1. Bus to Luang Prabang
2. Flight to Luang Prabang
3. Train to Luang Prabang
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From Vientiane to Luang Prabang you can travel by bus, train or plane.
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- The travel distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang spans about 340 kilometers by land. When considering a trip to Luang Prabang, travelers have 3 primary options for transportation: tourist bus or van, train via the Laos-China Railway, or a direct flight to Luang Prabang Airport. Between these cities, various buses, minivans, and sleeper buses are available. Traveling by bus or van from Vientiane to Luang Prabang typically takes about 7-8 hours, with bus tickets ranging from $16-28 per person.
- It’s advisable to book and purchase bus e-tickets and flights to Luang Prabang online for convenience. Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway offer flight connections, with direct flights costing approximately $30-140 per person. Additionally, since December 4, 2021, travelers have the option to travel by train to Luang Prabang from Vientiane. Two trains operate daily on this route, with a travel time of about 2-3 hours and train tickets priced between $11-30 per person. This new and modern train route extends to Boten in the north of Laos. From Luang Prabang, travelers can further explore by sleeper tourist bus or plane (direct flights) to Hanoi in Vietnam.
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- Luang Prabang is another captivating destination in northern Laos. Despite its modest size, with a population of about 50,000 people and slowly growing, Luang Prabang earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Serving as the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until 1545 when King Phothisarat relocated the administrative seat to Vientiane, Luang Prabang retains a wealth of historical and cultural relics. Despite its popularity among foreign tourists, Luang Prabang and its surrounding area offer a serene and enchanting ambiance.
- Prior to visiting Luang Prabang, acquaint yourself with the prevailing weather conditions by reading this informative article: Weather in Luang Prabang. Travelers have 3 primary ways to travel to Luang Prabang from Vientiane: by tourist bus, direct flight, or train. Explore the detailed instructions on how to reach Luang Prabang from Vientiane in Laos below. Before arriving in Luang Prabang, consider a visit to Vang Vieng, accessible via the Lao-China Railway or tourist buses and minivans. Additionally, travelers can travel to Pakse in southern Laos, serving as a gateway to Cambodia via Don Det.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Luang Prabang: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 7-8 hours | $16-$28/pp |
| Flight | 1 hour | $30-$140/pp |
| Train | 2-3 hours | $11-30/pp |
| Private Transfer | 8-9 hours | $150-$250/car |
How do I get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
The cheapest land variant of transport from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is transport by bus or minivan or minibus. This is the most suitable option for low-cost solo travelers who travel in Laos and want to save money on their trip. However, it is good to be aware that this trip from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus or minibus can take approximately 7-8 hours and sometimes there may be delays, e.g. at departure, but also at arrival.
On the other hand, e.g. minibuses are relatively comfortable and air-conditioned and ticket prices from Vientiane to Luang Prabang range from $16-28/pp, smaller minibuses or private comfortable minivans are usually cheaper. These buses or minibuses usually depart from Vientiane Northern Bus Sation and arrive mostly at Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal or Naluang Bus Station in Luang Prabang.
Some of the bus companies that operate connections to Luang Prabang from Vientiane are: Chit Prasong, Family Service, King of bus, Malany, Naga Travel, PST Transit Service and or Soutchai Travel. When ordering tickets, always read the information about departures and arrivals and other current transfer instructions if you want to avoid inconvenience.
The timetables of these buses and minivans from Vientiane to Luang Prabang can be limited and you can easily book tickets online in advance.
BOOK BUS TICKET to Luang Prabang ➜
🚍 Bus Schedule / Timetable – Vientiane to Luang Prabang + Bus Tickets:
| Bus Schedule – Vientiane to Luang Prabang: | Departs in Vientiane | Arrival in Luang Prabang | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chit Prasong | 8:00 | 15:00 | From $16.00 |
| Chit Prasong | 11:00 | 18:00 | From $16.00 |
| Chit Prasong | 13:00 | 20:00 | From $16.00 |
| Naluang | 8:30 | 16:00 | From $20.00 |
| PTS Transit Service | 06:30 | 17:30 | From $30.00 |
| PTS Transit Service | 17:30 | 06:30 | From $32.00 |
| Naga Travel | 07:00 | 20:00 | From $28.00 |
| Naga Travel | 18:00 | 07:00 | From $31.00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 18:30 | 08:30 | From $29.00 |
| Soutchai Travel | 18:00 | 18:00 | From $27.00 |
| King of Bus | 08:00 | 19:00 | From $22.00 |
| King of Bus | 20:00 | 07:00 | From $24.00 |
2. FLIGHTS from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
The most convenient and fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in Laos is a direct flight. This transfer option is also possible, but flight schedules are rather very limited. However, if you are looking for the most convenient transportation option and are not on a budget when traveling, you should use a direct flight.
These flights are operated from Vientiane International Airport (Wattay Airport) to Luang Prabang International Airport. Luang Prabang Airport is located approximately 2 km from the city center, so you have a very quick opportunity to have everything easily accessible. These direct flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang will be offered by Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway or Hanh Air Systems, Lao Skyway usually offers the cheapest low-cost direct flights.
Lao Airlines is the largest Lao airline that also offers other flights, e.g. to neighboring countries. The duration of a direct flight to Luang Prabang from Vientiane is approximately 45 minutes, but if we also count the waiting time before departure and check-in after departure, then overall this method of transfer will take approximately 4 hours.
You can easily search for direct flights to Luang Prabang online in advance, and prices may vary in different seasons. Direct flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in Laos cost around $35-140/pp, flights by Lao Skyway airline may be the best and most cheapest value.
3. TRAIN from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
In December 2021, the first-ever railway with fast and modern trains of the Lao-China Railway company was opened in Laos. The first railway route runs from Vientiane to Boten (trains go as far as Kunming in China), to the border of China, and the trains that run here also go through the city of Luang Prabang.
So, another convenient option for transportation from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is to travel by modern train. This transport option is relatively fast, comfortable and offers a different view of Laos, you will see interesting scenery, villages and the rural life of the Lao people.
Trains depart from Vientiane Train Station and arrive at Luang Prabang Train Station, which is approximately 10 km east of the city, you can check Laos Railway Map. You will travel in a modern passenger train and the train travel time from Vientiane to Luang Prabang can take approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.
Some companies also offer a combined transfer, i.e. private transport to the train station and Lao Railways train tickets to Luang Prabang. Train tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang cost approximately $11-30 (1st, 2nd class or business seat, hard seat) and these tickets or combined fares with transfer to or from the station can be searched and reserved online in advance.
It is recommended to buy train tickets in advance, it may happen that you will not be able to buy any tickets at the station. When transferring by train, you are required to present your passport, and follow all instructions and conditions that are required on the train.
🚆 Train Schedule / Timetable – Vientiane to Luang Prabang + Train Tickets:
| Train Schedule – Vientiane to Luang Prabang: | Departs in Vientiane | Arrival in Luang Prabang | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laos – China Railway (C98) | 07:30 | 09:16 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 09:53 | From $17-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (C82) | 13:30 | 15:30 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (K12) | 08:42 | 11:24 | From $11-15 |
| Laos – China Railway (C92) | 09:45 | 11:49 | From $16-28 |
| Laos – China Railway (C84) | 15:55 | 18:06 | From $16-28 |
4. PRIVATE CAR from Thanaleng Border to Luang Prabang
If you were looking for a private car transfer from the Thanaleng border crossing near Thailand, which is approximately 20 km from the center of Vientiane, you can use the following option. RG Adventure, this private transport company offers a private transfer from Thanaleng to Luang Prabang in a comfortable minivan for up to 9 travelers. Transfer by this private minivan from Thanaleng border to Luang Prabang in Laos costs around $415/car.
You can then budget this price per individual passenger in this modern and comfortable air-conditioned minivan, so some group of travelers can take advantage of it. Private minivan transportation from Thanaleng to Luang Prabang can take up to approximately 7 hours. It is possible to book this private transfer to Luang Prabang online, also always read all additional instructions regarding this transfer before ordering.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang:
1. How to book and buy tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- You can book bus tickets or flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- You can also book another routes and tickets, e.g. Vientiane > Vang Vieng…
2. How long does it take from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- Travel by plane from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes about 1 hour.
- Travel by bus / minivan from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes about 7-8 hours.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes about 2-3 hours.
- Travel by private minivan / car from Thanaleng border to Luang Prabang takes about 7 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is about 350 km.
4. How much does it cost to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- Transfer by plane from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs about $35-140/pp.
- Transfer by minivan or bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs about $18-32/pp.
- Train tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang cost about $11-30/pp (depends on the class).
- Travel by private minivan from Thanaleng border to Luang Prabang cost about $415/car.
5. What is the best way how to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- The best way how to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is definitely to travel by plane. There are direct flights to Luang Prabang. To spend 7-8 hours in the bus in Laos is realy not so comfortable (but it is the cheapest way).
6. What is the cheapest option of transfer from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- The most cheapest way how you can reach Luang Prabang is to travel by train of Laos-China Railway or tourist bus, minibus. The most cheapest train/bus tickets to Luang Prabang cost about $11-20/pp.
7. Is there a train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- Yes, it is possible to travel by train, from December 3 2021 you can travel by train to Luang Prabang and Boten from Vientiane via Vang Vieng. It is a modern and new highspeed train to Kunming in China (Laos-China Railway).
8. Which bus companies you can use from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
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- You can travel by various bus companies: King of bus, Malany, Naga Travel, PST Transit Service, Soutchai Travel.
9. How to go back from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
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- You can use the same way of transport how you arrived to Luang Prabang. There is a train of Laos-China Railway, tourist buses or minivans or you can travel by plane and take a direct flight to Vientiane.
10. How to travel from Luang Prabang to Hanoi?
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- From Luang Prabang to Hanoi you can travel by bus or plane. There is no train between Luang Prabang and Hanoi. Travel by bus from Luang Prabang to Hanoi takes about 24-28 hours!, so it is better to travel by plane – by plane it takes about 1-1.5 hour. You can search and book bus tickets and flights from Luang Prabang to Hanoi on Baolau and 12go.asia. Check this article: How to get from Luang Prabang to Hanoi?
11. How to travel solo in Laos?
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- 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.
BOOK a TOUR in Luang Prabang ➜
🎫 Book your tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang + Schedule:
(You can change your deprature / arrival, eg. Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang to Vientiane…)