Vietnam

How to get from Hanoi to Chiang Mai

Compare all transport options: bus, ferry, train, flight. Prices, durations and tips from a local expert.

FASTEST
1h 30min
💶
From
55€
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Distance
760 km
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There are 1 way(s) to get from Hanoi to Chiang Mai

Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.

🚌 Departure from Hanoi
📍All flights from Hanoi to Chiang Mai depart from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), located north of the city center. It's a modern and well-equipped airport with various amenities including dining options, shops, and currency exchange services.
🚇You can reach Noi Bai Airport from Hanoi city center by taxi (approx. 300,000-400,000 VND, 30-45 min), ride-sharing apps, or public bus (Bus 86 is direct, 35,000 VND, 45-60 min). Taxis are convenient but ensure you agree on a price or use a meter.
Flights to Chiang Mai typically operate daily, with multiple departures spread throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon flights are common. It's best to check specific airline schedules for the most up-to-date departure times.
💸 Transport from 55€ per person
Fastest: 1h 30min
🗓 Book now Secure payment · via 12go.asia

Practical tips

💡
Book Flights in Advance

For the best prices and to ensure availability, especially during peak seasons, always book your flight from Hanoi to Chiang Mai a few weeks in advance. This avoids last-minute price hikes and ensures your preferred departure time.

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Check Baggage Policies

Low-cost carriers often have strict baggage allowances. Double-check your airline's policy to avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Consider pre-purchasing extra luggage if you know you'll need it.

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Arrive Early at the Airport

For international flights, aim to be at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security, and immigration procedures.

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Visa Requirements for Thailand

Before flying, ensure you meet Thailand's visa requirements. Many nationalities receive a visa exemption on arrival for short tourist stays, but it's crucial to verify this based on your passport. Don't get caught out!

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Download Offline Maps

Once you land in Chiang Mai, having an offline map of the city on your smartphone will be invaluable for navigating to your accommodation or finding local attractions without relying on immediate Wi-Fi or data.

🛣️ The journey experience

When traveling from Hanoi to Chiang Mai, you're looking at a completely different logistical challenge compared to navigating Vietnam's north-south axis. Forget about sleeper buses or the Reunification train for this international hop; the most efficient and practical choice for this route is flying. While Vietnam's internal journeys offer a mix of transport types, the international border crossing and distance to Northern Thailand make flying the only sensible option if you want to save time and avoid complex multi-stage journeys.

Your primary option for this route is a direct flight. Airlines like Vietjet Air and Thai AirAsia offer regular services, with flight durations around 2 hours. Prices typically range from €55 upwards, but can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book and the season. These direct flights ensure a swift and hassle-free transition between two vibrant Southeast Asian hubs, allowing you to maximize your time exploring rather than enduring long, convoluted overland routes.

While within Vietnam you grapple with choices between sleeper buses, trains, and ferries, for Hanoi to Chiang Mai, the decision is straightforward: fly. This approach eliminates the common concern of picking the wrong mode of transport or losing a day to complex schedules and border formalities. Opting for a direct flight ensures you arrive rested and ready to enjoy Chiang Mai, avoiding any potential overland pitfalls and maximizing your precious travel time.

Frequently asked questions — Hanoi → Chiang Mai

✨ Why visit Chiang Mai?

  • Explore ancient temples like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang in the Old City.
  • Discover the vibrant Night Bazaar for local crafts, street food, and entertainment.
  • Participate in an ethical elephant sanctuary experience, observing them in their natural habitat.
  • Take a Thai cooking class to learn traditional recipes and visit local markets.
  • Hike to Doi Suthep temple for panoramic views of Chiang Mai at sunset.
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Recommended stay
4 to 5 nights — allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city's culture, cuisine, and nature.

☀️ When to visit Chiang Mai?

TROPICAL HUMID

November to February — cool and dry season, ideal for outdoor activities and temple visits.

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In Chiang Mai — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
🏨 Accommodation
Hotels in Chiang Mai
Compare the best rates available
via trip.com

What to do in Chiang Mai?

Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you

INCONTOURNABLE
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Explore Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Dominant la ville, ce temple emblématique offre une vue panoramique imprenable sur Chiang Mai. Montez les 306 marches du Naga ou prenez le funiculaire pour atteindre le sommet. Idéal tôt le matin pour éviter la foule et profiter de la sérénité du lieu. Comptez environ 5€ pour l'entrée et le funiculaire.
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Savor authentic Khao Soi
Plat signature de Chiang Mai, le Khao Soi est un curry de nouilles crémeux et savoureux. Ne quittez pas la ville sans goûter cette spécialité locale. De nombreux stands de rue et petits restaurants en proposent. Un bon plat coûte environ 2-3€, cherchez les endroits fréquentés par les locaux.
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Visit an ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Privilégiez un sanctuaire respectueux des animaux où l'on n'autorise pas l'équitation. Observez ces majestueuses créatures dans un environnement naturel et participez à leur soin, comme la préparation de nourriture ou le bain. Réservez à l'avance, les places sont limitées et les prix commencent autour de 60-80€ pour une journée éthique.
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Stroll through the Sunday Walking Street
Chaque dimanche soir, la rue principale de la vieille ville se transforme en un immense marché artisanal. Idéal pour trouver des souvenirs uniques, déguster des spécialités locales et observer l'animation. Arrivez en fin d'après-midi pour profiter de l'ambiance avant la foule. Les prix sont abordables, prévoyez du liquide.
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Explore the Old City temples
La vieille ville fortifiée abrite de nombreux temples magnifiques et historiques comme le Wat Chedi Luang ou le Wat Phra Singh. Flânez à pied ou en vélo pour les découvrir à votre rythme. La plupart des entrées sont gratuites ou à quelques euros. Habillez-vous modestement (épaules et genoux couverts) par respect.
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Hike in Doi Inthanon National Park
Le plus haut sommet de Thaïlande offre des paysages variés : cascades, pagodes royales, forêts luxuriantes. Louez un scooter ou prenez un tour organisé pour une journée. L'entrée du parc est d'environ 9-10€ par personne. Prévoyez une petite laine, les températures sont plus fraîches en altitude.
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Experience the Night Bazaar
Ouvert tous les soirs, le Night Bazaar est un marché animé où vous trouverez de tout, des vêtements aux objets artisanaux, en passant par de la nourriture de rue. C'est l'endroit idéal pour tester vos talents de négociateur. Dînez-y pour pas cher (comptez 5-10€ pour un bon repas complet) et profitez de l'ambiance nocturne.
🧑‍🍳
Attend a Thai Cooking Class
Apprenez à préparer vos plats thaïlandais préférés, du curry au Pad Thai, en passant par la soupe Tom Yum. C'est une excellente manière de s'immerger dans la culture locale et de ramener des compétences culinaires. De nombreux cours incluent une visite du marché local. Comptez entre 25-40€ pour une demi-journée d'apprentissage et de dégustation.

⏱️ How long to visit Chiang Mai?

3 to 7 days

For independent Francophone travelers, a minimum of 3-4 days allows you to cover the main temples and a cooking class. 5-7 days are ideal to include an ethical elephant sanctuary visit and explore the surrounding mountains. Plan for at least a full week if you wish to delve deeper into local crafts and day trips.

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