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Are you looking for the best way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng in Laos? You’re in the right place! In this guide, you’ll learn about the best transportation options to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. I’ll guide you about each option to help you choose which one is best for you and where to get your tickets. I’ll also share some info about where to stay and what to do when you arrive in Vang Vieng. Keep reading to get all the information you need about traveling from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng!
Kuang Si, the most beautiful waterfall in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an old capital in Northern Laos. Sitting by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, the city is dotted with glittering temples, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets.
Luang Prabang invites visitors to stroll through its historic streets, see the morning alms-giving ceremony, and explore some of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia that echo the city’s spiritual history. From Luang Prabang, you can easily visit many natural wonders that make Laos famous.
Vang Vieng is a beautiful town in Laos with karst mountains and green paddy fields. It is roughly halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, right by the Nam Song River. It is easy to get to Vang Vieng from these two towns and also from Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Vang Vieng is approximately 180 kilometers north of Luang Prabang. The city itself doesn’t have an airport. The nearest ones are in Luang Prabang and Vientiane so land travel is your only option to get there.
The city has evolved in recent years from having a seedy backpacker reputation to an adventure paradise. It is a must-visit destination for people who enjoy active adventures and outdoor sports.
Many people come to Vang Vieng mainly for tubing. You’ll see young travelers sitting in big rubber tubes, floating downstream in the water. Read on to find out more about what Vang Vieng has to offer!
Some people consider the journey from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng one of the less enjoyable ones on the popular Southeast Asia travel route. The road has many potholes and curves, making it a bumpy ride. However, there is a wonderful stop along the way, known as the ‘loo with a view.’ Here, you can find small stores selling snacks for a quick bite.
There are two roads that will take you to Vang Vieng – the old road and the new road.
The old road, which is the main route 13, takes a longer time, about 6 hours or more if you’re on a bus. The road is slow due to twists and turns but also scenic, with beautiful views and fewer hills. Buses use this road to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
The new road has been upgraded recently, so you don’t have to worry about dirt patches and potholes. After leaving Luang Prabang, you travel on the old winding road for almost 30 kilometers before entering the new road. This route takes about 4 hours and is better paved, wider, and faster. Cars and minivans use this route, but buses are not allowed.
However, there are a few things to know about the new road. It is less scenic. Some parts are unfinished, with dirt sections and potholes that can get muddy or cause landslides during the rainy season.
Both roads have their pros and cons. It is good to know about these options so you can choose the route that suits your preferences for a comfortable journey from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
Kaeng Nyui waterfall and Kenlon Falls in Vang Vieng
Here are some important tips for your journey:
To travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, you can take a train (49 minutes – 1 hour 8 minutes), a bus (6-8 hours), or a van (6 hours). The fastest way to go from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by train.
Estimated Cost: $16
Estimated Time: 49 minutes – 1 hour
If you are looking for a quick and comfortable way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, the train is the best option. There are four trains daily from Luang Prabang Railway Station to Vang Vieng Railway Station through the new Laos-China Railway route.
The Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km from the city center. If your train ticket includes a transfer to the station, it’s great, but not all tickets do. If you book through 12Go, you’ll get both the train ticket and a transfer.
If your ticket doesn’t include a transfer to the station, the cheapest way to go there is through a minivan, which will cost you $2 per person for a 20-minute ride. Ask your accommodation where you can find these minivans. If you want to go on your own, a tuk-tuk ride or a taxi will cost you $5-$8 and take around 30 minutes.
The high-speed trains will take you from Luang Prabang Railway Station to Vang Vieng Railway Station through the Laos-China Railway. The high-speed trains take about 49 minutes to 1 hour, and you won’t have to deal with the winding roads that might make you feel nauseous.
These modern-looking trains might seem out of place in Laos and honestly, they are. The Chinese built the railway and it’s all very modern. The trains are electric and have amazing air conditioning but, as a conscious traveler, you can wonder if the money you spend on the train actually benefits the Laotians.
The Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km from the town center. You’ll find a row of tuk-tuks waiting for you at the train station. They will get you to the city center in about 10 minutes. If you’re sharing the tuk-tuk with other people, you might have to pay about $2 for each person for this short ride.
Departure time: 11:41
Arrival Time: 12: 49
Journey Time: 1 hr 8 minutes
Departure time: 14:49
Arrival Time: 15: 38
Journey Time: 49 minutes
Departure time: 16:51
Arrival Time: 17: 43
Journey Time: 52 minutes
Departure time: 19:00
Arrival Time: 19: 52
Journey Time: 52 minutes
Booking your train tickets from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng can be a bit tricky, but you have a few options.
Download the LCR Ticket app on your mobile to book tickets for the LCR or Laos China Railway. It is easy to use, but you must first register on the app. You also need to have a Laotian sim number to buy the tickets.
Laotian SIM cards are very cheap and you can buy them in lots of places in Luang Prabang. If you choose this option, remember you’ll need to arrange a minivan, taxi, or tuk-tuk to take you to the Luang Prabang train station.
The easiest way to get your ticket is to book through 12GoAsia. Ticket prices start from $16, including a transfer from the city center of Luang Prabang to the Luang Prabang train station.
It is perfect if you want to skip the hassle of looking for transport to the train station or waiting in line at the train station to buy a ticket. The best feature is that you can book your train ticket even months in advance.
Another option is to book through Viator but the prices might be a bit higher than on 12GoAsia.
If you’re planning to spend some days in Luang Prabang before your trip to Vang Vieng, you can visit the train station 3 to 4 days ahead of your travel date.
You need to line up at the station and purchase your train tickets at the ticket counter. Don’t forget to bring your passport! This is necessary for buying the tickets. Unfortunately, you can not buy the tickets on the day of travel as this option gets booked up quickly.
Note that buying your train tickets this way can turn out a lot cheaper than booking online. However, you’ll need to make your way to the train station which is way out of town. With the additional cost of a tuk-tuk or a rented motorbike, this might make the cost break even.
Another option to get train tickets is from a ticket office in Luang Prabang. Tickets are available for $7 plus an additional $1 tax.
It is quite a popular option, but you might have to wait a long time in line! You must bring your passport, and each person can only buy two tickets. Be sure to bring enough cash with you.
If you try this option, I would love for you to contact me through my contact page with the most up-to-date information. At the time of my visit, it was not possible to pay by foreign debit cards, Mastercards or Visa. It was also not possible to pay by cash but maybe by now it is. The only method of paying was by Lao and Chinese cashless payment systems.
Note: Make sure to go to the verified ticket office. It is on Phothisalath Road across from the building of Luang Prabang Provincial Administration. They’re open from 10 am – to 3:30 pm.
Tham Chang Cave, Laos
Estimated Time: 6 hours
Estimated Cost: $18
Minivans are a quicker alternative to buses. They take around 5-6 hours to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng on the new road. These minivans are smaller in size, accommodating 12 to 15 passengers. They can be a good choice for those who prefer a faster ride and lower price but with limited legroom. You can purchase a one-way ticket starting at $18, which usually includes pick-up service from your accommodation in Luang Prabang.
Some passengers may experience motion sickness due to the twists and turns and steep areas of the roads that give off a “dangerous” vibe. It is advisable to avoid late afternoon transfers due to the risks associated with the winding mountain route.
All minivans end their trip at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal, located 2 km north of the city center. Tuk-tuks are available there to take you into the town center for an additional cost. Usually, they ask for at least 20,000 LAK or $1 per person for this short ride. If you walk a bit further down the road, you might be able to find another driver willing to offer a lower rate.
Departure Stop: Luang Prabang Southern Stop
Arrival Stop: Vang Vieng Bus
Departure Stop: Naluang Bus Station, Luang Prabang
Arrival Stop: Vang Vieng Bus Terminal
Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
Estimated Cost: $18
One of the most common and budget-friendly ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by bus. If you’re prone to getting motion sick, you should go for the bus.
It is a slower journey, and the bus travels through the old route with fewer curves. It may add at least an extra hour to your journey. If you’re short on time, a van might be a better choice. Many bus companies operate this route. They run both VIP buses and local buses.
If you choose the VIP Tourist bus, a shuttle bus will meet you at your place and carry you to the bus station. After arriving at the station, you have to take your luggage and put it on the bus, which will then take you to Vang Vieng on the old road. The bus may take some time to depart as it waits for other travelers to board.
During the journey, there will be refreshment breaks where you can get some fresh air, use the bathrooms, and grab some snacks. From mountains to farm animals, kids playing, and local families, you’ll see beautiful landscapes along the way.
The bus will drop you 2 kilometers outside Vang Vieng’s city center. You can take a tuk-tuk to reach your final destination. VIP buses might be slightly costly, but the added comfort is often worth it for the long ride.
If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, local buses are a more affordable option. They may lack some of the comforts of VIP buses, but they provide a cost-effective way to enjoy the scenic views along the way.
They’ll make stops in villages and towns, picking up and dropping off folks. It can be a more crowded journey as they try to fit in as many passengers as possible. Sometimes, you might find small plastic stools or wooden or plastic crates placed in the walkway as extra seats. This is as local as it gets!
If you want to catch a local bus to Vang Vang, which will feel like touring authentic Laos in a very slow way, you’ll need to make your way to the Southern Bus Station in Luang Prabang. It is located 3 kilometers from the town center.
Here are the websites I personally use whenever I travel to Laos:
Booking.com: For the best cheap guesthouses, homestays or small hotels
Hostelworld: To find the best hostels located in the cities
Homestay: For a unique immersive homestay experience in Luang Prabang
12GO and Bookaway: The best transport websites for long-distance buses and train travel in Laos
Loca: Uber and Grab don’t operate in Laos but Vientiane has its own ride-hailing app called Loca!
Skyscanner: For affordable flights to Vientiane or Luang Prabang
Viator and Get Your Guide: book all kinds of activities from a Kuang Si waterfall cruise to a private cave and jungle trekking in Vang Vieng!
Get your Visa for Laos online through the Evisa website. Do note that you cannot enter just any border with the Evisa. You can fly with an Evisa into Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse and cross three borders with Thailand. They don’t accept the Evisa when you want to cross a land border coming from Vietnam, Cambodia, or China. It’s best to contact the Laotian embassies in these countries to obtain a visa.
If you’re looking for travel insurance, the one with the best benefits online is without a doubt Heymondo! It’s very easy to ask for a quote on the website and if you book with this link you’ll get 5% off!
Get access to mobile data straight away when entering the country with a Laos E-sim or an Asialink E-sim when traveling through multiple countries.
If you plan to visit Vang Vieng, it’s important to know what your goal is for coming to this location. If you fancy a party, you are better off staying in the upper part of the town near the few party bars that are still left.
However, if you’re here to enjoy the natural beauty of Vang Vieng and prefer to stay in a quiet location then you better stay in the Southern part of Vang Vieng. Here are some suggestions in the southern part of town and some alternatives further away along the Nam Song River.
Nam Song River in Vang Vieng
In Vang Vieng, there are many fun things to do:
The distance between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng is approximately 180 kilometers.
The travel time varies based on the mode of transportation. The fastest way is by train, taking approximately 49 minutes to 1 hour. Minivans take around 5-6 hours, while buses may take around 7 hours.
The fastest way is to take the train, which lasts about 49 minutes to 1 hour.
Vang Vieng is a small town in the north of Laos known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Backpackers and tourists often visit for adventures like rock climbing, tubing, hiking to scenic viewpoints, and exploring lagoons and waterfalls.
The town also offers a variety of bars and restaurants for some nightlife enjoyment and a fun evening market where you can enjoy Khanom Krok, a great vegan Laotian dish!
There are various ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, each with its pros and cons. Consider your preferences, budget, and time when making your choice.
No matter how you decide to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, it will be a memorable trip. Once you arrive in Vang Vieng, a world of exciting activities awaits you, making this journey worthwhile.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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