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

Find Transport to Chiang Rai

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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 from Wattay International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Wattay International Airport (VTE) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane plane VTE - CEI
    3h 40m
    ฿5,193–9,006

  2. Bus

    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
    ฿976–1,645

  3. Train, Local Speedboat, drive, Local 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 khongcar car
    4. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus bus
    12h 31m
    ฿1,852–2,800

  4. Drive 556.6 km

    1. Drive from Vientiane to Chiang Raicar car 556.6 km
    9h 35m
    ฿3,253–4,699

  5. Bus to Udon Thani International Airport, fly

    1. Take the bus from Udon Kaew office, Nong Khai to Udon Thani Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from Udon Thani International Airport (UTH) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane plane UTH - CEI
    6h 31m
    ฿2,911–5,574

  6. Bus via Lampang

    1. Take the bus from Vientiane Talat Sao Station to Udon Thanibus bus
    2. Take the bus from Udon Thani to Lampangbus bus 876
    3. Take the bus from Lampang to Chiang Raibus bus
    18h 4m
    ฿1,100–2,249

  7. Bus #2

    1. Take the bus from Nong Khai to Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminalbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Raibus bus Chiang Mai
    18h 15m
    ฿1,976–2,651

Vientiane to Chiang Rai by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration18h 4mAverage Duration
Ticket฿1,100Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Vientiane to Chiang Rai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 367.6 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) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office to Chiang Rai via Khon Kaen in around 18h.

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