The express bus from Vientiane to Chiang Mai is a convenient and affordable way to travel from the capital of Laos directly to northern Thailand. The bus departs from Morning Market (Talat Sao) in Vientiane and arrives at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2) the following morning, with a vehicle change at the Nong Khai border crossing.

What's Included

• Express bus ticket from Vientiane, Laos to Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Instant e-ticket confirmation
• Luggage assistance during change of transport by operator's staff

Not Included

• 🚼 Tuk-tuk fare: 100 THB (paid directly at border)
• 🌉 Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge fee: 35 THB (paid directly at border)

Departure Schedule

Daily departure from Morning Market (Talat Sao), Vientiane:

• Departure: 13:30 (1:30 PM)
• Vehicle change at: Nong Khai border crossing
• Estimated Arrival: ~07:30 the following morning at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2)

Check-in Point

Platform A1, Morning Market (Talat Sao), Vientiane. Please proceed to Platform A1 at least 30 minutes before departure with your ticket and passport. Staff will be waiting at the vehicle stand at Platform A1.

⚠️ Note: Arriving earlier than 30 minutes before departure will result in no staff being present at the platform.

Arrival Point

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, Terminal 2 (อาเขต 2), Chiang Mai — accessible by songthaew, tuk-tuk, or taxi to most parts of Chiang Mai city.

Important Information

• 📍 Proceed to Platform A1 at Morning Market at least 30 minutes before departure. Staff will be at the vehicle stand. Arriving more than 30 minutes early means no staff will be present yet.
• 📵 Please bring your ticket and passport for check-in
• 🚌 Passengers will change vehicles at Nong Khai border crossing before continuing to Chiang Mai
• 🇹🇭 Thailand Digital Arrival Card required: All foreign citizens travelling to Thailand must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at least 3 days before arrival
• 🧳 Luggage allowance: 20 kg per person (1 large bag + 1 small bag not exceeding 28 inches)
• Operator's staff will assist with luggage during change of transport
• 💰 Not included: Tuk-tuk fare of 100 THB and Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge fee of 35 THB — both paid directly by the customer at the border
• Please ensure your passport is valid and you have the correct Thai visa or entry requirements before travel
• The bus crosses into Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge at Nong Khai — please have your travel documents ready
• Arrival times may be affected by traffic or border crossing delays

Luggage Policy

• 20 kg per person allowed (1 large bag + 1 small bag not exceeding 28 inches)
• Please contact us via WhatsApp if you have oversized luggage

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get from Vientiane to Chiang Mai by bus?

The express bus departs from Morning Market (Talat Sao) in Vientiane at 13:30. Passengers change vehicles at Nong Khai border crossing before continuing to Chiang Mai, arriving at Arcade Bus Terminal (Terminal 2) at approximately 07:30 AM the following morning.

Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?

Most nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival. Please check current visa requirements for your nationality. Additionally, all foreign citizens must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) at least 3 days before arrival in Thailand.

Where is the check-in point in Vientiane?

Proceed to Platform A1 at Morning Market (Talat Sao), Vientiane. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the 13:30 departure with your ticket and passport. Note that arriving more than 30 minutes early means no staff will be present at the platform yet.

Where does the bus arrive in Chiang Mai?

The bus arrives at Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, Terminal 2 (อาเขต 2), accessible by songthaew, tuk-tuk, or taxi to most parts of Chiang Mai.

Do passengers need to change vehicles?

Yes. Passengers change vehicles at Nong Khai border crossing. Operator's staff will assist with luggage during the transfer.

Are there any extra fees at the border?

Yes. Customers are required to pay a tuk-tuk fare of 100 THB and a Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge fee of 35 THB directly at the border. These are not included in the ticket price.

What is the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is a mandatory online form that all foreign citizens must complete at least 3 days before arriving in Thailand. You can complete it at tdac.immigration.go.th.

How long is the journey from Vientiane to Chiang Mai?

The total journey takes approximately 18 hours, including the vehicle change and border crossing at Nong Khai. Actual arrival time may vary depending on traffic and border wait times.