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Chiang Mai to Vientiane from $17: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chiang Mai, Thailand
to
Vientiane, Laos

How to Get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$17 by busBest price
684.3 kmDistance
3h 32m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chiang Mai to Vientiane with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
3h  32m
Estimated price
$65-183
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
15h  45m
Estimated price
$17-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 684.3 km
Duration: 3h 32m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
14h  30m
Estimated price
$31-32
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  12m
Estimated price
$37-148
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$86-241
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
10h  50m
Estimated price
$120-180
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Traveling From Chiang Mai to Vientiane

Your journey from Chiang Mai to Vientiane offers a fascinating contrast, as the lush mountains and vibrant culture of northern Thailand give way to the serene riverside charm and laid-back atmosphere of Laos.

Best Neighbourhoods in Vientiane

Vientiane hosts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct cultural experiences and attractions.

Chanthabouly
• Home to lively markets and street food stalls.
• Features beautiful temples and cultural sites.
That Luang
• Known for the stunning golden stupa, Pha That Luang.
• Offers a more local vibe with fewer tourists.
Sisaath
• Quiet area with boutique cafes and art galleries.
• Close to the Mekong River for scenic strolls.

Best Times To Visit Vientiane's Attractions

Planning your visits to Vientiane's attractions can enhance your experience significantly by avoiding crowds and enjoying the sights peacefully.

Pha That Luang
Visit in the early morning for quieter moments and perfect photos.
Patuxai Victory Monument
Late afternoons draw fewer visitors, ideal for sunset views.
Boudha Stupa
Weekdays are quieter, allowing for a more tranquil atmosphere.

Vientiane Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Vientiane experiences a tropical savanna climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making November to February the most pleasant months to visit. Weather conditions can greatly influence your travel adventures, as the dry season offers clearer skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring.

Dining Recommendation in Vientiane

Savor the flavors of Laotian cuisine at Or Lam, where dishes like Laab (minced meat salad) showcase bold herbs and spices, providing a sharp contrast to the sweeter profiles often found in Chiang Mai. The relaxed atmosphere and use of fresh, local ingredients make dining here an authentic experience that embodies the essence of Lao culture.

Chiang Mai - Vientiane operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chiang Mai and Vientiane, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus
Contact phone
084-2626003
Website
easybook.com

Bus from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Nong Khai

Average Duration
11h 30m
Estimated price
$31-31

Bus from Udon Thani to Vientiane Talat Sao Station

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$2-3
Contact phone
+66 56 720 720
Website
phetprasert.com

Bus from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani

Average Duration
11h 45m
Estimated price
$15-28
Contact phone
1490
Website
home.transport.co.th

Bus from Udon Thani to Vientiane Talat Sao Station

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$2-3
Train
Contact phone
1690
Website
https://www.railway.co.th/

Train from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai

Average Duration
1h 58m
Estimated price
$2-29
Plane
Website
airasia.com

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Udon Thani (UTH)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$55-200

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Vientiane (VTE)

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$110-260

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Khon Kaen (KKC)

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$29-110
Website
thaiairways.com

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Vientiane (VTE)

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$110-260
Website
laoairlines.com

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Vientiane (VTE)

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$80-260
Website
nokair.com

Plane from Chiang Mai (CNX) to Udon Thani (UTH)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$55-200

Chiang Mai to Vientiane: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chiang Mai and Vientiane offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chiang Mai to Vientiane covering a distance of 671.1 km. With approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes of driving time, prepare for a long yet rewarding journey. 💸 Experience the flexibility and comfort of traveling by car with prices ranging from $120 to $180 for the Chiang Mai to Vientiane route.
Average price
$120 - $180
🛫 The quickest flight from Chiang Mai Airport to Udon Thani Airport is a direct flight with Nok Air, taking just 1 hour. 🌍 From Udon Thani, it will take approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes to reach Vientiane by plane, offering a convenient connection between Thailand and Laos. 💸 Prices for flights between Vientiane and Chiang Mai range from $86 to $241, providing budget-friendly options for travelers exploring these two unique destinations in Southeast Asia.
Departure Point
Chiang Mai Airport
Arrival Point
Udon Thani Airport
🚌 There is no direct bus from Chiang Mai to Vientiane station, but you can take a service from Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Nong Khai and then transfer to Vientiane Talat Sao Station. The entire journey, with transfers, typically takes around 14 hours and 30 minutes. 🌏 Chiang Mai to Vientiane bus services are operated by Orsuksa Tour, departing from Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminal and arriving at Nong Khai station before reaching Vientiane. The total travel time from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus is approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes. 💰 Bus prices between Vientiane and Chiang Mai may range from $17 to $30, providing an affordable transport option for those looking to explore Laos from Thailand via a scenic bus route.
Departure Point
Chaing Mai Arcade Bus Terminal station
Arrival Point
Nong Khai station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chiang Mai to Vientiane.

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The distance between Chiang Mai and Vientiane is approximately 394.3 km. The road distance is slightly longer at 671.6 km. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. It takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes to fly to Udon Thani from Chiang Mai and then take a bus to Vientiane. Taking a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Vientiane takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. If you choose to drive, the travel time is around 10 hours and 50 minutes, while taking a bus can take up to 15 hours and 45 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chiang Mai to Vientiane is by bus via Udon Thani. This option takes approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes and costs around $16-$35. If time efficiency is a priority, the fastest option is to fly from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani and then take a bus to Vientiane. This option takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes and costs around $60-$180.
The prices for traveling from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus can vary, with the costs ranging from $16 to $30.
To get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane without using public transportation, the best option would be to take a private car or hire a car with a driver. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 671.1 km, and it takes around 10 hours and 50 minutes to drive from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. The prices to hire a car with a driver range from $120 to $180, depending on the company and type of vehicle chosen.
The most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Vientiane without a car is by taking a bus. There are buses that operate from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani, from where you can transfer to another bus that will take you to Vientiane. This journey takes approximately 15 hours and 45 minutes and costs around $16-$35.
There is no direct link between Chiang Mai and Vientiane. However, there are options available for travel between the two cities. One option is to fly from Chiang Mai to Udon Thani and then take a bus to Vientiane, which takes about 4 hours and 33 minutes. Another option is to fly directly from Chiang Mai to Vientiane, which takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. If traveling by car, it would take approximately 10 hours and 50 minutes to drive from Chiang Mai to Vientiane.
The flight between Chiang Mai and Vientiane usually takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes with one stopover. However, please note that there is no direct flight available between the two cities. The cost of the flight typically ranges from $86 to $221, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Vientiane. With over 150 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at just $24, making it possible to find affordable lodging options in the area.