Vientiane to Chiang Mai by train
Chiang Mai lies 392 km (244 mi) west of Vientiane, in the same time zone. What the numbers say about getting there.
By rail the journey is about 5 h 38 min at the speeds typical of Laos and Thailand rail, over roughly 479 km (297 mi) of track; the operator’s timetable is the number that counts.
Open Chiang Mai in Google Maps
| Vientiane | Chiang Mai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Laos | Thailand |
| Population | 840,940 | 127,240 |
| Elevation | 174 m (571 ft) | 313 m (1,027 ft) |
| Time now | UTC+7 (Asia/Vientiane) | UTC+7 (Asia/Bangkok) |
| Stations on record | none listed | Chiang Mai Railway Station |
What changes when you arrive in Chiang Mai
Crossing from Laos into Thailand: money changes from the Kip to the Baht (THB); traffic switches to the left; sockets are Euro, NEMA 1-15, NEMA 5-15, Schuko; the dialling code becomes +66; the emergency number is http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q25648876 / http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q25648881.
Where to book trains from Vientiane to Chiang Mai
We take no bookings for these providers and hold no reservation with them. The provider you choose handles payment, confirmation, changes and refunds. How that works.
Staying in Chiang Mai
Live rooms and prices for Chiang Mai are in the search below.
Book a hotel in Chiang Mai
Live rooms and prices from our booking partner, booked and paid for here. Free cancellation is marked where it applies.
Common questions
How far is Chiang Mai from Vientiane?
392 km (244 mi) in a straight line, west of Vientiane; by road roughly 479 km (297 mi).
How long does it take to get from Vientiane to Chiang Mai by train?
About 5 h 38 min, estimated from distance and typical speeds. Timetables and traffic decide the real figure.
Is there a time difference between Vientiane and Chiang Mai?
No, both are on the same offset at the moment.
What currency do I need in Chiang Mai?
The Baht (THB).
Where these facts come from
- GeoNames (CC BY 4.0): population, elevation, time zone, postal codes
- Wikidata (CC0): area, sister cities, visitor numbers, heritage listings, stations and ports
- OurAirports (public domain): airports, runways
- Natural Earth (public domain): map outlines
Data compiled 14 September 2026. Hotel and hostel figures are from our booking partner’s catalogue on that date. Journey times on this page are estimates from distance, not timetables; check the operator before you rely on one.