Flying from Chiang Mai Airport (CNX) to Vientiane Airport (VTE): what you need to know
Vientiane's timezone is UTC+7, which is the same as Chiang Mai.
Leave enough time to make your CNX to VTE flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as January, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during a high season in general.
If you want to include a stop along the way, simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Chiang Mai Airport to Vientiane Airport. Here are the most popular stopovers between CNX and VTE:
Incheon International Airport
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Kunming Airport
Handy information about Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)
Of the departures from Chiang Mai Airport, 73% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
Chiang Mai Airport is around 3 kms (2 miles) from central Chiang Mai. If you're catching a taxi, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to arrive, depending on the traffic.
The trip when using public transport typically takes 25 minutes.
Get your journey off to a leisurely start by staying near CNX. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chiang Mai Airport to Vientiane Airport or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Arriving at Vientiane Airport (VTE)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a Chiang Mai Airport to Vientiane Airport flight. Check in to one of these accommodation options near VTE instead:
Pick up a Vientiane Airport rental car and explore Vientiane and beyond with your own wheels. Sixt, Avis and Budget are well-known companies you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from Vientiane Airport about three weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
When to fly to Vientiane Airport (VTE)
May is the busiest month for flights from Chiang Mai Airport to Vientiane Airport. To escape the crowds, travel to Vientiane in March.
When booking your flight from Chiang Mai Airport to Vientiane Airport, consider the type of weather you like. April is the warmest month in Vientiane, with the temperature ranging from 23ºC to 42ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CNX to VTE in January. Average temperatures are between 13ºC and 31ºC then.
Explore more of Laos
Pakse is just one of the many cities in Laos waiting to be discovered after you've seen Vientiane. Around 467 kms (290 miles) away to the south-east, popular attractions include Big Buddha, Firefly Viewpoint and Golden Buddha.
Thakhek is another standout destination in Laos and is around 241 kms (150 miles) east of Vientiane. No trip is complete without experiencing Sunset Viewpoint, MAG UXO Visitor Centre and View Point sala.