THE SHORT VERSION
Chiang Rai to Huay Xai at a glance.
- From
- Chiang Rai เชียงราย
- To
- Huay Xai ຫ້ວຍຊາຍ
- Road distance
- About 117 km
- Straight line
- 72 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~1 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Huay Xai to Chiang Rai →
- Border
- Thailand → Laos. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's second city and a gateway to the Golden Triangle and Laos. It has two bus terminals: one in the centre for regional buses and one south of town for long-distance services.
- Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1
In the town centre. Regional buses to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. - Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
About 5 km south of the centre. Long-distance buses to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beyond.
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 Rai
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Chiang Rai from Huay Xai by road?+
About 117 km by road (72 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 1 h 30 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 Rai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2, 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 Rai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Huay Xai to Chiang Rai guide.
Where does the bus from Chiang Rai 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 vehicle runs from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai?+
12Go lists minivan (shared van) services on this route rather than full-size buses. Vans are usually quicker but have less luggage space, so check the luggage allowance for your departure before you book.
Can I book the Chiang Rai 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 Mai, 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 Rai 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.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Chiang Rai → Huay Xai on 12GoFOLLOW 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 Rai to Huay Xai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Rai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Huay Xai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →