How to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse
Why visit Pakse?
Pakse is a transport hub and gateway to southern Laos. Its strategic location, comfortable accommodations and tour offerings make it a convenient basecamp for travellers visiting the nearby Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu.
Admittedly, there is not much to do in this riverside town. But if you’re looking for a relaxing yet strategic place to take some time off, then your best choice in the south is Pakse. Walk around town, visit some temples, explore the local markets, or just sample traditional Lao dishes.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Pakse?
There are 2 ways to travel the 940 kilometre (584 miles) distance from Luang Prabang to Pakse. You can choose between the bus and train and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes to 16 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus and train with tickets starting at 939,000 LAK ($43.50).
Luang Prabang to Pakse by Flight
Taking a flight is the most convenient way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse. Travel time takes only 2 hours 20 minutes, including airport transfers.
This saves you 9 hours 35 minutes to 16 hours on the road, which is how long it takes to travel this route via a combined train and bus.
The only downside of flying is the cost. Combined prices start from 2,172,000 LAK ($100), which is usually double the price of travelling from Luang Prabang to Pakse overland.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: How to get to Luang Prabang Airport
The most convenient way to get to Luang Prabang Airport from the city centre is by taxi. Fares start from 100,000 LAK ($4.60) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi, although drivers may try to charge more for tourists.
For more info, visit our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
Step 2: Flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse
Lao Airlines operates the only direct flight from Luang Prabang to Pakse. Airfares start from 2,012,000 LAK ($93), and the flight takes about 1h 40m.
Two things to note:
- Direct flights to Pakse from Luang Prabang are not available every day. They operate only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- These direct flights are active only during the peak season, typically from November to June. From July to October, only indirect flights are available from Luang Prabang to Pakse.
Indirect flights, on the other hand, operate daily via Vientiane. Airfares start from 3,461,000 LAK ($160).
The layover time in Vientiane is usually 2 to 6 hours, but can take as long as over 16 hours. You can consider picking a flight with a long layover if you’re looking to explore Vientiane before continuing to Pakse.
Step 3: Pakse Airport to the city centre
The best way to travel the 5 km from Pakse Airport to the city centre is by taxi. Fares start from 60,000 LAK ($2.80) and the journey takes about 20 minutes, depending on where your hotel is located.
Alternatively, you can make it more local with a tuk-tuk. This open-air vehicle should be comfortable enough for the short trip. But note that it’s not much cheaper than a taxi ride, with fares from 50,000 LAK ($2.30).
Check out our guide for Pakse Airport for more details.
Luang Prabang to Pakse by Bus and Train
On a budget? Taking a combined train and bus is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse. Prices start from 939,000 LAK ($43.50), which is half the cost of taking a flight.
This option takes almost a full day, though, with a travel time of 9 hours 35 minutes to 16 hours. Keep in mind that this doesn’t include the transfer time in Vientiane, which can be anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours.
The good thing is, you book the train and bus separately, so you can pick the schedule that suits you best. If you prefer a slower pace, you can even spend a night in Vientiane before continuing your trip to Pakse.
Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to travel by combined train and bus to Pakse from Luang Prabang.
Step 1: Train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Travelling from Luang Prabang to Vientiane has become so much easier since the launch of the Laos-China Railway in 2021. What takes 8 hours by minivan can now be completed in just 1h 50m - 3h 10m with the train.
Rates for a second class seat start from 456,000 LAK ($21) on BookAway, where you can buy your Laos train ticket months in advance.
PRO TIP: Train tickets are often a bit cheaper when you book through LCR Ticket, the official Laos–China Railway app. You’ll need to download the app and create an account first. Just keep in mind that registration doesn’t always work smoothly, and some travellers have trouble paying with foreign credit cards.
Also, tickets on the LCR Ticket app only go on sale 7 days before your travel date, and they can sell out quickly.
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Trains depart from Luang Prabang Train Station, about 12 km from the city centre. The easiest way to get there is by shared minivan, which you can book through your accommodation. A seat costs 40,000 LAK ($1.80).
You are to get off at Vientiane Train Station, 6 km from Southern Bus Terminal, where you will find the buses bound for Pakse.
There should be taxis and tuk-tuks waiting for passengers at Vientiane Railway Station, but drivers are known for overcharging tourists. We recommend walking a bit away from the train station and booking a taxi through the local hailing app Loca. Fares for the 20-minute ride start from 100,000 LAK ($4.60).
Step 2: Bus from Vientiane to Pakse
From Vientiane, all buses to Pakse travel overnight. The bus journey takes 7h 45m - 13h and fares start from 482,000 LAK ($22.50).
Although it is quite a long journey, this bus from Vientiane to Pakse lets you save one night on accommodation.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Luang Prabang to Pakse
What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Pakse?
The distance from Luang Prabang to Pakse is 940 kilometre (584 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse?
The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse is by flight and takes 2 hours 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse?
The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Pakse is by bus and train with ticket costs starting from 939,000 LAK ($43.50).
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.
