China to Thailand ocean freight via Laem Chabang (Bangkok). 2026 rates, transit times, Thai customs, and onward trucking to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket.
Thailand is the second-largest economy in ASEAN and a major manufacturing hub. Laem Chabang is the main port, located 110 km southeast of Bangkok. It handles 80% of Thailand's container traffic. From China, Laem Chabang offers 7-10 day transit and onward trucking to all of Thailand.
China-ASEAN Shipping Routes & Transit Times
| China Origin | Direct Service | Transit Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (CNSHA) | Yes | 7-9 days | 4-5 weekly |
| Yantian (CNYAN) | Yes | 6-8 days | 4-5 weekly |
| Ningbo (CNNGB) | Yes | 7-9 days | 3-4 weekly |
| Xiamen (CNXMN) | Yes | 5-7 days | 3-4 weekly |
| Hong Kong (HKHKG) | Yes | 6-8 days | 4-5 weekly |
Major Carriers on China-ASEAN Trade
Major carriers on China-Thailand:
- Maersk (Gemini) - 3-4 weekly
- MSC (Indep.) - 3-4 weekly
- COSCO (OA) - 3-4 weekly
- OOCL (OA) - 3-4 weekly
- ONE (Premier) - 2-3 weekly
- Evergreen (OA) - 2-3 weekly
- PIL (Indep.) - 2-3 weekly
- RCL (Indep.) - Regional Thai carrier
2026 Rate Ranges
Indicative FCL rates China-Laem Chabang (2026):
- 20'GP: $500 - $900
- 40'GP: $800 - $1,400
- 40'HC: $900 - $1,600
LCL rate: $40 - $70 per CBM
Customs Clearance in ASEAN
Thailand customs:
- Thai customs declaration via e-Customs system
- HS code + commercial invoice + packing list + B/L
- Import duty: typically 1-30% depending on HS code
- VAT 7% on CIF + duty
- Excise tax on certain goods (alcohol, tobacco, vehicles)
- Free Trade Zone (FTZ) at Laem Chabang for re-export
- Pre-arrival processing via e-Customs reduces clearance to 1-2 days
Key Takeaways
- Best ports: Discussed above with detailed comparison
- 2026 FCL range: See rate section above
- Transit time: Typically 7-30 days depending on destination
- Customs: Most destinations require ISF/CIF/ACID filings
- Best for: FCL for full containers, LCL for small shipments
Pro Tips for Shipping from China to ASEAN
Pro tips for China-Thailand shipping:
- Use Laem Chabang (not Bangkok port - closed to commercial shipping)
- Onward trucking to Bangkok: 2-3 hours, $200-400
- Chiang Mai: 8-10 hours by truck, $800-1,200
- Phuket: 12-15 hours by truck, $1,200-1,800
- Consider rail from Laem Chabang to Bangkok (newly opened)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which port does Bangkok use for ocean freight?
Laem Chabang (LCB) is the main port, 110 km from Bangkok. Bangkok Port (Klong Toey) handles some but limited. Most ocean cargo goes through LCB.
How long does shipping from China to Thailand take?
Ocean transit: 6-9 days. Customs: 1-2 days. Door-to-door Bangkok: 12-18 days.
What is the import duty in Thailand?
Thailand import duty varies by HS code, typically 1-30%. Most consumer goods are 5-10%. VAT is 7% on CIF + duty.
Is there rail from Laem Chabang to Bangkok?
Yes - the new Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail is under construction. Currently rail freight takes 6-8 hours.