THE SHORT VERSION
Huay Xai to Chiang Mai at a glance.
- From
- Huay Xai ຫ້ວຍຊາຍ
- To
- Chiang Mai เชียงใหม่
- Road distance
- About 296 km
- Straight line
- 223 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~4 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Chiang Mai to Huay Xai →
- Border
- Laos → Thailand. Passport and visa needed
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Huay Xai
Huay Xai is the Lao border town on the Mekong opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand, and the start of the slow boat to Luang Prabang. Buses run to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Vientiane and Chiang Rai.
- Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station
Domestic long-distance buses. - Phet Aloune Bus Station
Including buses from Chiang Rai via the Friendship Bridge.
Arriving in Chiang Mai
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
- Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
North-east of the old city. Long-distance and international services.
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.
- Buses towards Laos usually cross at Chiang Khong–Huay Xai. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Chiang Mai, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Chiang Mai
More buses from Huay Xai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Huay Xai from Chiang Mai 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 Huay Xai to Chiang Mai 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 Huay Xai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Huay Xai include Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station, Phet Aloune Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Chiang Mai to Huay Xai guide.
Where does the bus from Huay Xai arrive in Chiang Mai?+
It depends on the operator. In Chiang Mai, services use Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal. Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Chiang Mai?+
Songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks and ride-hail apps connect the terminal with the old city.
What kind of bus runs from Huay Xai to Chiang Mai?+
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 Huay Xai to Chiang Mai 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 Chiang Mai by bus?+
Direct buses from Chiang Mai include Lampang, Pai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and more. See all connections on our Chiang Mai bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Huay Xai to Chiang Mai?+
This journey crosses from Laos into Thailand. 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: Huay Xai to Chiang Mai bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Huay Xai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Chiang Mai (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →