How to get from Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre

Why visit 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.

There are 2 ways to travel the 4 kilometers (2 miles) from Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the taxi and Tuktuk. The journey takes 15 to 30 minutes and the quickest way is by tuktuk. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by tuktuk with tickets starting at $3 (65,000 LAK).

Taking the tuk-tuk provides travellers with a cheaper option. However, you cannot find tuk-tuks inside the airport premises. You have to go outside the gates of Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre.

This is a good option for travellers on a budget but keep in mind that Laotian tuk-tuks don’t provide much legroom. Expect to pay around $3 (65,000 LAK) for a tuk-tuk. The rate is pretty standard so if you’re going from the city centre to Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre, expect to pay the same.

If drivers mention a higher rate, you can negotiate accordingly.

Located just 4 km from the city centre, Luang Prabang Airport offers few domestic and international flights.

You can find the taxi counters near the exits of the arrival hall. Taxis can get you to your hotel or the city centre for a fixed fare of $7 (152,000 LAK). The fixed fare means you don’t need to worry about negotiating a good price.

Some hotels often provide hotel shuttle service but expect to pay the same fixed fare of $7 (152,000 LAK). If your hotel offers this, you’ll need to pre-arrange this with the hotel.

To get to Luang Prabang Airport, you can hail a taxi or ask your hotel to arrange one. The same $7 (152,000 LAK) fare still applies. If taxis try to charge you more, don’t give in too easily.

But if you prefer to arrange your private transport, you can book through BookAway. Rates start from $14.60 (317,000 LAK) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $7.30 (158,000 LAK) per person.