While the border crossing might seem intimidating, it is actually one of the most straightforward crossings in Southeast Asia—if you know which bus to take. Whether you are looking for omfort or trying to save money, this guide to the Chiang Rai to Huay Xai bus will help you cross the Friendship Bridge 4 seamlessly.
Option 1: The Direct International Bus (Recommended)
The easiest way to cross the border is by taking the direct international bus. This service is operated by The Transport Co. Ltd. (usually purple buses) or Greenbus.
Why is this the best option? Because this bus waits for you. It takes you from Chiang Rai, waits while you stamp out of Thailand, drives you across the bridge, and drops you off at the Laos immigration checkpoint.
Schedule and Cost
- Departure: Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 (Located about 10 minutes outside the city center).
- Times: Departures typically occur at 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM (Check current schedules at the station as they change seasonally).
- Price: Approximately 220–250 THB.
Pro Tip: If you want to catch the Slow Boat the same day, you must take the morning bus. However, it is often safer to go a day early and spend a night in Huay Xai to ensure you don’t miss the boat.
Option 2: The DIY Local Bus (Cheaper & More Frequent)
If the direct Chiang Rai to Huay Xai bus is sold out, or if the timing doesn’t work for you, you can take the local bus to Chiang Khong and cross the border manually.
- Go to Terminal 2: Look for the red local buses heading to “Chiang Khong.”
- The Ride: These leave every hour, cost about 65–70 THB, and take roughly 2 hours.
- The Drop-off: Ask the driver to drop you at the simplistic “Border Crossing” spot (usually just an intersection).
- Tuk-Tuk Transfer: You will need to grab a Tuk-Tuk from the drop-off point to the actual bridge (approx. 50 THB).
- Shuttle Bus: Once you stamp out of Thailand, you must buy a ticket for a shuttle bus to cross the bridge (20–25 THB).
While this method works, the direct bus saves you from negotiating multiple transfers.
The Border Crossing Process
Whether you take the direct Chiang Rai to Huay Xai bus or the local option, the immigration process is the same.
Step 1: Thai Immigration
You will exit the bus at the Thai side. Gather your bags and head to the window to get your departure stamp. If you are on the direct bus, keep your ticket handy—the bus will be waiting for you on the other side of the gate.
Step 2: Crossing the Bridge
The bus drives across the Mekong River. If you did the DIY method, this is where you take the mandatory shuttle bus.
Step 3: Laos Visa on Arrival
Upon arriving at the Laos side (Huay Xai), you will head to the “Visa on Arrival” window.
- What you need: Your passport, one passport-sized photo, and the visa fee.
- The Fee: Usually between
30–30–40 USD depending on your nationality. (Paying in US Dollars is cheaper than paying in Thai Baht). - Note: If you arrive on a weekend or “after hours” (usually after 4 PM), there is often a $1 overtime fee.
Arriving in Huay Xai
Once you have your Laos stamp, you have officially completed the Chiang Rai to Huay Xai bus route!
You will be greeted by a horde of Tuk-Tuk drivers. The bus station in Huay Xai is a few kilometers from the town center and the Slow Boat pier. A shared Tuk-Tuk into town should cost roughly 25,000–30,000 KIP (or 50-60 THB).
A Warning About Scams
Drivers or “agents” may approach you claiming you need to buy your Slow Boat ticket right now at the border or bus station for a premium price. Ignore them. Go to the actual pier in town to buy your ticket directly from the office. It is cheaper and guarantees your spot.
Summary Checklist
- Departure Point: Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2.
- Ticket: Buy in advance or arrive 30 mins early.
- Currency: Bring USD for the Visa and Thai Baht/Lao Kip for transport.
- Photos: Bring 1-2 passport photos for the visa.
Taking the Chiang Rai to Huay Xai bus is the start of an amazing Laotian adventure. Safe travels!
