For travelers in Northern Thailand, the journey from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai is the gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s greatest adventures: the Mekong Slow Boat to Luang Prabang.
Huay Xai (Houay Xai) sits right across the river from Thailand, serving as the starting point for the Laotian experience. While the distance isn’t far, navigating the bus schedules, the “Last Mile” transfers, and the Friendship Bridge 4 crossing can be confusing.
Here is everything you need to know to get from the mountains of Chiang Mai to the riverbanks of Huay Xai smoothly.
Option 1: The Public Bus (Most Popular)
The most common and budget-friendly way to travel from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai is by taking the public bus. The route actually takes you to Chiang Khong (the Thai border town), where you then cross into Huay Xai.
Step 1: Booking the Ticket
Operator: Greenbus Thailand.
Departure: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 (Arcade Bus Station).
Schedule: Buses typically leave at 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM (Check current 2026 schedules as they change seasonally).
Cost: Approx. 300–450 THB depending on the class (Standard vs. VIP).
Step 2: The Journey
The ride takes about 5 to 6 hours. The bus is generally comfortable with A/C. It will make a brief stop in Chiang Rai to pick up passengers before heading to Chiang Khong.
Pro Tip: If you want to catch the Slow Boat the next morning, take the morning bus from Chiang Mai to ensure you have time to relax in Huay Xai or Chiang Khong before the boat leaves at 11:00 AM the next day.
Option 2: Private Minivan (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
If you are traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage, a private transfer is the best way to handle the Chiang Mai to Huay Xai route.
- Door-to-Door: The driver picks you up at your Chiang Mai hotel and drives you directly to the Border Control at the Friendship Bridge.
- Time: 4–5 hours.
- Flexibility: You can stop for coffee, toilets, or photos whenever you want.
- Cost: Usually around 4,000–5,000 THB for a whole van (seats 9–10 people).
The Border Crossing: Step-by-Step
Whether you take the bus or a private van, the actual border crossing process is the same. Here is how to navigate the final leg of the Chiang Mai to Huay Xai trip.
- Drop Off: The bus will drop you at the Chiang Khong Bus Station (about 3km from the border) or the intersection near the bridge. You will need to take a Tuk-Tuk (50 THB) to the actual Thai Immigration building.
- Stamp Out: Go to the counter, show your passport, and get stamped out of Thailand.
- Cross the Bridge: You cannot walk across the bridge. You must buy a ticket for the shuttle bus (20–25 THB) that drives you across the Mekong River to the Laos side.
- Visa on Arrival: Once you get off the shuttle, you are in Laos! Head to the “Visa on Arrival” window.
- Cost: 30-30-40 USD (depending on nationality).
- Requirement: 1 Passport photo + Passport valid for 6 months.
- Note: Paying in Thai Baht is possible but the exchange rate given at the window is usually poor. Use crisp US Dollars if possible.
- Cost: 30-30-40 USD (depending on nationality).
Arriving in Huay Xai
Congratulations! You have completed the journey from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai.
Once you have your Laos visa stamp, you will exit the building and be greeted by Tuk-Tuk drivers. The border is about 10km from the main town where the hotels and Slow Boat pier are located.
- Transfer Cost: A shared Songthaew (truck taxi) into town costs about 100 THB or 25,000–30,000 LAK.
Where to Stay?
Most travelers spend one night in Huay Xai to grab some food, buy baguettes for the boat trip, and get a good night’s sleep before the 2-day river cruise to Luang Prabang starts.
Summary Checklist
- Route: Chiang Mai
→→Chiang Khong→→Bridge→→Huay Xai. - Total Time: 6–8 hours.
- Budget: 500–800 THB (Bus + Tuk Tuks + Bridge Shuttle).
- Next Stop: The Slow Boat pier (boats leave at 11:00 AM daily).
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai is a scenic and straightforward journey if you know what to expect. Have a safe trip crossing the border!
