From Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai - Book Transport Tickets from LAK 962,915

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai Destination Reviews

Taichi S

Scheduled arrival in Chiang Rai: 09:30. Actual arrival: 15:01. That’s a 5.5-hour delay. I strongly advise travelers to avoid booking through this operator unless you have significant buffer time.

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai, Bus Sleeper, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Mar 14, 2026

Julie S

Chaos but we made it : Slow boat from luang prabang to chiang rai. Should arrive at 6:30pm but arrived at 10pm. From the border to chiang rai we took one taxi, then one minibus to cross the friendship bridge, then a tuktuk to chiang khong and finally a mini van to chiang rai. The last driver was crazy and drove at 120 instead of 60, it's was scary but we arrived fast. We paid the double of the price with 12GO than it will cost if you take everything directly without intermediar. We didn't know anything about the differents transportation, you have to contact them on whatsapp to know what is going on, who come to pick you and any informations. But at least we arrived at chiang rai, and that is not sure if you do it by yourself because we arrived late at the border and there is not all time minivan to go to chiang rai so you will have to sleep at chiang khong and take the bus the next morning.

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai, Van Van + Ferry, LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ), Feb 7, 2026

Dimitri R

There were not much information from 12GO, luckily I traveled with 2 other person who booked through the bus station and received phone numbers and more details through WhatsApp. The bus left 2h later than schedule and the trip took longer as well. The van waiting for us at the border left as we were Kate and we had to wait an additional 1h30, the trip took about 24h in total, instead of 17h. The bus isn't confortable and the bed have to be shared. There were not enough bed available because some luggage had to be stored on beds since the boot was full of eggs and chickens... Worth ride I had in a bus.

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai, Bus Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Dec 27, 2025

Elana G

It wasn't the trip itself as much as it was a shock to the system. The trip ran smoothly and there were no issues with connections etc. so I have no complaints. However, if you are not used to being in a confined area for hours, this trip is not for you.

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai, Bus Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Jul 4, 2024

Sarah K

Starting at the Lao bus terminal was a bit tough, you have to exchange the voucher and find the bus - not many speak English, in our case there was luckily only one possible option. The whole route took longer than suggested, but we figured that from all other travel offers. The local sleeping bus takes about 15h to get to a station 15 minutes away from the border. After the bus ride we had a K buddy affiliate waiting to show us the vehicle we would take to ravel to the Lao Border Town Huay Xai (ca. 15 min away) There they awaited us and explained the next steps , bought the bus ticket and handed them to us since you need to take an mandatory bus line across the friendship bridge to Thai border. On the other side, after immigration at the Thai border there was a Thai driver from K buddy waiting to take us to Chang Rai. The whole travel was very seamless and easy. Biggest pain point was the Lao Sleeping Bus as is was quite rudimentary, also some people that got in at later bus stops had to sleep on the floor between the bed stations as all beds were full. We expected that though so all was fine and K Buddy really guided us through - their service was great :)

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai, Bus Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Nov 21, 2023

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Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Flight	Lao Airlines	Economy	07:40	15:55	¥22,990
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	09:35	17:45	¥24,563
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	10:00	21:00	¥22,471
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	12:15	08:10	¥26,745
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	12:45	09:40	¥60,818
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	14:35	21:05	¥31,911
Van	Luang Prabang Travel	Tuk Tuk + Sleeping bus + Van	15:00	11:00	¥6,390
Bus	Yortdoy Travel	Bus + Van + Bus + Van	15:30	10:30	¥6,177
Bus	Naluangs	Van + Sleeper Bus	16:00	12:00	¥5,781
Van	LaoLuang Travel	Shuttle + Sleeping Bus + Bus	16:30	10:00	¥6,671
Bus	K Buddy	Sleeping Bus + Van + Bus + Van	17:00	10:30	¥7,165	4.5
Flight	Thai AirAsia	Economy	19:45	09:50	¥25,269

How to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai

Travelling between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai is possible by Flight, bus, ferry, van and taxi. Van guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Ferry+van is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you JPY 26,827 if you go by flight; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus+van which will set you back mere JPY 7,179.

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai?

It can take you anywhere between 12 and 35 hours to travel between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai depending on the means of transport you choose.

Van is the fastest way to travel between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai. Van will bring you to your destination in 11h 30m. Ferry+van does a much slower job and take about 1d 11h to reach Chiang Rai.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai?

Travelling between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai can be as cheap as JPY 7,179 if you opt for a Naluangs bus+van and as expensive as JPY 26,827 if you buy a Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย) flight ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai ?

6 by flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 19:45 Luang Prabang Airport until 19:45 Luang Prabang Airport
2 from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 15:30 MK Hostel Luang Prabang until 16:30 Sokprasert Bus Terminal
2 by Bus+taxi from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 15:30 Sokprasert Bus Terminal until 15:30 Sokprasert Bus Terminal
2 from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 11:10 Luang Prabang Railway Station until 11:11 Luang Prabang Railway Station
1 by Bus+taxi+Van from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 17:00 Sokprasert Bus Terminal until 17:00 Sokprasert Bus Terminal
1 by Bus+Van from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 16:00 Sokprasert Bus Terminal until 16:00 Sokprasert Bus Terminal
1 by Ferry+Van from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai starting from 07:40 Ban Don Mai Slow Boat Terminal until 07:40 Ban Don Mai Slow Boat Terminal

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai

LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ), Luang Prabang Holiday Travel

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai

Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส)

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Luang Prabang and Chiang Rai

LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ)

What is the most popular transport to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus+taxi+Van remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

43% chosen Bus+taxi+Van
30% chosen Bus+Van
7% opted for a bus
7% chosen Ferry+Van
7% took a van
4% chosen Bus+taxi
1% Other

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai

Facts about the transport from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai

Cheapest Transport	¥7,180
Fastest Transport	11h 30m
Earliest Departure	7:40 AM
Latest Departure	7:45 PM
Departures per day	15
Distance	575 kilometers
Transport Companies	Bangkok Busline, Firstplan Transport Services, K Buddy, LaoLuang Travel, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Naluangs, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Yortdoy Travel

Popular Routes

Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai