How to Travel from Chiang Mai to Hanoi 2025: Routes & Tips

Visiting Chiang Mai and Hanoi together is very convenient. Flights and overland are two direct ways of traveling from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. Only 1.5 hours can fly from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. The overland route takes several days to get from Chiang Mai to Hanoi via Laos, but it’s a captivating trip offering opportunities to experience adventure, culture, and beautiful nature.

Plan your ideal travel itinerary from Chiang Mai to Hanoi, and find all the information you need in our guide on how to travel from Chiang Mai to Hanoi.

How far is Chiang Mai from Hanoi? 800 km

Chiang Mai and Hanoi are separated by around 800 km if you draw a straight line between them. That’s roughly the route taken by flights between the two cities. Overland routes follow a longer path, covering 1,300 km or more and passing through Laos.

Chiang Mai is a major city in northern Thailand but is much further south than Hanoi. It’s in a mountain region, around 700 km north of Bangkok, surrounded by the Ping River. The city’s higher elevation gives it a cooler climate compared to southern Thailand, and it has comfortable weather for exploring the famous temples, markets, and national parks in the area.

Hanoi is in the north of Vietnam, around 100 km inland from the Gulf of Tonkin. Unlike cities in Thailand and southern Vietnam, its location gives it a four-season climate with a brief, mild winter.

Location map of Chiang Mai and Hanoi.

Flights Is the Fastest Way from Chiang Mai to Hanoi: Only 1.5 Hours

Flying is the fastest and most direct way to travel from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. The 800 km trip takes only 90 minutes. Flights connecting through Bangkok are also available, but increase the travel time to 4-5 hours with the stopover.

Thai Air Asia flight FD870 flies from Chiang Mai International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi every day and is the only non-stop flight available. The flight departs at 13:20 and arrives at 14:50. Tickets start from 71 USD.

9 Days Thailand and Vietnam Classic Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Saigon – Hanoi – Halong Bay - Hanoi

Unique Travel Routes from Chiang Mai to Hanoi via Laos Overland

Traveling overland from Chiang Mai to Hanoi along exciting travel routes is a chance for adventure while experiencing the vast countryside and cultural diversity of Southeast Asia, perfect for those looking to plan Thailand and Vietnam trips.

Thailand: Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Chiang Khong
After enjoying the sites of Chiang Mai, visiting Elephant Nature Park, and trying authentic northern Thai cuisine, you’ll travel to Chiang Rai. The route visits ethnic villages like the Meow Hill Tribe Village on Doi Pui Mountain and the unique White and Blue Temples. Then, venture into the mysterious Golden Triangle on the way to Chiang Khong. The charming town on the banks of the Mekong River is on the border with Laos.

Meow Hill Tribe Village in Chiang Mai.

Laos: Huay Xai – Pak Beng – Luang Prabang
Friendship Bridge #4 connects Chiang Khong to Huay Xai on the Laos side of the border. Board a cruise to travel down the river to the city of Pak Beng. You can enjoy tranquil river scenes and an authentic Laotian lunch while seeing traditional life in riverside villages like Ban Houa Phalam. The cruise’s final stop is at Luang Prabang. Laos’ former ancient capital is a beautiful city surrounded by stunning natural sites like the Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall.

Luxury cruise from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.

Laos: Nong Khiaw – Nam Et National Park – Sam Neua
Nong Kiaw is a short trip from Luang Prabang, and the next stop is on the way to Hanoi. It’s a picturesque city on the Nam Ou River and a paradise for hikers taking treks to the 100 Waterfalls and Pha Kuang Cave. Next, visit Nam Et National Park, one of the largest and most biodiverse protected areas in Laos. Sam Neua is the last stop in Laos. The northeastern city is a small, charming town with beautiful natural surroundings.

17 Days Thailand, Laos and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai - Pakbeng - Luang Prabang - Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hoi An - Saigon

Vietnam: Mai Chau – Hanoi
You’ll cross into Vietnam at the Na Meo-Nam Xoi border crossing. Mai Chau is one of the most picturesque areas of Vietnam, with terraced rice paddy fields stretching along the karst valley. Enjoy the pristine surroundings before driving the final stretch to Hanoi. It takes around three hours to reach Vietnam’s capital.

Terraced rice paddy fields in Mai Chau.

No Direct Train or Bus from Chiang Mai to Hanoi

There are no direct train or bus routes from Chiang Mai to Hanoi. If you’re determined to travel by bus, the easiest way is to first take a bus from the Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Luang Prabang Naluang International Bus Station. A range of different bus options are available for the 18-hour trip. Tickets cost between 18-40 USD.

From Luang Prabang, buses depart twice daily to Ha Noi Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi. The second stretch takes 25 hours, and tickets cost 51 USD.

The only train available only covers part of the distance. An 11h 51m train departs from Bangkok to Vientiane. From there, it’s possible to reach Hanoi by car, flight, or bus.

14 Days Best of Thailand and Vietnam Tour

Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Golden Triangle – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai – Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An – Da Nang - Saigon

Most Recommended Chiang Mai to Hanoi Tour Itinerary

A popular Chiang Mai to Hanoi tour itinerary is the 7-Day Short Thailand and Vietnam Highlights Tour. It includes visiting the capitals of Thailand and Vietnam, as well as time to enjoy the nature of Chiang Mai and the vibrant southern hub of Saigon.

7 Days Short Thailand and Vietnam Highlights Tour

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Saigon - Hanoi

Day 1-2: Bangkok Highlights Tour
Arrive in the gateway to Thailand. Bangkok is a thriving city with amazing cultural sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Traimit - the Temple of the Golden Buddha, and Wat Arun - the Temple of the Dawn. Spend time in the city’s markets enjoying authentic Thai cuisine, and be entertained by the exciting nightlife.

Day 3: Chiang Mai Discovery
In Chiang Mai, you’ll tour beautiful temples like Wat Umong, surrounded by the forested foothills of Suthep Mountain. You can admire Wat Suan Dok, whose construction dates back to the 14th century, and spend time chatting with the local monks.

Day 4-5: Saigon Exploration
Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam and a vibrant southern hub. It’s famous for the colonial architecture of sites like the Old Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You can also learn about modern Vietnamese history at Reunification Palace and the Cu Chi Tunnels built during the Vietnam War.

Day 6-7: Hanoi City Tour
Hanoi is a fascinating city of culture and history. Ancient sites like the One Pillar Pagoda and Temple of Literature offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s past. Wander the winding alleys of the Old Quarter to discover quaint shops and trendy cafes while trying some of the best Vietnamese street food.

Rickshaws on the streets of Old Quarter in Vietnam.

Insider Tips for Traveling from Chiang Mai to Hanoi

- The dry season from October to April is the best time to visit Thailand and Vietnam. Avoid the rainy season between May and September if you’re traveling overland through Laos. Road conditions can be unpredictable.
- Most travelers can get a visa on arrival for Thailand and Laos if they want to travel from Chiang Mai to Hanoi overland. Vietnam’s e-visa system is the most convenient option for arranging a visa in advance.
- With only one daily, direct flight between Chiang Mai and Hanoi, make sure to book in advance to secure the dates you want.
- Download the ride-sharing app Grab before you travel. It’s one of the most convenient ways to book transportation in Thailand and Vietnam and can be linked to your domestic credit or debit card.
- Book a private tour with a driver for smooth travel overland between Chiang Mai and Hanoi. A private car will give you the flexibility to explore the sites along the way while traveling in comfort and safety.

16 Days Vietnam and Thailand Highlights Tour Package

Hanoi - Halong Bay – Hoi An - Saigon – Bangkok – Chiang Mai - Phuket

Conclusion

A Chiang Mai to Hanoi tour is a great way to experience some of the best attractions of the two popular Southeast Asian countries. Chiang Mai’s cool climate and beautiful natural surroundings are a great escape for nature lovers. In Hanoi, you can immerse yourself in local history and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

Flights are the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, but the adventurous overland tour of Thailand and Vietnam is an experience in itself. With expert travel consultants and local offices all over Southeast Asia, contact us to start planning your dream tour from Chiang Mai to Hanoi.