Chiang Khong – Huay Xai border (Friendship Bridge IV): shuttle bus, Lao visa and how to get there in 2026
Friendship Bridge IV links Chiang Khong in Thailand with Huay Xai in Laos, the start of the slow boat to Luang Prabang. You cannot walk across the 2.48 km bridge: a shuttle bus runs between the checkpoints for ฿20 (฿25–40 at night, weekends and overtime). The Lao visa on arrival costs about $30–42 depending on your passport. By road the border is about 2 hours from Chiang Rai and 5–6 hours from Chiang Mai. Our car goes to the Thai checkpoint: $135 per car from Chiang Rai Airport, $260 from Chiang Mai. Opening hours: confirm locally. checked .
- Status: open, as of 27 October 2026
- Bridge: 2.48 km, shuttle bus only
- Drive: Chiang Rai ≈ 2 h · Chiang Mai 5–6 h
- Private car to the border: from $135 per car
How do I cross Friendship Bridge IV?
After Thai exit control you board the shuttle bus; it leaves when the driver decides it is full. Walking across the 2.48 km bridge is not allowed. The fare is ฿20, or ฿25–40 at night, at weekends and during overtime hours.
Sources and checks: TravelFeed
How much is the Lao visa on arrival at Huay Xai?
About $30–42 depending on your passport (most travellers pay about $40), plus an entry fee of ฿40 or 10,000 kip before you leave the Lao border post. Laos also runs an official eVisa portal — check there whether this crossing accepts the eVisa.
Sources and checks: TravelFeed · Lao PDR
All ways to the Chiang Khong border
| Way | Time | Price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red bus from Chiang Rai Terminal 1 | about 2 h | ฿140 to the border junction | Every 30–60 min; tuk-tuk to the bridge ฿50–100 |
| GreenBus VIP from Chiang Mai (Arcade) | about 6 h | ฿550 | One departure, 08:30 |
| Shared minivan from Chiang Mai | about 6 h | ฿899–1,050 | Drops at the border |
| RideTHA car | Chiang Rai Airport ≈ 2 h · Chiang Mai 5–6 h | $135 / $260 per car | Stops at the Thai checkpoint |
Sources and checks: TravelFeed
Does the RideTHA car drive into Laos?
No. The Thai car and driver stop at the Thai checkpoint in Chiang Khong. On the Lao side you continue to Huay Xai town or the slow-boat pier with local transport.
Can I stop at the White Temple on the way from Chiang Mai?
Yes — the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is just off Route 118 about 13 km before Chiang Rai and is open 08:00 to about 17:30, entry ฿200. A 30–45 minute stop on the way is included in the $260 price; tickets are not.
Sources and checks: visitthailandtoday.com
What are the border opening hours?
We have not found an official source with the current hours of the Chiang Khong checkpoint, so we do not quote them. Shuttle fares are higher at night and in overtime, which tells you the post keeps long hours — still, plan to arrive in daytime and confirm on the spot.
Sources and checks: TravelFeed
How much is a private car to the Chiang Khong border?
From Chiang Rai Airport: $135 sedan, $160 SUV, $175 9-seat van, $260 Toyota Alphard. From Chiang Mai: $260 / $310 / $335 / $500 — per car, tolls included, the same price at any hour. Pay 50% online to confirm, the rest in cash to the driver — or pay 100% online. Trips under $100 are paid in full online. Full refund if cancelled 24h+ before pickup (multi-day trips: 7+ days before the start).
Cars to the border: price per car
| Route | Sedan | SUV | Van (9) | Premium (Alphard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Rai Airport to Friendship Bridge IV, Chiang Khong (to Laos) 115 km · 2 h | $135 | $160 | $175 | $260 |
| Chiang Mai to Friendship Bridge IV, Chiang Khong (to Laos) 300 km · 5 h 30 min | $260 | $310 | $335 | $500 |
Questions
Can I walk across Friendship Bridge IV?
No — you must take the shuttle bus between the checkpoints.
How much is the bridge bus?
฿20, or ฿25–40 at night, at weekends and during overtime.
How long is the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong?
About 300 km, 5–6 hours by car; the bus takes about 6 hours.
Where does the slow boat to Luang Prabang leave from?
From Huay Xai on the Lao side; buy the boat ticket locally in Laos.
Does your driver cross into Laos?
No. The car stops at the Thai checkpoint.
Can we see the White Temple on the way?
Yes, a 30–45 minute stop is included; the ฿200 ticket is not.
Sources and checks
- TravelFeed — Crossing Friendship Bridge IV (Chiang Khong–Huay Xai) in 2026 (unofficial source) · published 28 March 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- Lao PDR — official e-Visa portal · checked 27 October 2026
- visitthailandtoday.com — Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai (unofficial source) · published 19 October 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — Thailand travel advice · published 28 September 2026 · checked 27 October 2026
You may also need
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and the White Temple: bus, day trip or private car (2026)
- Chiang Mai to Pai: minivan, scooter or private car — times, prices and the 762 curves (2026)
- Nong Khai – Vientiane border (Friendship Bridge): hours, shuttle bus, Lao visa and how to cross in 2026
- Chiang Rai Airport to Friendship Bridge IV, Chiang Khong (to Laos) — from $135
- Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai — from $165
Checked by the RideTHA team on 27 October 2026. Bookings operated by GG Services Limited (Hong Kong).