Flight (via Bangkok)
Fastest and easiest but more expensive
Bus / van (via Cambodia & Thailand)
Cheapest option but very long and tiring
Flight + train
Possible combination but less straightforward
Complicated overland routes
Too many transfers across multiple countries
Quick answer: Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai is best done by flight (via Bangkok or with limited direct options), while overland travel by bus/van or train through Cambodia and Thailand is possible but very time-consuming. Private transfer is also available, but it is the most expensive option.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~1 215 km by air / ~1 500 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~5–8 hours (with stop-over) | Bus/van via Cambodia/Thailand ~20–36 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$70–200 per person | Overland bus/van US$50–70 per person.
- ✈️ Best for speed & comfort: Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai (via Bangkok)
- 🚌 Best for budget (and time to spare): Bus/van via Cambodia + Thailand
Last updated in March 2026
How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai
The fastest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai is by plane. Direct flights take about 2 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok usually take 5–11 hours. You can also travel overland by bus and train via Cambodia and Bangkok, but the journey takes about 32–36 hours.
After arriving in Chiang Mai, you can continue to Chiang Rai, Phayao, or Pai by bus, minivan, or private car.
Chiang Mai – Gateway to Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai is the cultural and tourist hub of northern Thailand. The city is famous for its ancient temples, mountain scenery, night markets, and excellent food. It is also the perfect starting point for exploring northern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Ho Chi Minh-Ville to Chiang Mai | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (direct flight) | 1.5 hours | $70–200 per person |
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Cambodia) | 20–34 hours | $50–70 per person |
| Bus + Train (via Phnom Penh, Poipet) | 26 hours | $20–30 per person |
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
1. FLIGHTS from Ho Chi Minh City to to Chiang Mai
👉 Flight is the fastest and most efficient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and prefer quick connections
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–8 hours (including possible stopover in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $70–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort level: high (modern aircraft with short travel duration)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct or connecting flights with airlines like VietJet Air, AirAsia or Thai Airways
- 💡 Tip: Compare direct and connecting flights via Bangkok to find the best balance between price and travel time.
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai in Thailand. Direct flights take about 2 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok usually take 5–8 hours.
Flights depart from Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arrive at Chiang Mai International Airport. Airlines on this route include Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, AirAsia, Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Bangkok Airways. One-way tickets typically cost $70–200 per person.
You can compare schedules and book flights online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
2. BUS + TRAIN from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai
👉 Bus + train via Cambodia and Bangkok is the cheapest but longest way to reach Chiang Mai.
- ✔️ Ideal for: adventurous travelers and low-budget backpackers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–30+ hours (multiple segments and border crossings)
- ✔️ Total cost: low (varies by route and transport types)
- ✔️ Comfort level: low to medium (long journeys with several transfers)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh + onward transport via Bangkok + train or bus to Chiang Mai
- 💡 Tip: Plan each segment in advance and allow extra time for border crossings and connections.
A) From Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh)
If you want to travel by bus to Chiang Mai from Saigon, first you have to take a bus to Cambodia via Bavet border crossing. There are tourist buses or minivans from Saigon to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap. Travel by bus from Saigon to Phnom Penh in Cambodia takes about 6-7 hours.
B) From Cambodia or Vietnam to Thailand (Bangkok)
From Phnom Penh or Siem Reap you can travel by another bus to Bangkok in Thailand. Buses from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap go via Poipet border crossing. From Aranyaprathet (5 km from Poipet) you can also travel by train to Bangkok.
C) From Bangkok to Chiang Mai (bus, train, flight)
From Bangkok you can take anorther bus to Chiang Mai. Travel by bus from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 9-11 hours. Travel by bus via Cambodia to Thailand is the cheapest option of transfer, but it is not comfortable and takes a lot of time.
How to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?
👉 There are 3 main ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: bus, train or flight.
- ✔️ Ideal for: all types of travelers (budget, comfort, or time-saving options)
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1–1.5h (flight), ~10–12h (bus), ~12–14.5h (train)
- ✔️ Ticket cost: $15–50 per person (depending on transport type and class)
- ✔️ Comfort level: varies (bus = standard, train = comfortable sleepers, flight = fastest)
- ✅ Best Option: Flight for speed, train sleeper for comfort, bus for lowest price
- 💡 Tip: Compare all options online in advance—tickets and flights can be easily searched and booked ahead of time.
1. BUS from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
-
- lots of buses all the day go on this route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- travel distance from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is 700 km
- bus travel takes about 10-12 hours, comfortable, modern and air-conditioned buses
- bus companies Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Bangkok Busline, Lignite Tour (PK), New Viriya…
- price of the one-way bus ticket from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is about $15-24/pp
- buses depart from the Mochit Bus Terminal in Bangkok
- you can check a schedule: Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Bus Timetable
2. TRAIN from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
-
- about 8 trains of Thai Railways all the day go on this route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- train travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 12-14,5 hours
- 1st + 2nd Class Sleeper, 2nd Class AC seats only, Class II Ladies Only, 3rd class aircon + nonaircon
- price of the one-way train ticket is about $22-33/pp, 1st Class Sleeper – $50/pp
- trains to Chiang Mai depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station or Don Mueang
- you can check current Thailand Railway Map + Thailand Train Schedule
3. FLIGHT from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
-
- lots of airline companies operate on this route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- airlines from Bangkok to Chiang Mai: Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air, Thai Smile
- to use a flight is sometimes cheaper then train connection
- flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes about 1-1.5 hour
- planes fly from Don Mueang Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok
- Book tickets or flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai
How to book tickets and flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
Book flights and transport online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
Direct flights take about 2 hours. Flights via Bangkok take 5–11 hours, while overland travel by bus and train takes about 30–36 hours.
How far is Chiang Mai from Ho Chi Minh City?
The distance is about 1,215 km by air and around 1,500 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
Flights cost about $70–200 per person, while overland travel usually costs from $40–70 per person.
What is the best way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option. Connecting flights via Bangkok are also widely available.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
The cheapest option is usually overland travel by bus via Cambodia and Bangkok.
Is there a direct bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
No. You need several bus connections via Cambodia and Bangkok.
Is there a direct train from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai?
No. There is no direct international train between Ho Chi Minh City and Chiang Mai.
Where can you travel from Chiang Mai?
From Chiang Mai you can visit Mae Hong Son, Pai, or Nan by bus, minivan, or private car.
What are the top attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular attractions include Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon National Park, Wat Chedi Luang, Chiang Mai Night Safari, and the city’s famous night markets.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Chiang Mai ➜
💡 Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai
Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai is easiest by plane. You can also travel overland via Cambodia and Bangkok by bus and train if you have more time.
- Best Option: Direct flights are the fastest way to reach Chiang Mai.
- Budget Travel: Overland travel via Cambodia and Bangkok is cheaper but takes much longer.
- Travel Documents: Check the latest visa and entry requirements for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand before departure.
- Plan a Stop: Consider spending a night in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, or Bangkok during the journey.
- Bring Cash: Carry some Thai baht and small amounts of local currency for border crossings and local transport.
- Book Early: Flights and long-distance buses often sell out during holidays and the high season.
Tip: Flights, buses, and train tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.