50–60 by bus, and around $150–250 per person by flight.
What is the best way to travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
Most travelers choose a flight via Bangkok because it is the fastest and most comfortable transport option.
What is the fastest transport option?
The fastest way to travel is by plane with a stopover in Bangkok, usually taking less than 10 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest option is usually train travel via Bangkok, with the lowest fares starting at around $20.
Can I travel by train from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
Yes, you can travel by train via Bangkok, combining Laos–Thailand rail services with Thai Railways trains.
Are there alternative routes to Chiang Mai?
Yes, you can travel via Udon Thani and continue to Chiang Mai by domestic flight, train, or bus.
Can I book a private taxi from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
Yes, private cars can be booked from Nong Khai in Thailand, located about 20 km from Vientiane.
Where can I travel from Chiang Mai?
Popular destinations from Chiang Mai include Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao, all accessible by bus or private transfer.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Vientiane:
If you’re planning your next trip from Vientiane, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Vientiane for visitors exploring Laos or Vietnam.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Vientiane to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Vientiane to Chiang Mai covers about 670 km. You can travel by bus, train, flight, or private transfer, with flights being the fastest option.
- Fly via Bangkok: The fastest and most comfortable way to reach Chiang Mai.
- Train Travel Is Cheapest: Travel via Bangkok for the lowest transportation costs.
- Allow Extra Border Time: Border procedures at Nong Khai can sometimes take longer than expected.
- Book Early: Flights, trains, and buses may sell out during holidays and peak seasons.
- Carry Thai Baht: Having local currency ready is useful after crossing into Thailand.
- Bring Snacks & Water: Bus and train journeys can be long, especially on overnight routes.
- Keep Documents Ready: Have your passport and travel documents easily accessible at the border.
Tip: Bus tickets, train tickets, flights, and private transfers from Vientiane to Chiang Mai can be searched and booked online in advance.