What is the cheapest way to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai?

The cheapest way to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai is to train and bus and ferry and Local Bus which costs ฿1700 - ฿3600 and takes 47h 6m.

What is the fastest way to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai?

The fastest way to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai is to bus and fly which takes 12h 34m and costs ฿5000 - ฿8000.

Is there a direct bus between Lào Cai and Chiang Rai?

No, there is no direct bus from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai. However, there are services departing from Lao Cai and arriving at Chiang Rai via Hanoi Old Quarter, Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, Luang Prabang - Naluang Station and Chiang khong. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2 days 0h.

How far is it from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai?

The distance between Lào Cai and Chiang Rai is 905 km.

How long does it take to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai?

It takes approximately 12h 34m to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Lào Cai to Chiang Rai bus from?

Lào Cai to Chiang Rai bus services, operated by Sao Viet, depart from Lao Cai station.

Where does the Lào Cai to Chiang Rai bus arrive?

Lào Cai to Chiang Rai bus services, operated by Sao Viet, arrive at Hanoi Hoan Kiem station.

Where can I stay near Chiang Rai?

There are 410+ hotels available in Chiang Rai.

Lào Cai to Chiang Rai - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, plane, and ferry

How to get fromLào Cai to Chiang Rai

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 5 ways to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai by bus, plane, train, or ferry

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Bus, fly to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport
best
1. Take the bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi Airportbus
2. Fly from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI)plane HAN - CEI
12h 34m
฿5,138–7,777
Train, bus, ferry, Local Bus
cheapest
1. Take the train from Sapa Lao Cai to Ha Noitrain
2. Take the bus from Hanoi to Northern Bus Station, Ban Naluangbus
3. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Huay Xaiferry
4. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus
47h 6m
฿1,736–3,553
Train, ferry, Local Bus
1. Take the train from Hekou North to Kunmingtrain
2. Take the train from Kunming South to Luang Prabang stationtrain
3. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Huay Xaiferry
4. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus
27h 47m
฿2,572–6,611
Bus, fly to Chiang Mai International Airport
1. Take the bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi Airportbus
2. Fly from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)plane HAN - CNX
3. Take the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Raibus
14h 58m
฿4,188–9,267
Bus, Minivan, Local Bus
1. Take the bus from Lao Cai to Hanoi Hoan Kiembus
2. Take the bus from Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station to Luang Prabang Southern Stationbus
3. Take the bus from Luang Prabang - Naluang Station to Huay Xai - Bokeo Stationbus
4. Take the bus from Chiang khong to Chiang Raibus
2d
฿3,242–4,669

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) flights

42Weekly Planes

5h 55mAverage Duration

฿3,384Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Lào Cai to Chiang Rai.

Launch map view

Distance: 904.6 km
Duration: 12h 34m

What companies run services between Lào Cai, Vietnam and Chiang Rai, Thailand?

You can take a bus from Lao Cai to Chiang Rai via Hanoi Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Old Quarter, Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, Luang Prabang - Naluang Station, Huay Xai - Bokeo Station, and Chiang khong in around 2d.

Airlines