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

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

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

    best
    1. Fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane plane VTE - CEI
    4h 10m
    ฿5,694–8,538

  2. Bus via Khon Kaen

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office to Khon Kaenbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Khon Kaen to Chiang Raibus bus
    18h
    ฿986–1,755

  3. Train, Local Speedboat, drive, bus

    1. Take the train from Vientiane station to Luang Prabang stationtrain train
    2. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Pakbengferry ferry
    3. Drive from Pakbeng to Chiang Khong Bordercar car
    4. Take the bus from Chiang Khong Border to Chiang Rai Town Transferbus bus
    13h 32m
    ฿2,794–3,679

  4. Bus, train, ferry, Local Bus

    1. Take the bus from Vientiane Transfer to Amari Van Vieng Hotel Transferbus bus
    2. Take the train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Naluang Terminaltrain train
    3. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Huay Xaiferry ferry
    4. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus bus
    16h 2m
    ฿1,600–2,034

  5. Drive  556.6 km

    1. Drive from Vientiane to Chiang Raicar car 556.6 km
    9h 35m
    ฿3,252–4,697

  6. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Nong Khai to Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from CoolMuang Coffee to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1bus bus CoolMuang Coffee - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
    17h 31m
    ฿2,032–2,388

  7. Bus #2

    1. Take the bus from Morning market Talat Sao to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3bus bus Morning market Talat Sao - Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3
    2. Take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Raibus bus Chiang Mai
    22h 45m
    ฿1,440–1,590

Vientiane to Chiang Rai by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration22h 45mAverage Duration
Ticket฿1,440Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 367.6 km
  • Duration: 4h 10m

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) 5 times a day. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 via Nong Khai, Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, Nakhon Chai Air Chiang Mai, Tha Pae Gate, and CoolMuang Coffee in around 17h 31m.

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