How to Get From Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

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1h 30mFastest

$26From

Written by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail·

Ferry · Bus · Flight

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Map showing route from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai - 352 km

Luang Prabang → Chiang Mai352 km

Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's biggest city, about 352 kilometres (219 miles) from Luang Prabang. Its old walled centre is packed with temples, and Doi Suthep looks down from the hills. Flying is the quickest option, taking 1.5-5 hours. By land and river, the ferry is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai at $26 (860 THB). The bus costs more and takes about as long.

DISTANCE

Distance from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai are about 352 km (219 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 630 km. The quickest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is by taking the flight, which takes around 1.5-5h.

~352 km

Straight-line distance

~630 km

Route distance

1h 30m

Fastest

COMPARE

3 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

There are three ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai. You can choose between the ferry, bus, and flight. The journey takes 1h 30m–23h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at $26 (860 THB).

TransportDurationPrice

If you’re looking for adventure and a more authentic experience, then we suggest travelling by ferry or “slow boat” from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.

Travelling by slow boat along the Mekong River is one of the most scenic and cheapest ways to travel on this route. This option is truly unique and offers amazing sights that you will miss if you take a flight or a bus instead.

Keep in mind that three days on a boat can feel like a long time and there is not much to do besides taking in the scenery along the river. We suggest bringing a book or a deck of cards to keep yourself entertained throughout this journey.

Step 1: Luang Prabang to Pak Beng by Slow Boat + Tuk-tuk

9h$7.20 (160,000 LAK)

The first part of the journey is travelling from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng by ferry.

To get to the slow boat terminal in Luang Prabang, you need to take a tuk-tuk from the city centre. This trip takes about 15 minutes and costs $2.30 (50,000 LAK) per person.

For the long ferry ride, you can buy your tickets directly at the slow boat pier. Note that ticket booths open at 08:00 and a ticket costs $5 (110,000 LAK) per person.

The boat departs at 08:30 and the ride takes 9 hours. You’ll arrive at Pak Beng at around 17:30, so don’t be surprised if you have to spend one night in this village.

Note that many locals at Pak Beng will offer accommodation. Prices are negotiable, so make sure to ask for a discount. Don’t expect too much of the local accommodations, though. Most of them are clean and good for a night’s sleep.

Step 2: Pak Beng to Huay Xai/Chiang Khong by Slow Boat

9h$6.30 (140,000 LAK)

The ferry from Pak Beng to Huay Xai departs at 08:30. To guarantee your spot on the boat, make sure to arrive at the pier before 08:00, which is when the ticketing booth opens.

Fare starts at $5 (110,000 LAK) for the journey that takes around 9 hours to the pier in Huay Xai.

Upon arriving at the pier, you can take a tuk-tuk for $0.90 (20,000 LAK) to the Laos Border Control and Immigration Office to exit the country. This trip takes about 20 minutes.

Once complete, cross over the bridge to the Thai border. The next step is to take a shuttle bus to the immigration office in Chiang Khong, which costs $0.50 (10,000 LAK) per person. Tuk-tuks are also available near the bridge.

At the immigration office, present your documents to get your visa and have your passport stamped.

Step 3: Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai by Bus

5h 40m - 7h 5m$12 (405 THB)

After all the immigration steps, you need to look for a hotel to spend a night in Chiang Khong, as the buses to Chiang Mai depart early in the morning.

We suggest booking your hotel in advance. Try to book a hotel with a free pick-up service so that you won’t have to arrange for a transfer.

Green Bus is the only bus company on the Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai route. They offer several daily trips departing from Chiang Khong District (Chaing Khong Market), north of the border crossing. Bus tickets start at $12 (405 THB) for the bus ride that takes around 5h 40m - 7h 5m.

5h40mGreen BusExpress ComboChiang Khong Local BusChiang Mai Bus Terminal 310:30$12405 THBTickets

7h5mGreen BusExpressChiang Khong Local BusChiang Mai Bus Terminal 309:30$12410 THBTickets

5h40mGreen BusVIP comboChiang Khong Local BusChiang Mai Bus Terminal 310:30$19620 THBTickets

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.

The bus arrives at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, which is just a 15-minute ride from the centre of Chiang Mai.

Fast Boat from Luang Prabang

If you want a quicker way to travel by water, you also have the option of taking a fast boat from Luang Prabang. A fast boat to Pak Beng costs $7.90 (176,000 LAK), while a fast boat to Huay Xai costs $13 (290,000 LAK).

We do not recommend this option because it is known to be risky and can result in accidents. It’s basically a long-tail boat with a strong engine in the back. Not only will it be noisy, but it will also be more dangerous compared to the more stable slow boats.

Chiang Mai

Travelling by bus takes almost a full day, but it is cheaper compared to flying. That’s apart from the one night you can save on accommodation. A bus ride also gives you an opportunity to take in the sights along the way.

Yortdoy Travel is the bus company operating on the Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai route. Tickets cost around $59 (1,940 THB).

Departure and arrival station

Buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal, within a 5-minute drive from the city centre of Luang Prabang. On the other hand, Laos Group Tour offers a free pick-up service from your hotel so you won’t have to worry about the transfer.

Naluang bus drops passengers off at Bus Terminal 3 in Chiang Mai, while Laos Group Tour bus takes you straight to Chiang Mai Bus Station 2. Both stations are located east of the city centre. To go to the city centre, you can take a songthaew for about $1.80 (60 THB) for the 15-minute ride.

Below we provide you with schedules of the reputable buses from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.

Bus schedule from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

23hYortdoy TravelSleepingLokprasert Bus Station (Northern Bus stationChiang Mai Bus Terminal 317:30$591,940 THBTickets

Available atBookaway

Customs & Immigrations

Buses operating from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai stop at Huay Xai border. You will need to get off the bus and go through Laos Border Control and Immigration Office to record your exit leaving the country. When completed, you will board your bus again and head to Thailand immigration.

The bus will then drive you across the bridge to Thailand Border Immigration Office in Chiang Khong, the Thailand side of the border. Here, you will need to present your travel documents to Thai immigration and receive your passport stamp to enter Thailand.

Once completed, you will board the bus again, which will then take you straight to Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai

Booking a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is the quickest option and takes just a little over an hour. A direct flight with Lao Airlines starts from $91 (3,000 THB), but it’s normally more expensive.

In case these direct flights are sold out, you can also book an indirect flight, which makes a stopover in Bangkok. These flights take around 4.5-5.5 hours, with airfares starting from $110 (3,600 THB).

Be sure to book your flight in advance and early as there are not many direct flights for this route.

Flights depart from Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ), which you can reach in 15 minutes by taxi or tuk-tuk from the city centre.

All flights land at Chiang Mai Airport (CNX). From the airport, you can take a bus, taxi, songthaew, or tuk-tuk to go to the centre of Chiang Mai. Depending on the traffic, it is usually a 20-minute trip from the airport.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Luang Prabang

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Chiang Mai

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai

Here are our favourite places to stay in Chiang Mai for every budget.

Treat Yourself

Rimping Village

Chiang Mai can be tiring exploring all of the temples and going on day trips, so there's nothing better than coming back to a luxurious and beautiful hotel. Rimping Village feels like a mini resort nestled in the middle of Chiang Mai.

The exceptional breakfast served in the gardens each morning is likely to be one of the highlights of your trip. What a way to start the day! Then go for a dip in their beautiful outdoor swimming pool or head back to your spacious room.

Stunning swimming pool
Luxurious rooms and design
Beautiful garden
Exceptional free breakfast

Private rooms start from $88 (2,900 THB) per night.

Check availability

Mid-Range

POR Daowadung

Everything about POR Daowadung feels like a top-quality luxury hotel. Whether it's the ultra-modern but comfortable designs of the rooms or the outdoor swimming pool and sunloungers actually in the pool!

The hotel is in a great location, every room has its own balcony and a delicious breakfast is included every morning. Can you ask for much more from an accommodation?

Great value for money
Outdoor swimming pool
Beautiful design
Delicious free breakfast

Private rooms start from $44 (1,460 THB) per night.

Check availability

Budget

Chada Mantra Hotel

The star of the show at Chada Mantra Hotel has to be its outdoor swimming pool, which is extremely refreshing after a day spent exploring the city. Located within Chiang Mai Old City, just 700m from the Pae gate, this hotel is perfectly located.

The hotel offers free breakfast, wifi in all rooms and common areas, as well as an onsite bar. Here you'll find beautiful clean rooms with city views and very comfortable beds. The staff are well known to be extremely helpful, always going the extra mile to assist their guests in any way possible.

Beautiful swimming pool
Perfect location
Comfortable beds
Free breakfast

Private rooms start at $28 (930 THB) per night

Check availability

Budget

Asa Hotel

It's hard to believe that Asa Hotel is a budget-friendly accommodation, but a night here will cost you less than $30 (990 THB) for two people. The hotel is ultra-modern with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and sun loungers for you to enjoy.

The staff are incredibly friendly and will help you with anything. The hotel also offers free coffee, tea and water in glass bottles to reduce the use of plastic. Here you're a 15-minute walk from the Old Town.

Outdoor swimming pool
Ultra-modern
Great staff
Free coffee, tea and water

Private rooms start from $27 (890 THB) per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Chiang Mai?

Chiang Mai is Thailand's northernmost city, an intriguing fusion of new and old. Its hundreds of temples, striking Old City and delicious local dishes tell the story of Chiang Mai's culture and history. On the other hand, its cafe culture, friendly coworking spaces and nightlife attract digital nomads from across the globe.

Surrounded by mountains, the city offers plenty of adventures with nature. But if you can, we recommend travelling to Chiang Mai in time for one of its many festivals — like Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) in November and Songkran (Water Splashing Festival) in April.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai, roughly 352 kilometres (219 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $26 (860 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?

The distance from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is 352 kilometres (219 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?

The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is by flight and takes 1.5-5h.

What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?

The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 860 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

AbegailReviewer

Travel Writer

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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How to Get From Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

Distance from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

3 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai

Step 1: Luang Prabang to Pak Beng by Slow Boat + Tuk-tuk

Step 2: Pak Beng to Huay Xai/Chiang Khong by Slow Boat

Step 3: Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai by Bus