Rome2Rio

How to get fromSapa to Chiang Maiby bus, plane, train, ferry, or car

Find Transport to Chiang Mai

See all options

There are 8 ways to get from Sapa to Chiang Mai by bus, plane, train, ferry, or car

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

  1. Bus to Noi Bai International Airport, fly

    best
    1. Take the bus from Sapa to Hanoi Airportbus bus
    2. Fly from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)plane plane HAN - CNX
    9h 33m
    ฿3,555–8,614

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Sapa to Hanoi Hoan Kiembus bus
    2. Take the bus from Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station to Luang Prabang Southern Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Luang Prabang to Chiang Maibus bus
    2d 5h
    ฿2,326–6,832

  3. Train, Local Speedboat, drive, bus

    1. Take the train from Hekou North to Kunmingtrain train
    2. Take the train from Kunming South to Luang Prabang stationtrain train
    3. Take the ferry from Luang Prabang to Pakbengferry ferry
    4. Drive from Pakbeng to Huay Xai Transfercar car
    5. Take the bus from Huay Xai Transfer to Tha Phae Gatebus bus
    28h 21m
    ฿4,255–8,936

  4. Bus via Vientiane

    1. Take the bus from Sapa to Hanoi Hoan Kiembus bus
    2. Take the bus from Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station to Vientiane - Southern Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Morning market Talat Sao to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3bus bus
    2d 3h
    ฿2,822–3,578

  5. Drive  990.9 km

    1. Drive from Sapa to Chiang Maicar car 990.9 km
    15h 11m
    ฿3,886–5,613

  6. Drive to Dien Bien Phu Airport, fly

    1. Drive from Sapa to Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN)car car
    2. Fly from Dien Bien Phu Airport (DIN) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)plane plane DIN - CNX
    19h 54m
    ฿5,141–14,503

  7. Train to Kunming Changshui International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Hekou North to Kunmingtrain train
    2. Fly from Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX)plane plane KMG - CNX
    12h
    ฿5,360–12,311

  8. Bus via Luang Prabang

    1. Take the bus from Sapa to Noi Bai International Airportbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Hanoi Old Quarter to Northern Bus Station, Ban Naluangbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Sokprasert Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3bus bus
    2d 12h
    ฿3,857–4,931

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) flights

Calendar14Weekly Planes
Duration3hAverage Duration
Ticket฿3,093Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Sapa to Chiang Mai.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,056.4 km
  • Duration: 9h 33m

What companies run services between Sapa, Vietnam and Chiang Mai, Thailand?

You can take a bus from Sapa to Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 via Hanoi Hoan Kiem, Hanoi Old Quarter, Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station, Vientiane - Southern Bus Station, and Morning market Talat Sao in around 2d 3h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Ferry operators

Want to know more about travelling around the world?

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Read our range of informative guides on popular transport routes and companies - including Need to know: Eurostar, Bali: What to do if Mount Agung erupts, and 5 delightfully under-the-radar French towns you need to visit - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Booking & Getting There