THE SHORT VERSION
Vientiane to Chiang Mai at a glance.
- From
- Vientiane ວຽງຈັນ
- To
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- Road distance
- About 592 km
- Straight line
- 394 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~9 h buses take longer
- Return route
- Chiang Mai to Vientiane →
- Border
- Laos → Thailand. Passport and visa needed
Ready to travel from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and has several bus terminals, each serving a different direction. International buses to Vietnam leave from the Southern Bus Terminal.
- Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao)
City buses, plus buses to the Thai border and some regional routes. - Southern Bus Terminal
About 10 km from the centre. Routes south and many international buses to Vietnam. - Northern Bus Terminal
About 9 km from the centre. Routes north, such as Luang Prabang.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
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.
- Buses towards Laos usually cross at Chiang Khong–Huay Xai. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Chiang Mai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Chiang Mai
More buses from Vientiane
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Vientiane from Chiang Mai by road?+
About 592 km by road (394 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Vientiane to Chiang Mai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 9 h 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 Vientiane?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Vientiane include Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao), Southern Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Chiang Mai to Vientiane?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Chiang Mai to Vientiane guide.
Where does the bus from Vientiane arrive in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. In Chiang Mai, services use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal. Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Chiang Mai?+
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
What kind of bus runs from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?+
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 Vientiane to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai by bus?+
Direct buses from Chiang Mai include Lampang, Pai, Chiang Rai, Huay Xai, Sukhothai and more. See all connections on our Chiang Mai bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?+
This journey crosses from Laos into Thailand. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Vientiane → Chiang Mai on 12GoFOLLOW 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: Vientiane to Chiang Mai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Vientiane (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →