1. Train to Luang Prabang
2. Bus to Luang Prabang
3. FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book a Tour Online
🎫 Book Tickets Online
From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang you can travel by bus, van, car, train.
-
- Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is about 185 km by land. There are 3 ways how you can travel – by tourist bus/van, train or private taxi/car. Travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang takes about 5 hours by bus/minivan, depends on the type of bus you choose and what is the route. Travel by bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang costs about $10-20/pp. There are some buses, minivans or sleeper buses on this route. There are no flights from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang but from December 2021 you can also travel by modern high-speed train.
- Train tickets to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng in Laos costs about $6-25/pp. Train schedule in Laos is limited, there are about 5 trains every day. The most comfortable and fast option of transfer to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng is to travel by train by Laos-China Railway. You can already very easily book and buy train or van e-tickets online (recommended if you want to avoid scammers in Laos). From Luang Prabang in Laos you can travel to Vientiane or cross the border in Thanaleng and travel to Bangkok.
Luang Prabang is written in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
-
- Luang Prabang is one of the most visited places in the north of Laos and another interesting site of Laos. The population is about 65 000 people and slowly growing. Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until King Phothisarat moved the administrative seat to Vientiane in 1545 (Vientiane is the capital of Laos). Luang Prabang and nearby area is very nice place, but sometimes it is overcrowded.
- Luang Prabang offers various tourist services and there are plenty of cheap and also luxury hotels or resorts. Luang Prabang has also an international airport and there are also flights to Vietnam or another countries of Asia. There are also tourist sleeper buses or direct flights to Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam. Read the instructions how you can reach Luang Prabang below. Before you arrive to Luang Prabang, read carefully this article: Weather in Luang Prabang.
| Transfer Mode – Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 5-8 hours | $10 – $20/pp |
| Train by Laos-China Railway | 1-1.5 hour | $6 – $25 |
| Private Transfer | 3 – 4 hours | $70 – $120 USD |
How to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
1. TRAIN from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Certainly the best, fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is by Laos-China Railway train. There are approximately 5-6 train services on this route every day and the modern and fast trains will only offer you seats in a few train classes. Comfortable seats even in the cheapest option are fully sufficient for most ordinary solo foreign travelers.
This train continues to Kunming in China, via the Boten border crossing in northern Laos. Trains depart from Vang Vieng Railway Station and arrive at Luang Prabang Railway Station, see Lao Railway Map. The train journey time from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is approximately 1-1.5 hours, this time is usually always respected.
The train transfer to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng costs between $6-25/pp (1st, 2nd class, business seat, hard seat…), so the price depends on which option and class you choose. You can search and buy train tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang online in advance.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS with Baolau ➜
After booking, he will receive the tickets to his email address, which you entered when booking. In Laos, these train tickets are also accepted as mobile phone e-tickets, so it is not necessary to print them. Always read the current transfer conditions after booking and follow the other instructions.
Train transport is now one of the best transport options in Laos, but the disadvantage is the limited railway network. It is also the best transfer option between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. But it should grow in the future, and new railway routes will also be exposed.
2. BUS / VAN from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Another, alternative transport option from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang in Laos is a transfer by private minivan, minibus or bus. The travel route by minibus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is approximately 185 km long. However, since trains also run, this option will be a less used option of transport on this route.
For the transfer of minibuses or minivans from Vang Vieng to Lunag Prabang, you can use companies such as Malany Transport, Naga Travel and Soutchai Travel. Transport by minibus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang can take about 5 hours, but this time can also vary depending on the company and the type of vehicle or bus.
BOOK TICKETS to Luang Prabang ➜
Minivans and minibuses are also cheaper transport options and their advantage is that they often take you to a specific place. They sometimes depart from, for example, specific hotels or specific locations. Transfer by minibus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang costs about $10-20/pp, these prices may change slightly during the year and seasons.
You can try searching for and booking bus tickets or tickets for minivans online. Also, always read all transfer information and instructions when booking and follow all company instructions. If you are deciding between a transfer by minibus or train, it is rather better to go by train, trains are faster and the price can be the same as bus transfers.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
-
- Book bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
2. What is the travel time from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
-
- Travel by bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang takes about 5 hours.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang takes about 1-1.5 hour.
3. What is the travel distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
-
- Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is about 190 km by bus/car.
4. How much does it cost to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
-
- Travel by van/bus from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang costs about $10-20/pp.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang costs about $6-25/pp.
5. Is there a train or flight from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang in Laos?
-
- Yes, there is already a train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. This train was opened on December 4, 2021. This is the railway between Boten border crossing and Vientiane – the capital of Laos. There are no flights from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, travel by plane is not possible.
6. Where you can also travel from Luang Prabang?
-
- Teoretically you can travel to Vietnam – Hanoi, there are direct flights or tourist sleeper buses, the best options is to take a direct flight, or you can go to Pakse in southern Laos.
7. How to book and buy train tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
-
- It is possible to search and buy train tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang easily online. You can buy train tickets 3 days before departure of the train.
8. How to travel from Luang Prabang to Hanoi in Vietnam?
-
- From Luang Prabang to Hanoi you have only 2 ways how to travel. There are tourist sleeper buses, but travel by bus from Luang Prabang to Hanoi takes about 24-28 hours, so it is really better to use a direct flight. Travel by plane to Hanoi takes only about 1-1.5 hours. Check this> How to get from Luang Prabang to Hanoi?
9. How to travel solo in Laos?
-
- Embark on a solo journey through Laos by navigating diverse transportation options, opting for budget-friendly lodgings, and delving into local markets, all while fostering cultural connections and respecting the traditions of this enchanting destination. Laos has a lot of activities also for solo travelers.
10. What are the most interesting things and facts about Laos?
-
- 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.
11. What is the weather and climate in Laos?
-
- 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.
12. What you can buy and bring home from Laos?
-
- 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?
BOOK a TOUR / TRIP in Luang Prabang ➜
🚆 Train Schedule / Timetable – Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang + Train Tickets:
FULL UPDATED SCHEDULE – CLICK HERE
Train Schedule - Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang | Departs in Vang Vieng | Arrival in Luang Prabang | Train ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Laos - China Railway (C98) | 08:26 | 09:16 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (C84) | 17:12 | 18:06 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (K12) | 10:08 | 11:24 | From $6-13 |
Laos - China Railway (C82) | 14:27 | 15:30 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (C92) | 10:45 | 11:49 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (D88) | 09:03 | 09:53 | From $10-17 |
BOOK Your STAY in Luang Prabang ➜
🎫 Book your bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang + Schedule:
(You can change your travel route, e.g. Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Vientiane to Hanoi…)