Chiang Mai×Vientiane
Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: Chiang Mai uses the THB (฿) and Vientiane uses the LAK (₭). Language shifts too — Thai in Chiang Mai, Lao in Vientiane. Be careful behind the wheel: Chiang Mai drives on the left, Vientiane on the right.
- Country
- Thailand
- Capital
- Bangkok
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB · ฿)
- Language
- Thai
- Calling code
- +66
- Drives on
- Left
- Country
- Laos
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Currency
- Lao kip (LAK · ₭)
- Language
- Lao
- Calling code
- +856
- Drives on
- Right
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between Chiang Mai and Vientiane?
Chiang Mai and Vientiane share the same offset (GMT+7), so there's no difference right now.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 8 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is Chiang Mai from Vientiane?
About 395 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 58m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do Chiang Mai and Vientiane use?
Chiang Mai uses the Thai baht (THB, ฿); Vientiane uses the Lao kip (LAK, ₭). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call Chiang Mai from Vientiane?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 00), then +66, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in Chiang Mai and Vientiane?
Chiang Mai primarily speaks Thai; Vientiane speaks Lao. English is widely used in business contexts in major cities of both, but written contracts may need translation.
Do Chiang Mai and Vientiane drive on the same side of the road?
No. Thailand drives on the left, Laos on the right. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.