Rome2Rio

How to get fromVang Vieng to Chiang Raiby train, ferry, bus, car or plane

Find Transport to Chiang Rai

See all options

There are 7 ways to get from Vang Vieng to Chiang Rai by train, ferry, bus, car, or plane

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

  1. Train, ferry, Local Bus

    best
    1. Take the train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminaltrain train
    2. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Huay Xaiferry ferry
    3. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus bus
    13h 35m
    ฿1,044–1,820

  2. Train, Minivan, Local Bus

    1. Take the train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminaltrain train
    2. Take the bus from Luang Prabang - Naluang Station to Huay Xai - Bokeo Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus bus
    15h 43m
    ฿1,633–2,825

  3. Drive 494.1 km

    1. Drive from Vang Vieng to Chiang Raicar car 494.1 km
    8h 21m
    ฿2,838–4,099

  4. Train to Luang Prabang International Airport, fly to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport

    1. Take the train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminaltrain train
    2. Fly from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane plane LPQ - CEI
    8h 54m
    ฿4,968–12,055

  5. Bus to Wattay International Airport, fly to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport

    1. Take the bus from Vang Vieng Laos to Vientianebus bus
    2. Fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane plane VTE - CEI
    8h 10m
    ฿4,364–8,660

  6. Train to Luang Prabang International Airport, fly to Chiang Mai International Airport, bus

    1. Take the train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminaltrain train
    2. Fly from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)plane plane LPQ - CNX
    3. Take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Raibus bus
    8h 54m
    ฿4,978–10,995

  7. Bus to Wattay International Airport, fly to Louang Namtha Airport, drive

    1. Take the bus from Vang Vieng Laos to Vientianebus bus
    2. Fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Louang Namtha Airport (LXG)plane plane VTE - LXG
    3. Drive from Louang Namtha Airport (LXG) to Chiang Raicar car
    8h 30m
    ฿4,024–5,580

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) flights

Calendar14Weekly Planes
Duration5h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket฿4,263Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

What companies run services between Vang Vieng, Laos and Chiang Rai, Thailand?

There is no direct connection from Vang Vieng to Chiang Rai. However, you can take the taxi to Vang Vieng, take the train to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminal, drive to Luang Prabang, take the ferry to Huay Xai, drive to Chiang khong, then take the bus to Chiang Rai. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Vang Vieng to Chiang Rai via Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang Naluang Terminal, Luang Prabang - Naluang Station, Huay Xai - Bokeo Station, and Chiang khong in around 15h 43m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry 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)?, French strikes 2018: What are my alternative transport options?, and 4 stunningly beautiful Philippines islands you need to visit - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Where to next?

Trips from Vang Vieng

Trips to Chiang Rai

Popular routes