- Must visit
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
Excellent cultural museum explaining Lanna history, Buddhism, crafts, and Chiang Mai's development through well-curated exhibits.
Cheapest price on Sep 26
$34
Average ticket price on Sep 26
$35
Fastest journey on Sep 26
11 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 26
11 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 26
2
Distance
409 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
On Sat, Sep 26, we found 2 buses from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 26 the direct buses cover the 409 km distance in an average of 11 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 26 the slowest buses will take 11 h 30 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Nong Khai to Chiang Mai buses for today, Friday, September 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 PM Nong Khai Bus Terminal | 11h30 | 6:00 AM Chiang Mai, Bus Terminal 2 (Arcade) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 18:00, the last at 20:00. The fastest bus covers the 254 miles (409 km) distance in 11h 30m.
Distance 254 miles (409 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 30m |
First bus 6:00 PM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
Excellent cultural museum explaining Lanna history, Buddhism, crafts, and Chiang Mai's development through well-curated exhibits.
National museum with strong collections on Lanna kingdoms, archaeology, and northern Thai art, ideal for historical context.
University art museum with rotating contemporary exhibitions, strong regional programming, and a quieter local cultural atmosphere.
Walkable square at the east gate of the old city, busy with photos, pigeons, festivals, and access to markets and temples.
The historic walled center of Chiang Mai, ideal for temple hopping, strolling moats, Sunday market, and everyday local life.
Trendy neighborhood around Nimmanhaemin Road with boutiques, design spaces, nightlife, and a modern side of Chiang Mai.
Creamy Northern Thai curry noodle soup with egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, and chili oil. Chiang Mai’s signature dish, rooted in Lanna and Muslim influences.
Northern Thai herb sausage made with pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and chili. A classic Lanna street and market food with bold aroma.
Northern Thai pork curry simmered with ginger, tamarind, and garlic, usually without coconut milk. A staple Lanna dish known for rich, warming flavor.
Established fine dining venue presenting Thai ingredients with modern technique. Stylish setting and tasting menus make it a standout special-occasion choice.
Upscale restaurant in a teak house specializing in refined Northern Thai cuisine. Elegant atmosphere, strong local reputation, and polished service.
Legendary casual shop famed for rich Khao Soi. Expect a simple, local atmosphere and one of Chiang Mai’s most iconic noodle bowls.
Budget-friendly versus many tourist cities. Guesthouses, street food, and local transport are cheap; upscale hotels and fine dining cost more but stay reasonable.
Tipping is not mandatory. Round up small bills for taxis and cafes. In restaurants, leave 5-10% for good service if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 -> Tha Phae Gate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chiang Mai, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Nong Khai to Chiang Mai buses use the Nong Khai Bus Terminal to station pair. Use this guide to compare Nong Khai and Chiang Mai bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Nong Khai Bus Terminal is 1 km from Nong Khai city centre. Public transport options include:
Nong Khai Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Local food stalls and small restaurants inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks.
Ticket office support is available at Nong Khai Bus Terminal.
Available at Nong Khai Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Nong Khai Bus Terminal: Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need