Chiang Mai to Vientiane

Chiang Mai to Vientiane

Chiang Mai
Vientiane
Sun, Apr 5
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Chiang Mai to Vientiane Destination Reviews

BL
Benjamin L
Staff were very helpful, but there was an unadvertised bus change at Udonthani an hour before the Laos border
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Feb 1, 2026
CP
Carlotta P
I was dropped off at the wrong bus stop and had to pay for another ticket to get to my final destination.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Dec 8, 2025
CB
Charlotte B
Not really a POOR experience, and not an AVERAGE experience, somewhat in-between. First off, at the CM bus terminal, I was told I needed to load a social media app, but without explanation as to why. It became obvious why, after I got on the bus to leave. I am not an avid social media user, but felt it was a must for this trip. The agent took my picture with her cell, again with no explanation. I found out later it was to identify me to the Udon Thani agent at the transfer point. Although I appreciate that, the non-communication was upsetting. With so many English-speaking passengers, there should be a multi-lingual Thai agent on the bus and at the stations to assist foreigners and help explain what's going on. The tickets should show each stop, toilet breaks and transfer points. I appreciated both agents assistance, but to have an explanation would've made the trip more comfortable. However, using the messaging app came in handy as it made communication better and translated the languages. Every question or concern I had was addressed expediently through communicating with the app. The agents were extremely helpful and prompt. Given the fact, Tara Tour was located a few steps from the station in Udon Thani and not at the terminal itself, sending my photo to the agent there was a great idea. He located me quickly. The ride from Udon Thani was enjoyable, no real issues. They issued blankets, water and a snack. The assigned seat was also perfect.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Nov 15, 2025
M
Manuella
The bus arrived on time but it was a bit complicated to find the right bus stops between all the terminals. Also the toilet were a bit filthy but overall the ride was good and they give you a blanket as well as water and food so that is quiet nice.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Nov 12, 2025
AR
Autumn R
Ya is the best travel assistant I have ever had. Was very patient and knowledgeable about the entire trip!! 10/10!!
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Oct 24, 2025
M
Mark
As expected, ok comfortable
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Oct 4, 2025
FT
Federico T
Very few information, we feel alone in a complex process of boarding in another country. No information about bus departure, real ticket and so on until one hour before departure. In general was very uncomfortable.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Sep 6, 2025
BB
Bramwell B
The bus itself is fine - big comfy seats, duvet-blanket, AC and lights out for the whole journey so you can actually sleep. Be aware that it's not a continuous bus all the way to Vientiane. The coach stops at Nong Khai (Thai side of the border), where all the locals end their journey. Someone cattle-prods the tourists (ie you!) into an overloaded tuk-tuk to the actual border. Then you're told to get on another local bus once you've crossed to the Laos side of the border. The info is sent piecemeal by whatsapp messages and photos with instructions. Honestly, you're probably better off just getting the bus to Nong Khai and doing the rest yourself. It's easy enough to work out (get a taxi to the actual border, then another on the other side) and almost certainly cheaper.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), May 8, 2025
4.4
31 customer reviews
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36%
4
19%
3
13%
2
32%
1
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Chiang Mai to Vientiane Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Flight
Asiana Airlines
Economy
00:05
13:20
$911.06
Flight
Jeju Air
Economy
00:45
00:25
$837.42
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:20
14:15
$141.70
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
06:50
13:20
$223.15
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
07:10
13:20
$178.43
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
07:55
07:35
$172.44
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
08:15
07:35
$142.83
Flight
Myanmar Airways Intl
Economy
08:50
19:00
$249.05
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
09:10
13:20
$223.15
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
09:35
15:35
$258.54
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:05
14:15
$131.64
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
10:25
07:35
$119.61
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
10:45
22:20
$330.04
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
11:05
07:35
$125.41
Flight
China Southern Airlines
Economy
11:30
17:45
$336.08
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
11:50
10:55
$272.64
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
12:10
21:50
$176.51
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
12:35
21:50
$155.61
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
13:20
14:15
$130.64
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
13:50
21:50
$156.77

How to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane

When you want to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Taxi. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Train+van ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 277.13. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a flight as a flight ticket costs as low as USD 205.68.

How far is Chiang Mai from Vientiane?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. Your trip will be a total of 94 miles (150 km). The flying distance is 94 miles (150 km).

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

The travel time from Chiang Mai to Vientiane can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 3 to 61 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Mai to Vientiane varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย): travelling by flight expect to pay as low as USD 205.68 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as USD 277.13.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Mai to Vientiane:

  • Bus tickets - USD 33.71 to USD 33.71;
  • Van price : USD 89.12 - USD 95.27;
  • flight+Bus price: USD 96.65. From Chiang Mai to Vientiane starting from 20:30 Chiang Mai NCA Bus Terminal until 20:30 Chiang Mai NCA Bus Terminal
  • Train+Van price: USD 114.32. From Chiang Mai to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer until 09:00 Chiang Mai Hotel Transfer
  • flight price: USD 205.68 - USD 277.13. From Chiang Mai to Vientiane starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 243.85 to USD 522.43.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Mai and Vientiane?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • 27 by flight from Chiang Mai to Vientiane starting from 06:30 Chiang Mai Airport until 22:10 Chiang Mai Airport

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Mai to Vientiane is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 243.85.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Chiang Mai to Vientiane. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Chiang Mai to Vientiane

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Mai to Vientiane? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 50% chosen flight
  • 30% chosen flight+Bus
  • 10% chosen Train+Van
  • 10% opted for a van.

Transportation from Chiang Mai to Vientiane

Facts about the transport from Chiang Mai to Vientiane

Cheapest Transport$34
Fastest Transport3h
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure10:10 PM
Departures per day27
Distance150 kilometers
Transport CompaniesEasyride Services, Mekong Transfer, Nakhonchai Air, Orsuksa Tour, Terminal Green Pai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia