THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Mai to Huay Xai at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- To
- Huay Xai ຫ້ວຍຊາຍ
- Road distance
- About 296 km
- Straight line
- 223 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~4 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Huay Xai to Chiang Mai →
- Border
- Thailand → Laos. Passport and visa needed
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is the main city of northern Thailand. Long-distance buses use the Arcade bus terminal, with services across Thailand and into Laos.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
Arriving in Huay Xai
Tuk-tuks run between the stations, the border and town.
- Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station
Domestic long-distance buses. - Phet Aloune Bus Station
Including buses from Chiang Rai via the Friendship Bridge.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Touts may claim VIP buses are sold out. Buying at the station yourself can save money.
KEEP GOING
From Huay Xai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Huay Xai
More buses from Chiang Mai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Mai from Huay Xai by road?+
About 296 km by road (223 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 4 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Mai include Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Huay Xai to Chiang Mai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Huay Xai to Chiang Mai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Mai arrive in Huay Xai?+
It depends on the operator. In Huay Xai, services use Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station, Phet Aloune Bus Station. Tuk-tuks run between the stations, the border and town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Huay Xai?+
Tuk-tuks run between the stations, the border and town.
What kind of bus runs from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Mai to Huay Xai bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Huay Xai by bus?+
Direct buses from Huay Xai include Chiang Rai, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Bangkok, Luang Namtha and more. See all connections on our Huay Xai bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai?+
This journey crosses from Thailand into Laos. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Chiang Mai to Huay Xai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Huay Xai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →