Rome2Rio

How to get fromChiang Rai to Lào Caiby plane, bus, or train

Find Transport to Lào Cai

See all options

There are 5 ways to get from Chiang Rai to Lào Cai by plane, bus, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)plane plane CEI - HAN
    2. Take the bus from Hanoi Airport to Sapabus bus
    12h 19m
    $148–233

  2. Local Bus, bus, train

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang khongbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Huay Xai - Bokeo Station to Oudomxaybus bus
    3. Take the bus from Oudomxay to My Dinh bus stationbus bus
    4. Take the train from Ha Noi to Sapa Lao Caitrain train
    40h 50m
    $44–110

  3. Local Bus, bus, train via Kunming South

    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang khongbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Huay Xai - Bokeo Station to Oudomxaybus bus
    3. Take the train from Oudomxay station to Kunming Southtrain train
    4. Take the train from Kunming South to Honghetrain train
    5. Take the train from Mengzi to Hekou Northtrain train
    22h 27m
    $71–197

  4. Local Bus, bus

    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang khongbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Huay Xai - Bokeo Station to Oudomxaybus bus
    3. Take the bus from Oudomxay to My Dinh bus stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from My Dinh bus station to Sapa bus stationbus bus
    37h 34m
    $54–123

  5. Local Bus, Minivan, bus

    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang khongbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Huay Xai - Bokeo Station to Luang Prabang - Naluang Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Luang Prabang Southern Station to Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Stationbus bus
    4. Take the bus from Hanoi Hoan Kiem to Sapabus bus
    2d 1h
    $95–162

Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) flights

Calendar45Weekly Planes
Duration5h 8mAverage Duration
Ticket$112Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chiang Rai to Lào Cai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 959.5 km
  • Duration: 12h 19m

What companies run services between Chiang Rai, Thailand and Lào Cai, Vietnam?

You can take a bus from Chiang Rai to Lao Cai via Chiang khong, Huay Xai - Bokeo Station, Oudomxay, My Dinh bus station, Sapa bus station, and Sapa in around 37h 34m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Which side of Niagara Falls should I choose (and how do I get there)?, How to travel India's Golden Triangle, and How to get from Stansted Airport into central London - to help you get the most out of your next trip.