What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

The cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai is to bus which costs ฿900 - ฿1100 and takes 18h.

What is the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

The fastest way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai is to fly which takes 3h 40m and costs ฿3800 - ฿9000.

Is there a direct bus between Vientiane and Chiang Rai?

No, there is no direct bus from Vientiane to Chiang Rai. However, there are services departing from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office and arriving at Chiang Rai via Khon Kaen. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 18h.

How far is it from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

The distance between Vientiane and Chiang Rai is 368 km. The road distance is 556.4 km.

How do I travel from Vientiane to Chiang Rai without a car?

The best way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai without a car is to bus which takes 18h and costs ฿900 - ฿1100.

How long does it take to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

It takes approximately 3h 40m to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Vientiane to Chiang Rai bus from?

Vientiane to Chiang Rai bus services, operated by Lao-Thai International Bus, depart from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office station.

Bus or fly from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

The best way to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai is to fly which takes 3h 40m and costs ฿3800 - ฿9000. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs ฿900 - ฿1100 and takes 18h.

Where does the Vientiane to Chiang Rai bus arrive?

Vientiane to Chiang Rai bus services, operated by Lao-Thai International Bus, arrive at Khon Kaen station.

Can I drive from Vientiane to Chiang Rai?

Yes, the driving distance between Vientiane to Chiang Rai is 556 km. It takes approximately 9h 35m to drive from Vientiane to Chiang Rai.

Where can I stay near Chiang Rai?

There are 386+ hotels available in Chiang Rai.

Vientiane to Chiang Rai - 6 ways to travel via train, plane, bus, and car

There are 6 ways to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai by plane, train, bus, or car

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

Fly
best
1. Fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane VTE - CEI
3h 40m
฿3,892–8,618
Bus via Lampang
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Vientiane Talat Sao Station to Udon Thanibus
2. Take the bus from Udon Thani to Lampangbus 876
3. Take the bus from Lampang to Chiang Raibus
18h 4m
฿880–1,924
Train, bus
1. Take the train from Nong Khai to Tha Phratrain 134
2. Take the bus from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal to Chiang Raibus Route No.909
10h 26m
฿1,005–2,860
Drive 556.4 km
1. Drive from Vientiane to Chiang Raicar 556.4 km
9h 35m
฿3,112–4,496
Bus
1. Take the bus from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office to Khon Kaenbus
2. Take the bus from Khon Kaen to Chiang Raibus
18h
฿912–1,081
Bus #2
1. Take the bus from Nong Khai to Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminalbus
2. Take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Raibus Chiang Mai
19h 6m
฿1,667–2,067

Vientiane to Chiang Rai by bus

14Weekly Buses

18h 4mAverage Duration

฿880Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai.

Launch map view

Distance: 367.9 km
Duration: 3h 40m

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

Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways International, and Lao Airlines fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) 4 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office to Chiang Rai via Khon Kaen in around 18h.

Airlines