Menu
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang? You’re in the right place. With many transportation options available, including buses, vans, and trains, we’re here to guide you through each option. In this guide, we’ll share the details of each option, including how long it takes, how much it costs, and where to get your tickets. Whether you’re short on time or want a relaxed ride with scenic views, you’ll find all the info you need to make your travel plans sustainable and stress-free. So, without any further ado, check out the best options and get on your way from Vientiane to Luang Prabang!
Pha That Luang Temple, Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a beautiful city on the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. Unlike other big cities in Asia, like Hanoi and Bangkok, Vientiane is not a busy city but offers a relaxed vibe. The city covers an area of about 130 square kilometers and has a population of around 1 million as of the 2023 census. The main and biggest airport in Laos is Wattay International Airport, located about 3 kilometers from the center of Vientiane.
In Vientiane, you can see the French influence in the city’s architecture, especially in the Old French Quarter and landmarks like the Patuxai Victory Monument, like Laos’ version of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Additionally, there are many Buddhist temples, beautiful natural landscapes, and lively markets, making Vientiane a must-visit during any trip to Laos.
As you start your journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, you’ll see the gradual shift from the urban charm of the capital to the idyllic beauty of Luang Prabang.
The cute streets of Luang Prabang in Laos
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the lush hills of northern Laos. The city is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers and is a popular place for backpackers and people traveling on a budget in Laos.
Even though it is a small Laotian town with around 56,000 people, there are a bunch of things to do. The city is known for its well-preserved architecture, some of the best Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, an amazing Night Market, and the famous Kuang Si Waterfalls.
The peak season for visiting Luang Prabang is usually from October to March. If you’re visiting between April and September, you can find things at lower prices.
The distance between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is approximately 339 kilometers (210 miles). The journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang takes about 9.5 to 11 hours if you choose to travel by road. You can use buses or minivans to travel this distance and they offer both daytime and night-time departures.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money and want to save time, you can take a quick 50-minute flight with Lao Airlines. This is the fastest way to reach Luang Prabang. Another option, and my favorite one, is taking the train!
Below are some of the best ways to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
Estimated Cost: starts from $70 (1,451,930 LAK)
Estimated Time: 50 minutes
The fastest way to reach Luang Prabang from Vientiane is by taking a domestic flight. Lao Airlines operates one flight per day between Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and Luang Prabang International Airport. The flight takes around one hour. A one-way ticket costs between $70 and $112. You must book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Wattay International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Laos. It usually has a larger crowd than Luang Prabang Airport. To be safe, arrive at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight, especially if you’re traveling during the peak season.
Luang Prabang Airport is about 4 km from the city center. You can take a private transfer or a taxi from the airport to your hotel or guest house. Tuk-tuks are not allowed to pick up tourists at the airport.
Pro Tip: If you travel by plane, consider adding a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Estimated Cost: starts from $29 (601,514 LAK)
Estimated Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Getting from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by train is now possible, thanks to the new Boten-Vientiane Railway or Laos-China Railway.
The 414-kilometer Laos China Railway opened for service in December 2021. High-speed trains go at 160 km/h, and regular trains go at 120 km/h. These high-speed trains have reduced the travel time from Vientiane to Luang Prabang from 10 hours to 2 hours.
Vang Vieng is an important station located halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Now, it’s easy and convenient to travel between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang!
The Vientiane Railway Station is about 16 km outside 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 12GoAsia, you’ll get both the train ticket and a transfer.
If your ticket doesn’t include a transfer to the station, you can reach it by taxi or tuk-tuk.
The high-speed trains will take you from Vientiane Railway Station to Luang Prabang Railway Station through the Laos-China Railway. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 52 minutes. The trains are equipped with facilities like clean toilets, and you can purchase snacks and beverages onboard.
Note that you need to arrive at the train station a bit earlier than the departure time of your train. The train stations of the Lao-China Railway are very fancy and you need to get your luggage checked (like in an airport) before you can enter the train station!
The train will arrive at Luang Prabang station. The Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km from the city center. From there, you can easily find transportation to your accommodation or explore the city.
You can go to the town center in a minivan, which will cost you $2 per person for a 20-minute ride. 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.
You can buy train tickets at the railway station or through various travel agencies and hotels in Vientiane. You can also purchase tickets through 12Go or the LCR Ticket app.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check in at least 60 minutes before your train departs. Laos-China Railway requires a scanned copy of all passengers’ passports to book train tickets. If you don’t provide passport copies, you won’t get your tickets.
Estimated Cost: starts from $12 (248,902 LAK)
Estimated Time: 9-10 hours
The cheapest way to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by bus. Many buses travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang daily, so you can easily find one that suits your schedule. Each bus offers different levels of comfort but they all leave from Vientiane’s Northern Bus Terminal.
Sleeper buses cost a bit more as they have more space to stretch out and lie down. Other buses have regular upright seats. Night buses cost a bit more than daytime buses. However, traveling at night is not as safe because the roads are not well-lit.
Some reputable bus companies include King of Bus, PTS Transit Service, Soutchai Travel, and Chit Prasong. If you decide to travel by bus, you can book your tickets on 12Go for the best prices.
Estimated Cost: starts from $16 (331, 869 LAK)
Estimated Time: 7 hours
Minivans are another convenient mode of transportation, especially if you want a faster journey than buses. The minivan ride takes approximately 7 to 8 hours.
Three minivans run daily between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. They have morning and evening departures. These minivans provide a quicker alternative to buses while still allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes en route. The tickets for the minivan start at $16.
You can book them online or ask your guesthouse to book a seat for you. They depart from the Northern Bus Terminal bus in my case, a pick-up was included at my hotel. Be sure to check the pick-up location/departure point well!
Boat on the Mekong River in Luang Prabang
When it comes to finding a place to stay in Luang Prabang, you have many options. From 5-star fancy resorts and old historic hotels to guesthouses, Luang Prabang has many accommodation options for eco-conscious travelers. You can pick one that suits your budget and preferences. Here are some recommendations:
Lotus Corner is one of the best vegan-friendly bed & breakfasts in the center of Luang Prabang with an eco-friendly setting. Here, you will get air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and free WiFi throughout the property. It’s your best bet if you are traveling as a vegan in Laos!
If you looking for eco-friendly luxury in Lung Prabang, look no further than Namkhan Ecolodge. This lodge offers incredibly beautiful glamping tents and suites, has its own organic garden, and uses renewable and recyclable products throughout the property.
Ock Pop Tok Mekong Villa is located at the Mekong River outside of the center of Luang Prabang but absolutely worth it to spend a few days. Ock Pop Tok is a social and ethical fashion business promoting traditional Lao textile crafts.
Luang Prabang Villa is one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang. The hotel has a garden and city views, located just 300 meters from Wat Xieng Thong. The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with various amenities, including a private bathroom, coffee machine, flat-screen TV, and terrace.
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.
The Kuang Si Waterfalls
As the ancient royal capital of Laos, Luang Prabang has a lot of things to do. Here are some of them:
Visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn about history! The building was made as a home for King Sisavang Vong in 1904. In 1995, the government opened it as a museum for everyone. Since then, it has many old things that tell stories about Laos.
The museum has three parts – the main palace, some other buildings, and a pavilion with a Buddha statue named Prabang. They even have some old cars from the 1950s to 1970s. It’s a cool place to explore and learn!
Attend the traditional alms giving ceremony. Dating back to the 14th century, local monks leave their temples at sunrise to collect alms. They offer food to help feed the less fortunate. The ceremony begins on the main street and then extends to various side streets in Luang Prabang.
Note that this is a spiritual and cultural ritual best observed with respect and cultural sensitivity. Due to its beauty and mystique, this ritual unfortunately has become a major tourist attraction where silly tourists are given rice to give to the monks. Don’t do this. Watch from a distance.
Explore the iconic Wat Xieng Thong, a masterpiece of Laotian architecture. It is a famous Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang and was built in 1559-1560.
The temple’s external walls are adorned with sparkling glass mosaics portraying scenes from daily life in the 1500s. Here, you can admire the intricate carvings, golden stupas, and the beautiful “Tree of Life” mosaic.
Laos may not have an ocean, but you can find stunning waterfalls around Luang Prabang. Take a day trip to Kuang Si Falls, a stunning turquoise cascade surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools and hike your way up to the top of the waterfalls.
Another great runner-up are the Tat Sae Falls which are best explored from May to November when the Kuang Falls lose their turquoise color for a few months.
Climb Mount Phou Si, a sacred hill in Luang Prabang, for stunning views of the city’s skyline. Built around a pagoda, this 100-meter-high hill offers a panoramic experience. Centrally located in the old town, it’s easily accessible, though a climb of over 300 stairs awaits to reach the summit. The effort is worthwhile, especially during sunset when the hill transforms into a magical spot.
Luang Prabang Night Market
The distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is about 210 miles (339 km).
The journey from Vientiane to Luang Prabang can take around 10 to 11 hours by bus or minivan. Flights are quicker, taking about 1 hour and the train takes about two hours. Choose the option that suits your travel preferences.
The fastest way is to take a 50-minute Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang but the more sustainable option for slow travelers is the train which takes about two hours.
One of the more affordable options is to take a bus or minivan. They offer both day and night departures, and the journey takes around 9 to 11 hours.
Yes, definitely! Luang Prabang is a beautiful place in Laos with many cool things to see. There are historic temples, and the natural surroundings are really beautiful, with green trees and amazing views of the river. Plus, you can visit the famous Kuang Si Waterfall from there!
Yes, Luang Prabang is usually very safe. But like in any place where lots of tourists go, it’s smart to be careful. Don’t walk alone at night, and always keep an eye on your things. Overall, Luang Prabang is a calm and peaceful town.
Luang Prabang, Laos
There you have it! A guide on how to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. I hope this information makes your trip planning easier. Whether you choose a quick train side for convenience or a scenic bus route to enjoy the landscapes, this adventure promises memories that will last long after you’ve reached your destination.
If you have recently traveled this route, feel free to share your experience with fellow travelers. Your insights can help our readers. And if you are traveling to Thailand afterwards from Luang Prabang, don’t forget to check out my guide about taking the slow boat from Luang Prabang.
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.
Below are some of the best ways to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.
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!
Latest Posts
15 Best Things to Do in Nong Khiaw, Laos (2024)
Santa Rita, Salento: All You Need to Know
La Playa de Belen, Colombia: An Easy Travel guide!
Do you want to receive my latest finds on conscious and sustainable travel directly to your inbox? Subscribe here!
© COPYRIGHT TRAVELERS&DREAMERS, 2023.