Laos

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel Writer

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Why visit Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng is a small Laotian town set in the midst of tranquil cliffs and rich green rice fields — just like a scene from an Asian painting. Formerly a party destination, the picturesque town reinvented itself to become Laos’ adventure capital.

Adrenaline-hungry travellers can enjoy many exciting activities in Vang Vieng — from rock climbing and caving to hiking and river tubing. When you want to relax, take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoons or just ride a motorbike across Vang Vieng’s rugged roads and lush green fields.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

There are 4 ways to travel the 180 kilometers (112 miles) from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. You can choose between the bus*, van, private transport and train. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 7 hours and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $11 (240,000 LAK).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train

1h 30m - 2h 10m

From $11 (240,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Van

4-6h

From $18.70 (408,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Bus*

From $33 (720,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Private Transport

From $155 (3,381,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Vang Vieng?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng at the bottom of this page.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 10m

Costs: $11 (240,000 LAK)

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 10m

Costs: $11 (240,000 LAK)

A faster way to travel the Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng route is by train. This train journey takes just around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, but it also has disadvantages. The train stations are outside the city centres and tickets sell out really fast.

It’s not impossible to score tickets, though! Below, we give you tips on how to get train tickets depending on your budget and schedule.

Step 1: Luang Prabang Centre to Luang Prabang Railway Station by Minivan

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: $2 (44,000 LAK)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: $2 (44,000 LAK)

Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km east of the city centre. The cheapest way to get there is by minivan. A ride for 30 minutes costs $2 (44,000 LAK) per person.

There are several minivan pick-up points in Luang Prabang. We recommend asking for assistance from your accommodation to find the nearest minivan stop.

Step 2: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train

Duration: 50m - 1h 30m

Costs: $7 (153,000 LAK)

Duration: 50m - 1h 30m

Costs: $7 (153,000 LAK)

The trains on this route are high-speed trains of the new Laos-China Railway, so you can expect a scenic and comfortable 50m - 1h 30m ride from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.

Ticket prices start from $7 (153,000 LAK) to $21 (458,000 LAK), depending on where you buy your tickets. Read on for the train schedules and more details on the booking platforms.

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

11:48

0h52m

12:40

C85

$7 (153,000 LAK)

No Online Tickets

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

15:05

0h58m

16:03

C81

$7 (153,000 LAK)

No Online Tickets

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

17:48

1h18m

19:06

K11

$7 (153,000 LAK)

No Online Tickets

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

19:00

0h56m

19:56

C83

$7 (153,000 LAK)

No Online Tickets

Luang Prabang Train Station

Standard

Vang Vieng Train Station

17:11

1h 30m

18:41

Laos Group Tour

$16.20 (353,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Luang Prabang Train Station

Second Class

Vang Vieng Train Station

10:31

11:31

12:52

13:52

14:49

15:49

18:40

19:40

19:22

20:22

Laos Group Tour

$19.30 (421,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Luang Prabang Train Station

Second Class

Vang Vieng Train Station

12:52

13:52

14:49

15:49

18:40

19:40

19:22

20:22

Laos Fast Train

$21 (462,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Luang Prabang Train Station

First Class

Vang Vieng Train Station

12:52

13:52

14:49

15:49

18:40

19:40

19:22

20:22

Laos Fast Train

From $28.50 (626,000 LAK)

Luang Prabang Train Station

Business

Vang Vieng Train Station

12:52

13:52

14:49

15:49

18:40

19:40

19:22

20:22

Laos Fast Train

$36.50 (801,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Show 4 more operator(s)

PRO TIP: Luang Prabang Train Station looks a lot like an airport and you can expect the usual security checks. We recommend arriving about 1 hour before your train’s departure. Note that you won’t be allowed inside the station until an hour before the trip, so there’s also no use arriving too early.

Where to buy your train tickets

The train ride itself is easy, but booking your ticket is another matter. There is a high demand for tickets for this new train line. Also for most portals, tickets are released for selling only 3 days before the travel date.

There are a few ways you can book a train ticket. Below we break down the pros and cons of each option to help you pick the best booking platform for you.

Option 1: Cheapest & easiest booking through the LCR Ticket app

LCR Ticket is a new app made specifically for booking tickets for the Laos-China Railway. It’s pretty easy to use. Like most booking apps, you just enter your pick-up and drop-off point and desired date.

Ticket prices start from $7 (153,000 LAK) for a second-class seat and you can buy your tickets through the app at least 3 days in advance.

The only catch is, you have to be logged in to be able to buy a ticket. To log in, you have to be registered on the LCR Ticket app. And to register, you need to have a Laotian mobile number.

Option 2: Easy yet expensive booking through 12goAsia

If you don’t mind spending more, you can book a combined minivan and train ticket through 12GoAsia. Prices start from $21 (458,000 LAK), already including your transfer from Luang Prabang city centre to the train station.

That’s more than double the regular minivan + train rates, but the advantage is that you won’t have to worry about long ticket queues or having a Laotian number.

The best part about buying your train ticket online is that you can book even months beforehand — not just 3 days prior to your trip.

Option 3: Cheap booking at the train station, but only if you can buy in advance

If you are able to go to Luang Prabang Train Station 2-3 days before your desired travel date, you can also buy your tickets here. Like the LCR App, ticket prices start from $7 (153,000 LAK) at the train station.

You’re probably asking, why not just buy your ticket on the day of your trip? Because there’s a high chance that tickets are already sold out for that day.

Option 4: Luang Prabang Ticket Office is our least recommended

The Luang Prabang Ticket Office seems like the logical option because you can find it in the city centre and they sell tickets at a regular price — starting from $7 (153,000 LAK). But a lot of people think the same way, so queues at the ticket office are often 1 to 2 hours long.

That’s valuable time you can spend exploring the town instead. But if you don’t mind the long queues at Luang Prabang Ticket Office, you should be able to find it across the Provincial Office of Transportation on Photisalath Road, according to the Laotian Times. We are unable to pinpoint its exact location on Google Maps, though!

Some travellers complain that this ticket office is almost “imaginary” because of how difficult it is to find it. So if you have any additional information on its exact location, you’ll be helping a lot of travellers by letting us know!

Note that the ticket office in Luang Prabang only opens at specific hours:

Morning: 10:00-12:00
Afternoon: 12:30-15:30

Step 3: Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng City Centre by Tuk-Tuk

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: $2 (44,000 LAK)

Duration: 10 minutes

Costs: $2 (44,000 LAK)

Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km away from the town centre. Tuk-tuks are waiting at the train station to take passengers to the city centre.

A tuk-tuk ride from the train station to Vang Vieng city centre would cost about $2 (44,000 LAK) per person and take 10 minutes.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Van

Duration: 4-6h

Costs: $18.70 (408,000 LAK)

Duration: 4-6h

Costs: $18.70 (408,000 LAK)

There are four transport companies offering minivan trips from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: Vieng Chaleune, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Laos Group Tour and Naluang.

Vans depart from 06:45 to 15:15 daily and the journey takes around 5 hours. Except when you book with Vieng Chaleune, which arrives at Vang Vieng after 9 hours.

The advantage of taking a van is that some companies already offer free pick-up service, so you won’t have to worry about your transfer to the bus station. The disadvantage is that vans aren’t as spacious as buses. If you’re a tall passenger, it may not be a comfortable ride.

PRO TIP: We suggest that you depart from Luang Prabang before noon for safety. The route goes through the mountains and because of the road’s twists and turns, travelling in the dark poses more risks.

Departure and arrival station

Laos Group Tour and Thavisouk offer free hotel pick-up from Luang Prabang. Naluang and Vieng Chaleune depart from Southern Bus Terminal, some 3 km south of Luang Prabang city centre.

All vans arrive at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal, 2 km north of the town centre.

Van schedules from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang Southern Stop

Standard

Vang Vieng

07:30

13:30

08:00

14:00

11:00

17:00

14:00

20:00

17:00

23:00

18:30

00:30

Vieng Chaleune

$18.70 (408,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Luang Prabang - Any hotel in the city center

Standard

Vang Vieng Bus Terminal

07:30

12:30

08:30

13:30

10:00

15:00

13:00

18:00

15:00

20:00

Luang Prabang Holiday Travel

From $19.30 (421,000 LAK)

Laos Group, Luang Prabang

Standard

Vang Vieng Central Park Hotel

08:00

14:00

11:00

5h 30m

16:30

14:00

19:00

Laos Group Tour

$21 (462,000 LAK)

Southern Bus Terminal

Standard

Vang Vieng North Station

08:30

12:30

Naluang

$22.50 (486,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Bus*

Duration: 7h

Costs: $33 (720,000 LAK)

Duration: 7h

Costs: $33 (720,000 LAK)

Travelling by bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng allows for more comfort and legroom, but the journey takes longer at around 7 hours. Bus fares start from $33 (720,000 LAK).

Departure and arrival station

The bus departs from Luang Prabang’s Southern Bus Station, which you can find 3 km south of the centre.

It arrives at Malany Hotel in Vang Vieng city centre.

Bus schedules from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng

08:00

15:00

18:30

01:30

*Naga Travel

$33 (720,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

The last time we checked (October 2024), Naga Travel has yet to resume bus trips from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Private Transport

Duration: 4h

Costs: $155 (3,381,000 LAK)

Duration: 4h

Costs: $155 (3,381,000 LAK)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.

Rates start from $155 (3,381,000 LAK) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $39 (845,000 LAK) per person.

Travel time is around 4 hours.

Private Transport options from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

SUV

SUV Car 4 PAX

Price per person = $39 (845,000 LAK)

Laos Group Tour

$155 (3,381,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

Price per person = $23.50 (517,000 LAK)

Laos Group Tour

$165 (3,621,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng Diamond Resort - Budget Friendly

It’s not easy to find a resort for $23 a night, so when you find one like Vang Vieng Diamond Resort, you should snap it up! This place has a huge outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant that serves a range of cuisines and nice areas to relax in.

The rooms are clean and spacious, offering great views of the mountain and surrounding areas. The resort is slightly out from the city centre, adding a bit of piece to your stay in Vang Vieng.

Great value for money
Outdoor swimming pool
Onsite restaurant
Mountain views

Private rooms start from $23 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Vang Vieng Champa Hotel - Budget Friendly

Vang Vieng Champa Hotel recently opened, so everything feels clean and modern. Plus, they’re cleaned every day with fresh water provided every day. The host, Ben, goes out of his way to make sure you have a fabulous stay. He’s so incredible, many people have ended up extending their stay.

He wants to make you feel at home which includes providing a free breakfast every morning! The location is great, within walking distance of most attractions.

Modern and clean
Amazing host
Free water
Free delicious breakfast

Private rooms start from $25 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Sunset Nam Ngum Resort - Mid Range

Sunset Nam Ngum Resort is situated 50 minutes south of Vang Vieng, but it offers a unique and unforgettable stay. You’ll be staying on one of the islets in Nam Ngum Reservoir, surrounded by water.

The place has just been renovated offering stunning and modern rooms that overlook the water. This is the perfect escape from the world. And don’t worry about the distance to Vang Vieng, the resort offers a free shuttle.

Unique stay
Surrounded by water
Modern and luxury rooms
Free shuttle to Vang Vieng

King rooms start from $40 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

The distance between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng is about 180 km.

How long does it take to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

The fastest way to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by train for 1.5-2 hours. Other options include a 5-hour minivan and a 7-hour bus.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

It costs $11 (240,000 LAK) to $33 (720,000 LAK) to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, depending on which mode of transport you take. You can choose from 3 options: minivan, bus or train.

What can I expect from Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng is a small town in northern Laos that is popular among backpackers and tourists for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and party scene. You can expect to find a variety of adventures like tubing on the Nam Song River, rock climbing, hiking to amazing viewpoints, and exploring nearby lagoons and waterfalls.

There are also plenty of bars and restaurants in town, making it an unlikely nightlife haven.

How to get around in Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng is so small, the best way to get around town is on foot. But if you’re exploring the outskirts of Vang Vieng (highly-recommended!), you can rent a bicycle ($2 (44,000 LAK)) or motorcycle ($5 (109,000 LAK)). For public transportation, you can take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. 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!

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About the author(s)

Maarten

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

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.