Quick answer: Traveling from Hanoi to Luang Prabang offers two main choices: a direct flight or a sleeper bus. The flight is the quickest and most comfortable option, taking about 1.5 hours, perfect for those prioritizing time and convenience. Alternatively, the sleeper bus provides a more affordable way to reach Luang Prabang, though the journey is much longer, typically lasting between 24 and 30 hours. Both options are popular among travelers depending on budget and schedule preferences.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~400 km by air; ~1,000 km by road
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 1.5 hours | Sleeper bus 24–30 hours
- 💰 Price range: Flight $100–$250 | Sleeper bus $45–$70
- ✈️ Best for speed: Direct flight via Vietnam Airlines or Lao Airlines
- 🚌 Best for budget: Sleeper bus with operators like HTX Van Tai 277 or Sapa Discovery Travel
- 🚖 Best for comfort: Private car (18–20 hours, $500–$600 per vehicle)
Last updated in October 2025
From Hanoi to Luang Prabang you can travel by plane or sleeper bus.
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- Traveling from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in Laos spans approximately 1000 km by bus and 400 km by plane. Opting for a flight with Vietnam Airlines or Lao Airlines is the preferred choice for reaching Luang Prabang swiftly and comfortably. While direct flights may be slightly pricier, they offer the most efficient mode of travel, particularly during winter when ticket prices tend to decrease (though this isn’t guaranteed).
- A direct flight typically costs between $110 and $160 per person. For budget-conscious travelers and backpackers, the most economical option is a sleeper bus journey, albeit it may take up to 24 hours, subject to change. Therefore, adequate preparation is essential. Alternatively, if budget permits, consider booking a direct flight to Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Minivans or buses are also available from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. As there’s no railway service connecting Hanoi to Luang Prabang, flights and tourist buses remain the primary transportation choices. From Luang Prabang, travelers can venture to Vang Vieng, Vientiane, or even Bangkok in Thailand via Vientiane and Nong Khai. Booking bus tickets or flights to Luang Prabang from Hanoi online is now safe, easy, and recommended.
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- Luang Prabang is a renowned tourist destination situated in the northern region of Laos. Home to approximately 70,000 residents, this small town along the Mekong River boasts a UNESCO-listed historic center since 1995, garnering widespread popularity ever since. Despite occasional overcrowding by tourists, Luang Prabang offers picturesque natural surroundings, ethnic villages, and significant Buddhist sites. Traveling to Luang Prabang sans air travel poses challenges due to the absence of railway connections. Tourists typically have two favored options for traveling from Hanoi, Vietnam, to Luang Prabang, Laos – direct flights to Luang Prabang Airport or tourist sleeper buses. For comprehensive details on reaching Luang Prabang from Hanoi, continue reading below. Additionally, consider exploring Laos with insights from this comprehensive guide on Transportation in Laos.
| Transfer Mode – Hanoi to Luang Prabang | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Sleeper Bus | 24–30 hours | $45-70 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $100–250 per person |
| Private Car | 18–20 hours | $500–600 per vehicle |
How do I get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
1. SLEEPER BUS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Traveling by long-distance international sleeper bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in Laos is the cheapest option to travel between these cities. Although it will probably not be the most convenient transfer option for all low-cost travelers, there is no other option, unless you are traveling on a motorcycle, for example.
Several bus companies operate on this route, such as Huyen Chau, HTX Van Tai 27-7, Techbus VN, To Vietnam Travel, Asian Bus Travel, Sapa Discovery Travel or Grouptour, which offer these international bus transfers, mostly with their sleeper buses. These sleeper buses can carry around 40 passengers, they are sleeper buses that you will often see driving in Vietnam, but also in neighboring countries.
Be aware that this is a very long journey and the travel time may vary, there may be delays in departure and arrival, which is not unusual for buses in these countries. It is also necessary to take into account that some companies will transport you by e.g. a seater bus to the place of departure or vice versa to the final destination.
BOOK TICKETS to Luang Prabang ➜
The travel time from Hanoi to Luang Prabang ranges between 24-26 hours and bus tickets cost an average of $45-70/pp. Some buses also go through border crossings where online e-visas to Laos may not be accepted, so you must already have visas processed in advance. There are also stops for e.g. the toilet or refreshments, but these specific matters may differ according to the given bus company.
Most buses depart from various stops in Hanoi and usually arrive at Luang Prabang Southern Station. Always read these up-to-date information and instructions regarding transfers and tickets to Luang Prabang carefully before ordering your bus tickets. If you want to avoid inconvenience during the transfer, familiarizing yourself with the driving conditions is very necessary and necessary.
They are usually listed, for example, on the 12go.asia platform when ordering tickets. You can also combine a trip by sleeper tourist bus, for example, with a visit to Vientiane – the capital of Laos, i.e. first take a sleeper bus from Hanoi to Vientiane and then continue from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus or train by Lao Railways. It depends on your options what you want to see in Laos and how much time you have.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Usually the most affordable option to travel between Hanoi and Luang Prabang, making it attractive for budget travelers, students, or backpackers who want to save money compared to flights. | The journey is very long, often lasting 24 to 28 hours depending on the route, traffic, and delays at the border. This makes it a tiring option for most travelers. |
| Direct international buses are available, which means no need to switch vehicles along the way. This makes planning simpler and avoids the hassle of arranging multiple connections. | Comfort on long-distance buses can be limited. Seats or sleeping berths may feel cramped, and overnight travel on winding mountain roads can be difficult for those sensitive to motion sickness. |
| The bus journey allows travelers to experience the landscapes of northern Vietnam and Laos, passing through mountains, rural towns, and scenic countryside, giving a sense of adventure and immersion. | Border crossing procedures between Vietnam and Laos can take a long time. Travelers may face additional fees, visa checks, or delays, which can significantly extend the travel time. |
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
The fastest, most comfortable, but at the same time the most expensive transport option from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in Laos is a direct flight. If you don’t want to travel a very long way in a sleeper bus, then this will be your suitable choice, but you have to expect, of course, a higher price.
Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines operate direct flights from Noi Bai International Airport to Luang Prabang Airport, but the flight schedules of these direct flights are very limited. There may be, for example, only 2-3 direct flights of these companies in 1 day, then there are also flights with a transfer from the airline Thai AirAsia, but it is good to consider whether the flights with a transfer are worthwhile in terms of time.
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Some connecting flights, such as Lao Airlines, may have longer waiting times when connecting to another flight. Vietnam Airlines is Vietnam’s largest airline, the same applies to Lao Airlines. The direct flight time from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is 1 hour 15 minutes and tickets cost an average of $110 – 190/pp.
However, these ticket prices may vary during the seasons, and may sometimes be cheaper. Luang Prabang Airport is located only about 3 km from the city center, so all available accommodation options and other services are immediately within reach. Direct flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang are easy to find and book online in advance.
When ordering tickets, carefully read the flight conditions, waiting times at airports and other information related to, for example, the maximum weight of backpacks and luggage. Air connection is of course the best option of transport between such distant cities, significantly better than a tiring transfer by sleeper bus.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The fastest way to travel between Hanoi and Luang Prabang, with flight times of just about 1 hour. This saves a full day compared to bus travel. | Airfare is more expensive than bus tickets, which can be a disadvantage for budget travelers or larger groups. |
| Convenient and comfortable option with modern aircraft, offering in-flight services and checked luggage allowance. | Flight schedules are not as frequent, and availability can be limited during peak travel seasons. Tickets often sell out quickly. |
| More reliable than overland travel since it avoids long border crossings and unpredictable road conditions. | Weather conditions such as heavy rain or fog in the mountainous region can sometimes cause delays or cancellations. |
3. FLIGHT + TRAIN to Luang Prabang (via Vientiane)
Traveling by train from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is not possible, as these cities are not connected by rail. However, in the future, Central Vietnam should connect with Laos, there are plans to build such a railway. But there is an alternative way to travel to Luang Prabang by train.
And that is Lao Railways train transport from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and you can use direct air connections to Vientiane from Hanoi. So this is a suitable option for those who also want to visit the capital of Laos – Vientiane. The flight time from Hanoi to Vientiane is approximately 1 hour and the train journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train.
However, it is good to know that train timetables in Laos are still limited. From the end of 2021, a railway with modern high-speed trains with seats also operates in Laos, on the route from Vientiane to the border in the city of Boten in northern Laos (see Laos railway map).
Traveling by train in Laos can certainly be an interesting diversion to travel in this country, you will see a lot of interesting scenery and rural remote areas. Even train tickets in Laos can be easily searched and booked online, it is also recommended. Some companies will also provide you with a private transfer to the train stations.
4. Book a Private Tour / Activity in Luang Prabang
Many travelers are also looking for various trips, hikes or other activities suitable for tourists in Luang Prabang. If you would like to look for an interesting trip in Luang Prabang or the surrounding area, you can use the excellent Klook platform. Here you can choose and book a number of interesting activities, trips to interesting places in the area or even tickets to historical monuments.
There are also various private transfers around the area or to the airport, and all these tourist activities are mostly offered by local guides or, where applicable, local travel agencies. On this platform you will also find activities for other places in Laos and/or other Asian countries.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Hanoi to Luang Prabang:
1. How to book and buy tickets and flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- You can book tickets + flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also change your travel route, e.g. Luang Prabang > Vientiane, Vientiane > Hanoi…
2. How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- Travel by plane from Hanoi to Luang Prabang takes about 1 hour 15 minutes (direct flight).
- Travel by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang takes about 24-26 hours (it can change).
3. What is the travel distance from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Luang Prabang by tourist bus is about 1000 km, by plane about 400 km.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- Travel by plane from Hanoi to Luang Prabang costs about $110-190/pp.
- Travel by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang costs about $45-70/pp.
5. What is the best way of transport from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- The best and comfortable way of transport from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is definitely to travel by plane.
6. What is the cheapest way of getting from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- The cheapest way of transport from Hanoi in Vietnam to Luang Prabang in Laos is to travel by sleeper tourist bus. Bus tickets from Hanoi to Luang Prabang start at $40. It is good to know, travel by sleeper tourist bus to Laos is not a comfortable way of transport.
7. Is it possible to travel by train from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train because there is no railway between Hanoi and Luang Prabang. But in December 2021 there was opened a new railway from Vientiane to Boten via Luang Prabang. So you can also take a flight to Vientiane and from Vientiane you can travel by train to Luang Prabang. Train schedule in Laos is still very limited, but these trains are new, comfortable and fast.
8. How to travel back from Luang Prabang to Hanoi?
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- If you want to travel from Luang Prabang to Hanoi in Vietnam, you can also travel by sleeper bus or plane. Book bus tickets and flights from Luang Prabang to Hanoi on Baolau and 12go.asia. There is no other way how to get to Hanoi (if you do not have your private transfer or motorbike).
9. How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
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- From Luang Prabang to Vientiane you can travel by bus/minivan, train or plane. Travel by bus from Luang Prabang to Vientiane takes about 10-13 hours, by plane about 1 hour. The most comfortable option is to travel by new train from December 2021, but the train schedule is limited. You can buy train tickets from Luang Prabang to Vientiane at the railway station. Travel distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is about 340 km by land.
10. Where and how you can travel from Luang Prabang?
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- From Luang Prabang you can travel by train, bus or plane to Vientiane. You can also travel to Pakse in southern Laos via Vientiane. There is a train between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
11. How to travel from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai in Thailand?
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- From Luang Prabang in Laos to Chiang Mai in Thailand you can travel by tourist sleeper bus (via Vientiane) or plane (there are direct flights). The best and comfortable way is to take a direct flight. Read this article: How to get from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai?
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Luang Prabang ➜
