How to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai
Adventure & Exploration · Laos · Scenic Journeys (Road & Rail) · Thailand · Chiang Khong · Chiang Mai · Huay Xai · Luang Prabang · Pakbeng
Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai is a classic Mekong-to-mountains journey. Choose between a quick flight, the iconic two-day slow boat plus bus, an overland bus/minivan via the border, or a private car to the border and onward Thai transport. Here’s how to pick and book each route, with step-by-steps and map links.
At A Glance (Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight (LPQ → CNX, often via BKK/DMK) | ~1h10–3.5h total (route-dependent) | Fastest, least hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$90–220 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🛶🚌 2-Day Mekong Slow Boat (LP → Pak Beng → Huay Xai) + Thai Bus | 2 days boat + ~6–7h bus to Chiang Mai | Scenery, experience |
| 🏷️ Cost: Boat ~US$25–40/day + bus ~US$15–30 » compare boats | Thai buses | Klook listings | ||
| 🚌 Overland Bus/Minivan (LP → Border → Chiang Mai) | ~14–18h (connections & border) | Budget point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$30–55 total (segments) » compare overland routes | ||
| 🚐 Private Car to Friendship Bridge + Thai Side Transfer | ~10–12h total (custom) | Door-to-door, groups |
| 🏷️ Cost: LP→border ~US$120–220 vehicle; Thai side ~US$60–150 » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Fly LPQ→CNX (or via Bangkok). Great if time is tight or you’re on a tight schedule.
- Most Scenic/Classic: Two-day Mekong slow boat to the Thai border, then bus to Chiang Mai.
- Cheapest Point-to-Point: Overland bus/minivan with a border crossing and onward Thai bus.
- Door-to-Door for Families/Groups: Private car to the border + prebooked Thai side ride to Chiang Mai.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Visas & border hours: Check your Thai entry requirements; border (Chiang Khong–Houayxay) keeps daytime hours—aim to arrive well before closing.
- Slow boat comfort: Bring a cushion, light layer, snacks, and cash for riverside stops; book Pak Beng lodging in advance in peak months.
- Baggage on buses: Keep valuables with you; label checked bags. Overnight legs can be chilly—pack a light layer.
- Transfers & ride-hailing: In Laos, rely on local taxis/tuktuks; in Thailand, Grab works well in Chiang Mai. For fixed intercity pricing, compare GetTransfer.
- Stashing luggage: If you’re sightseeing pre-departure or during a long layover in Chiang Mai, use Radical Storage Chiang Mai.
- Stay close: For late arrivals, browse Luang Prabang stays or Chiang Mai hotels.
- Onward scooters: Chiang Mai is scooter-friendly—compare rentals on BikesBooking.
✈️ Option #1 — Flight (Fastest & Easiest)
Fast Minimal border admin Route-dependent
- Overview: Fly from Luang Prabang (LPQ) to Chiang Mai (CNX). Depending on season/airlines, this may be nonstop or 1-stop via Bangkok (BKK/DMK). Flight time ~1h10 (nonstop) or ~3–3.5h total via Bangkok plus layover.
- How to book (with price): Typically US$90–220 one-way. Compare fares on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. Consider baggage rules and arrival times for CNX transport.
- Pros: Fastest end-to-end; avoids two days on the river. Cons: Can be pricier; fewer nonstops off-season.
Step-by-step: Flight LPQ → CNX
- Get to Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ) by tuk-tuk/taxi from town (15–25 minutes). Arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Search and book on Booking.com Flights or compare on Trip.com; check if nonstop dates exist for your window.
- Land at Chiang Mai (CNX); use airport taxis or Grab to reach the Old City/Nimman (15–25 minutes).
- Check into your hotel (browse Chiang Mai hotels if you haven’t booked).
Getting to the main embarking points (LPQ & CNX)
- LPQ departures: Small terminal; cash/ATM available, limited food post-security.
- CNX arrivals: Two terminals; follow signs to taxi desk or use Grab pick-up zones.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛶 Option #2 — Two-Day Mekong Slow Boat + Thai Bus (Most Scenic)
Iconic journey Easy social vibe Takes 2+ days
- Overview: Day 1 slow boat from Luang Prabang to Pak Beng (overnight). Day 2 boat to Huay Xai (Houayxay). Cross the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge to Chiang Khong, then bus to Chiang Mai (via Chiang Rai or direct).
- How to book (with price): Boats ~US$25–40 per day; reserve a seat/day ticket on 12Go (LP → Huay Xai). Thai buses: Chiang Khong → Chiang Mai or to Chiang Rai. You can also browse packaged transfers on Klook.
- Pros: Great scenery, relaxed pace. Cons: Two full days, basic seating; plan for an extra night in Pak Beng.
Step-by-step: Slow Boat + Bus
- From Luang Prabang town, ride tuk-tuk/taxi to the slow boat pier for morning departure (confirm pier the day before).
- Boat to Pak Beng (6–8h). On arrival, walk or tuk-tuk to your guesthouse (book ahead in high season).
- Day 2, reboard to Huay Xai (Houayxay) (6–8h). In town, hire a tuk-tuk to the Friendship Bridge shuttle.
- Exit Laos/enter Thailand at Chiang Khong. From Chiang Khong bus station, ride to Chiang Mai (direct or via Chiang Rai) using 12Go to compare.
Getting to the main embarking points (Slow boat pier / Pak Beng / Border)
- Luang Prabang slow boat pier: Tuk-tuk from town; arrive 30–45 minutes early to buy/confirm tickets and seats.
- Pak Beng: Small riverside town with simple guesthouses and eateries (cash only in many spots).
- Chiang Khong–Houayxay border: Use shuttle buses over the bridge; keep cash for small fees.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Overland Bus/Minivan via Border (Budget Point-to-Point)
Cheapest Daily departures Long day
- Overview: Travel by bus/minivan from Luang Prabang toward the Thai border (often via Oudomxay/Luang Namtha or direct to Houayxay), cross to Chiang Khong, then continue by bus to Chiang Mai.
- How to book (with price): Total ~US$30–55 depending on segments and operators. Compare LP→border legs and Thai side connections on 12Go (multi-segment).
- Pros: Money-saving, straightforward. Cons: Multiple transfers; border timing matters—start early.
Step-by-step: Overland Bus/Minivan
- From Luang Prabang city, reach the bus/minivan departure point (ask your guesthouse which station your operator uses).
- Ride to Houayxay (Huay Xai) or a border-proximate town; confirm arrival time is within border opening hours.
- Take shuttle across the Friendship Bridge to Chiang Khong (Thai side).
- Continue by bus to Chiang Mai (direct) or via Chiang Rai with a short transfer; compare options on 12Go.
Getting to the main embarking points (LP bus station / Border / Chiang Khong)
- Luang Prabang stations: Several depots exist—double-check your ticket for the correct terminal and show up 30–45 minutes early.
- Border crossing: Keep passport photos/visa docs if needed; have small cash for shuttle/fees.
- Thai side: Chiang Khong Bus Terminal has departures to Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai; seats may be first-come—arrive early.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #4 — Private Car to Border + Thai Transfer (Door-to-Door)
Comfort Custom timing Higher cost
- Overview: A driver takes you from your LP hotel to the Lao–Thai border at Houayxay. After immigration, a prebooked Thai car/van meets you in Chiang Khong and drives straight to Chiang Mai.
- How to book (with price): LP→border from ~US$120–220 per vehicle depending on size; Thai side from ~US$60–150. Compare quotes on GetTransfer (LP) and GetTransfer (Chiang Rai). For activities add-ons in Chiang Mai/Golden Triangle, browse GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Door-to-door with luggage space; you control stops. Cons: Costlier than buses; must coordinate two vehicles across the border.
Step-by-step: Private + Private
- Request a quote for Luang Prabang → Houayxay (border) on GetTransfer; add your pickup time/address and luggage count.
- Separately book a Chiang Khong → Chiang Mai car/van on GetTransfer timed to your expected border exit.
- Ride LP→border, clear immigration, then meet your Thai driver at the pickup point; drive 5–7h to Chiang Mai (break in Chiang Rai if you wish).
- Arrive at your hotel; if returning the next day, consider renting a scooter via BikesBooking.
Getting to the main embarking points (LP hotel / Friendship Bridge / Chiang Mai)
- Pickup in LP: Any hotel/guesthouse; share a pin and local phone/WhatsApp.
- Border meeting: Agree on a Thai-side pickup spot in Chiang Khong (bus terminal or bridge shuttle stop).
- Arrival in CM: Door-to-door drop at Old City/Nimmanhaemin or your chosen hotel.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai)
Can I do the slow boat and reach Chiang Mai the same day I arrive at the border?
Usually yes if you arrive in Huay Xai by early afternoon—cross promptly and take an afternoon bus. Otherwise overnight in Chiang Khong or Chiang Rai.
Is there a direct bus from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?
Schedules change and “direct” services often involve a border change of vehicles. It’s more reliable to plan segments (LP→border, border→Chiang Mai) on 12Go.
What’s the best season for the slow boat?
Cool/dry months (Nov–Feb) are comfortable; hot season can be warm mid-day. Rainy season may bring faster currents—boats still run but be flexible.
How much cash should I bring?
Carry small amounts of LAK and THB for pier shuttles, snacks, and border fees. ATMs exist in Luang Prabang, Pak Beng (limited), Huay Xai, and Chiang Khong.
Is Grab available in Laos?
No—use local taxis/tuktuks in Luang Prabang. In Thailand, Grab works in Chiang Rai/Chiang Mai for local rides.
Where should I stay en route?
Pak Beng on night one of the slow boat; Chiang Khong or Chiang Rai if you arrive late at the border. Compare options on Booking.com (Chiang Khong) or Booking.com (Chiang Rai).