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

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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 from Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport, 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 9m
    $138–254

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai Town Transfer to Luang Prabang stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Northern Bus Station, Ban Naluang to Hanoi Old Quarterbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Hanoi Hoan Kiem to Sapabus bus
    46h 9m
    $98–149

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai Transfer to Huay Xaibus bus
    2. Take the bus from Huay Xai Transfer to Boten stationbus bus
    3. Take the train from Boten 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
    21h 7m
    $121–217

  4. Bus to Chiang Mai International Airport, fly, bus

    1. Take the bus from Jed Yod Cafe to Chiang Mai Town Hotel Transferbus bus
    2. Fly from Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)plane plane CNX - HAN
    3. Take the bus from Hanoi Airport to Sapabus bus
    14h 43m
    $136–286

  5. Bus, Minivan, train

    1. Take the bus from Chiang Rai Transfer to Huay Xaibus 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 train from Ha Noi to Sapa Lao Caitrain train
    2d 2h
    $115–157

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

Calendar41Weekly Planes
Duration5hAverage Duration
Ticket$98Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chiang Rai to Lào Cai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 958 km
  • Duration: 12h 9m

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

You can take a bus from Chiang Rai Town Transfer to Lao Cai via Luang Prabang station, Northern Bus Station, Ban Naluang, Hanoi Old Quarter, Hanoi Hoan Kiem, and Sapa in around 46h 9m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

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