What to expect when visiting Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. A beautiful fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial design, this ancient city sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang lifts up your spirits with its 33 Buddhist temples and awakens your senses with its picturesque landscape.
Backdropped by mountains, adventurers will find plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. You’ll find turquoise waterfalls, trekking trips and biking trails on the outskirts of town. Our favourite part? The friendly atmosphere and slow life that it was somehow able to maintain despite the growing number of tourists.
2 ways to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang
There are two ways to travel the distance of 965 km (600 miles) from Pakse to Luang Prabang: by bus (21h 30m - 24h) and flight (1hr 40m). The journey takes between 1h 40m - 24h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 1,033,000 LAK ($49) for the bus.Where to stay in Luang Prabang?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang at the bottom of this page.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Bus
The bus trip from Pakse to Luang Prabang takes almost a full day. King of Bus is the only bus company that provides a direct trip. Their VIP sleeper bus departs Pakse at 19:00 and arrives in Luang Prabang at around 16:30 the following day. However, a direct trip is currently not available. Instead, you’ll have to book a combined bus ticket from Champasak Bus and King of Bus.
Another option is to book a bus from Pakse to Vientiane and from there, you’ll catch another bus to Luang Prabang. This option gives you some time to rest and explore the capital city of Laos.
Bus schedules from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Champasak Bus and King of Bus
- Champasak Bus departs from Green Paradise Travel Agency Office in the city centre, near the Vietnam Consulate at 19:00 and arrives at Vientiane South Bus station at 06:30 the next day
- King of Bus departs from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office at 08:00 and arrives at Luang Prabang airport, about 4 km from the city centre at 19:00
King of Bus is one of the most popular transport companies in Laos and they provide good service for the Pakse to Luang Prabang route.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Flight
Flying from Pakse to Luang Prabang saves a lot of time compared to taking the bus. It will cost you a bit more, but at least you won’t be completely exhausted when you reach your destination.
The main operator for this route is Lao Airlines. Their one-way tickets start at 2,003,000 LAK ($95), and they operate one direct flight per day. If this one-way flight is fully booked, you’ll have to book one that has a stopover at Vientiane.
The direct flight departs Pakse International Airport at 16:20 and arrives in Luang Prabang around 18:00. You can use the button below to check the latest schedules and to book your flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang
Manichan Guesthouse - Mid Range
The Manichan Guesthouse is the perfect location, just a 5-minute walk from the Night Market, National Museum and plenty of other sights. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean and come with your choice of fan or air conditioning. A delicious breakfast is included daily with your stay and there is a restaurant on location for your convenience.
- Ideal location
- Walking distance to many sights
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant on-site
Private rooms start at $30 per night
Sakaodeuan Hotel & Travel - Treating Yourself
Sakaodeuan Hotel located within the Old Town of Luang Prabang is in an ideal location to explore some of the city’s best sights. You’re less than 1km away from both Mount Phousy and the Night Market.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. One of the best things about this hotel are the staff who are there to help you with anything. And the complimentary breakfast is a highlight of the stay. It’s delicious!
- Located in the Old Town
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Amazing staff
- Delicious free breakfast
Double rooms start from $75 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse to Luang Prabang
What is the distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang is 965 km (600 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by flight and takes 1hr 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,033,000 LAK ($49).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Routes from Luang Prabang
Most popular routes in Laos
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
