Facts about the bus from Chiang Mai to Vientiane
| Cheapest Bus | $70 |
| Fastest Bus | 15h 30m |
| Earliest Bus | 7:00 م |
| Latest Bus | 8:30 م |
| Daily Bus Routes | 1 |
| Distance | 150 kilometers |
| Bus Companies | Nakhonchai Air, Tara Tour and Travel, Thai AirAsia |
Buses from Chiang Mai to Vientiane
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Chiang Mai to Vientiane Destination Reviews
N
Nicolas I really appreciate the way that the company place someone at every key point to help me crossing the border quickly with no stress.
Chiang Mai to Vientiane, Bus Express, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล), Jul 20, 2026
BL
Benjamin LStaff 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 PI 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 BNot 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 RYa 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 TVery 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 BThe 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
Chiang Mai to Vientiane Bus Schedule
| Operator | Class | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tara Tour and Travel | Express | 19:30 | 11:00 | $52.23 | |
Tara Tour and Travel | Express | 19:30 | 11:30 | $52.23 | |
Tara Tour and Travel | Express Bus 38pax | 19:30 | 11:30 | $52.23 |
How to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus
Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Chiang Mai to Vientiane a conscious and budget-friendly option.
Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.
Here is the list of operators serving the route: .
How far is Chiang Mai from Vientiane?
If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 150 km between Chiang Mai and Vientiane.
How long does it take to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus?
Buses normally need between 15h 30m and 15h 30m hours to get to Vientiane from Chiang Mai. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.
On this route, Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล) offers the fastest service. Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล) buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.
Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.
How much does it cost to get from Chiang Mai to Vientiane by bus?
The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.
Anyway, travelling by bus between Chiang Mai and Vientiane remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล) and costs USD 69.31. A Tara Tour and Travel (ธาราทัวร์แอนด์ทราเวล)'s ticket will set you back USD 69.31 on average.
Travelling by bus essentials
- If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
- VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
- Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
- If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
- Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
- To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
- As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
- Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
- If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.
Transportation from Chiang Mai to Vientiane
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Trains$ 111.03
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Buses$ 69.31
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Flights$ 93.87
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Taxis$ 236.84
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Vans$ 86.56
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Ferries are not available