THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Rai to Nong Khai at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- To
- Nong Khai หนองคาย
- Road distance
- About 614 km
- Straight line
- 380 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~9 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Nong Khai to Chiang Rai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's second city and a gateway to the Golden Triangle and Laos. It has two bus terminals: one in the centre for regional buses and one south of town for long-distance services.
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
In the town centre. Regional buses to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
About 5 km south of the centre. Long-distance buses to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beyond.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check Lao visa rules before crossing.
KEEP GOING
From Nong Khai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Nong Khai
More buses from Chiang Rai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Rai from Nong Khai by road?+
About 614 km by road (380 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Rai to Nong Khai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 9 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Rai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Nong Khai to Chiang Rai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Nong Khai to Chiang Rai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Rai arrive in Nong Khai?+
It depends on the operator. In Nong Khai, services use Nong Khai bus station. For Laos, you can also take a tuk-tuk to the Friendship Bridge and cross by shuttle bus.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Nong Khai?+
For Laos, you can also take a tuk-tuk to the Friendship Bridge and cross by shuttle bus.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Rai to Nong Khai?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Rai to Nong Khai bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Nong Khai by bus?+
Direct buses from Nong Khai include Vientiane, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Ayutthaya and more. See all connections on our Nong Khai bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Rai to Nong Khai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Nong Khai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →