1. Bus to Luang Prabang
2. Flight to Luang Prabang
3. Tour in Luang Prabang
4. FAQ + Answers + Tips
🎫 Book Ticket Online
Hanoi to Luang Prabang – The Best Ways to Travel:
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 $150 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 Bus | 24-30 hours | $40-53/pp |
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hour | $100-250/pp |
| Private Car | 18-20 hours | $500-600/car |
How do I get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
1. BUS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
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- travel by bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang takes about 24-26 hours from Hanoi!
- sleeper and comfortable buses, but it takes a lot of time
- bus companies to Luang Prabang: Huyen Chau, HTX Van Tai 27-7, Techbus VN, To Vietnam Travel, …
- one-way bus ticket from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in Laos costs about $42-53/pp
- read carefully all the information before you book and buy bus tickets to Luang Prabang
- crossing the border will require you to leave the bus and pass through a series of checkpoints and pay for a visa
- Book and buy bus e-tickets from Hanoi to Luang Prabang online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
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- it is a little bit more expensive option but the most comfortable and fast
- about 2-4 flights by Lao Airlines and Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
- flight time from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is only about 1 hour 15 minutes
- price of flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is about $110 – 150/pp (it can change)
- airport in Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport
- airport in Luang Prabang – Luang Prabang International Airport
- if you do not find any flight, try to search a different date of departure
- you can also take a flight to Vientiane and then to Luang Prabang
- Book and buy your flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
3. TRAIN from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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- NO, there is no direct train connection from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
- but you can travel by train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang from December 2021
- there is new modern train and you can book train tickets online or at the railway station in Vientiane
- these railway in Laos connects Boten in the north and Vientiane in the south and goes also via Vang Vieng
- you can check Laos Railway Map + Transport in Laos
4. Book a private tour in Luang Prabang
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- you can also book various private tours + tickets in Luang Prabang easily online
- e.g. half or full day city tour, shared transfers in Laos, a trip to Kuang Si Waterfall…
- these private tours in Luang Prabang or other city of Laos offer mainly local tour guides
- with Klook you can also book various tickets, private tours and other activities
BOOK a TOUR in Luang Prabang ➜
Baolau – search, book, buy tickets online
– a company specializing in train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Vietnam (+Cambodia and Laos)
– you can buy also a bus tickets (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, Futabus, Hung Thanh, InterBus Lines…)
– flights of Vietnamese Airlines, JetStar, VietJet Air, Air Asia as well as flights to neighbouring countries
– ferry tickets in Vietnam (eg. ferry to Cat Ba, ferry to Phu Quoc and Con Dao, ferry to Quan Lan, ferry to Phnom Penh…)
– tickets for Malaysia (eg. Cameron Highlands to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, Penang to Langkawi…)
– the price of tickets depends on the official price of transport company
– you will see the final price before you make a payment transaction
– acceptable online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
12go.asia – search, book, buy tickets online
– a specialist for train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Thailand (also tickets for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia…)
– bus tickets for Vietnam, Thailand… (eg. Mekong Express, Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinhTourist, Hung Thanh…)
– from 2018 you can book train tickets for China online (Beijing to Shanghai, Shenzhen to Guangzhou, Shanghai to Hangzhou..)
– ferry/boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Tao, Koh Rong, Koh Chang, Koh Phi Phi…
– tickets for the main routes in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to Hua Hin, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket…
– you can use an online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam + Thailand
– more information about train tickets and trains in Thailand
– if you buy a ticket of private trains in Vietnam to Sapa on 12go.asia or Baolau (Orient Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Hanoi to Luang Prabang:
1. How to book and buy tickets and flights from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
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 $110-150/pp.
- Travel by sleeper bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang costs about $40-50/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?
12. What are the most interesting things and facts about Laos?
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- Laos is a cultural tapestry enriched by Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm, the vital Mekong River, and the enigmatic Plain of Jars. Traditional Lao cuisine tantalizes taste buds, the Baci ceremony weaves spiritual ties, and Vieng Xai Caves harbor hidden histories. Bolaven Plateau is a coffee paradise, while Wat Phou echoes ancient spirituality, Pak Ou Caves cradle abundant Buddhas. Read also this full article: 15 Interesting Things of Laos.
13. What is the weather and climate in Laos?
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- Weather in Laos varies between distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, prevailing from May to October, brings heavy rainfall and heightened humidity, contributing to lush landscapes and abundant rivers. In contrast, the dry season, spanning from November to April, features lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for travel with clear skies and enjoyable outdoor activities.
14. What you can buy and bring home from Laos?
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- Laos presents a diverse range of souvenirs and original gifts or toys that capture its cultural richness. Traditional clay jars, silk scarves, woven baskets, silver jewelry, coffee, and a coffee maker offer a blend of artistry and functionality. Traditional fabrics, rice papers, embroidered book covers, and ceramics reflect the country’s storytelling heritage and artistic traditions. Toys, puppets, and essential oils contribute to a varied collection that echoes the cultural tapestry of Laos. Read more: What to bring from Laos?
15. Is traveling in Laos cheap or expensive?
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- In summary, traveling in Laos is a cost-effective and budget-friendly experience. From affordable accommodations, local street food, and transportation to reasonably priced cultural and adventure activities, Laos caters to the needs of budget-conscious travelers. Entrance fees to historical sites and healthcare services are generally economical. While Laos provides an inexpensive travel environment, it’s advisable to allocate a contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Read this article: Prices in Laos.
16. What is the official currency of Laos and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK). Travelers can exchange money at various locations, including banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. While banks might offer better exchange rates, they often have more restricted operating hours. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the current exchange rates and, if possible, conduct larger transactions at banks for potential cost savings. Additionally, some establishments may accept U.S. dollars or Thai baht, especially in larger cities, but it’s generally recommended to have the local currency.
17. What is the food and cuisine in Laos, what to expect?
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- In conclusion, Laotian cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and cultural diversity. With rice as a staple, the dishes reflect a harmonious balance of flavors, influenced by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai culinary elements. From the iconic sticky rice to flavorful salads, grilled meats, and aromatic soups, Laos offers a unique gastronomic journey. The use of local herbs, spices, and the mysterious Padaek sauce adds depth to the culinary experience.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Luang Prabang ➜
2 Ways of Transfer from Hanoi to Luang Prabang:
| 1. BUS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang | |
|---|---|
| Transport Option | Bus |
| Travel Time | About 24-26 hours |
| Additional Information | Sleeper tourist buses to Luang Prabang |
| Bus Companies | Huyen Chau, HTX Van Tai 27-7, TheSinhTourist |
| Price | About $42-53 per person for one-way bus ticket |
| 2. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang | |
| Transport Option | Direct Flights |
| Additional Information | Hanoi – Noi Bai International Airport |
| Destination Airport | Luang Prabang International Airport |
| Price | About $110-150 per person for one-way flight (price may vary) |
| Airlines | Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines |
| Flight Time | About 1 hour 15 minutes from Hanoi to Luang Prabang |
| Alternative Option | You can also take a flight to Vientiane and then to Luang Prabang |
