- Recommended
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center
The main city museum in a restored colonial-era building, covering Chiang Mai history, Lanna culture, and urban development through multimedia exhibits.
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
11 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 30 m
Buses per day
1
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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 1 buses that leave Nong Khai for Chiang Mai on Sat, Jun 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 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, Jun 27 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, and a flight costs an average of $34.
Distance: 254 miles (409 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $4 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 1m Average total duration 13h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai:
A bus is $53 (€44) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nong Khai to Chiang Mai costing on average $90 (€74).
Other travel options to Chiang Mai take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 31m.
You'll arrive about -4h -32m sooner (13h 31m by bus vs 9h 59m by car) and save roughly $-32.32 (€-26.62) compared to fuel and tolls ($37 (€30) vs $4 (€4)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Orsuksa Tour, Orsuksa Tour, Orsuksa Tour.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| 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, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Orsuksa Tour | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Nong Khai to Chiang Mai buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:00 PM Nong Khai Bus Terminal | 11h30 | 5:30 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 13h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $34 (€28) by flight.
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 13h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 30m |
First bus 6:00 PM |
Last bus 8:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Chiang Mai — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chiang Mai trip today.
The main city museum in a restored colonial-era building, covering Chiang Mai history, Lanna culture, and urban development through multimedia exhibits.
A well-curated museum on northern Thai traditions, crafts, ceremonies, and everyday Lanna life, located near the historic center.
A major contemporary art museum near Chiang Mai known for its mirrored facade and high-quality Thai and international contemporary exhibitions.
The historic core inside the moat and remnants of the city walls, best for temple-hopping, walking, and first-time orientation.
A trendy district known for stylish streets, creative spaces, boutiques, and its strong appeal among younger travelers and influencers.
A busy weekend walking area around the Old City’s eastern side, known for street life, crafts, and people-watching.
Northern Thai coconut curry noodle soup, usually served with egg noodles, pickled mustard greens, shallots, lime, and crispy noodles on top. It is Chiang Mai’s signature dish.
Fragrant Northern Thai grilled pork sausage seasoned with herbs, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, and chili. It is a classic Chiang Mai street food and market favorite.
A Northern Thai chili dip made with minced pork, tomatoes, and aromatics, typically eaten with fresh or steamed vegetables. It is a staple of local shared meals.
Casual, famous local spot known especially for excellent khao soi and other Northern Thai staples. Simple atmosphere and very popular at lunchtime.
Long-established Chiang Mai restaurant serving classic Lanna dishes such as nam prik, curries, and Northern platters in a traditional setting.
Well-known casual eatery celebrated for charcoal-roasted chicken and simple Thai dishes. Popular, busy, and good for an affordable local meal.
Generally cheaper than Bangkok and many tourist cities, with low food and transport costs and good mid-range hotel value.
Tipping is not mandatory. Round up small bills, leave about THB 20-50 at casual restaurants, or 5-10% for great service if no service charge is added.
Official public transport app
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, Chiang Mai -> Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai
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 Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 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.
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 is 3 km from Chiang Mai city centre. Public transport options include:
Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and several local food vendors inside terminal
Free Wi-Fi available throughout terminal. ATMs are aTM machines from major Thai banks available.
Ticket office support is available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3.
Available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3: Wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need