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How to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Luang Prabang is an ancient Laotian town set at the confluence of Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, secluded by mountains and aligned by a sacred hill. Nicknamed the “Jewel in Laos Crown”, Luang Prabang has managed to preserve its age-old magic. It remains a major tourist attraction for its beautiful temples, French-Lao architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Vang Vieng is a small and pristine town in Northern Laos. It lies halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang on the Nam Song River, and is enclosed by limestone mountains and caves. Vang Vieng has no shortage of activities for adventure seekers — go tubing, ride a bike, climb a cliff, or try the zip line. Spend a few days here and enjoy one of Laos’ most beautiful spots.
3 ways to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
You can choose from 3 options when travelling the 180 km distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: a 5-hour van, a 7-hour bus, or a 1.5 to 2-hour train. Rates start from $11 to $33.
The van is the cheapest way to get to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang. Some companies offer free hotel pick-up so it’s quite convenient, too. Just note that vans are not as spacious as buses.
*The bus is more expensive at $33, but also more comfortable. Note that the last time we checked (January 2023), buses from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng have yet to resume operations.
The train is the fastest and most scenic way to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Combined prices start from $11, making it also the cheapest option if you’re able to score train tickets from the local offices. There are a couple of disadvantages, though: tickets sell out fast and the train stations are outside the centre of both cities.
Itinerary from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Train
- Luang Prabang
- 30 minutes
- Luang Prabang Railway Station
- 1-1.5 hours
- Vang Vieng Railway Station
- 10 minutes
- Vang Vieng
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Van
There are four transport companies offering minivan trips from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: Laos Group Tour, Thavisouk, Naluang and Vieng Chaleune.
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 Vang Vieng. 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 to Vang Vieng by Bus*
*Important note: The last time we checked (January 2023), the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng has not yet resumed its operations.
Travelling by bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng allows for more comfort and legroom, but travel time is longer at around 7 hours. Bus fares start from $33.
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 to Vang Vieng by Train
A faster way to travel the Luang Prabang-Vang Vieng route is by train. This train journey takes just around 1.5 hours, but it also has disadvantages.
The train stations are outside the city centres and you can purchase your tickets only at the ticket offices during specific hours.
Below we continue the steps on how to get to the train station and where to buy your tickets.
Step 1: Luang Prabang Centre to Luang Prabang Railway Station by Minivan
Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km east of the city centre. The cheapest way to get there is by minivan. A 20-minute ride costs $2 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
The trains on this route are high-speed trains of the new Laos-China Railway. Expect a scenic ride for 1-1.5 hours from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
Train tickets are cheaper from official ticket offices
A train ticket from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng only costs $7 when you buy them directly from the ticket offices. You can either buy the ticket at Luang Prabang Ticket Office in the city centre or directly at the Luang Prabang Train Station. You can purchase your tickets at least 2 days before your trip.
Option 1: Luang Prabang Ticket Office
The Luang Prabang Ticket Office should be across the Provincial Office of Transportation on Photisalath Road, according to the Laotian Times. But we are unable to pinpoint its exact location on Google Maps.
Some travellers have complained 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
Option 2: Luang Prabang Train Station
We recommend buying your train tickets from Luang Prabang Train Station only if you can do so 2 days prior to your departure. If you plan to purchase your tickets only on the day of your trip, there’s a high chance that tickets are already sold out.
PRO TIP: There is often a long queue for tickets and may take up to 1-2 hours. Tickets are often sold out when you buy them on the same day, so it’s best to purchase them at the ticket office in advance.
Train schedule from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Given the queue at the ticket office and the security checks, we suggest arriving at the train station early (about 1 hour before your train’s departure). You won’t be allowed inside the station until an hour before the trip, so if you’re too early, you might have to wait outside under the sun.
Easier train booking through 12goAsia
If you don’t mind spending more, a taxi + train transfer costs $21 on 12GoAsia. That’s about double the regular minivan + train rates, but the advantage is that you won’t have to worry about long ticket queues.
Note that locals often line up to buy tickets at the station and resell them for a higher price through hotels and travel agencies.
Step 3: Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng City Centre by Tuk-Tuk
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 per person and take 10 minutes.
Have you recently taken the Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng? Share your travel tips through this form and help fellow travellers!
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang
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 to $33 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) or motorcycle ($5). For public transportation, you can take a tuk-tuk or a songthaew.
Our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng
Sunset Nam Ngum Tented Resort
This resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and rustic. The tented accommodations are absolutely top of the line, offering private balconies off the tents overlooking the river and modern, comfortable furnishings. This is not like any camping you’ve done before! Within the resort, you’ll find a bar, garden, and restaurant for your convenience and enjoyment. Breakfast is included daily with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Private, modern tents with great views
- Good location along the river
- Bar and restaurant on-site
Private rooms start at $15 per night
Jasmine Vang Vieng Hotel
Excellent location, just 300 meters from the Post office in central Vang Vieng and within walking distance of many sights, restaurants, shops, and amenities. This hotel offers a restaurant, bar, free private parking, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Many rooms offer a private terrace with excellent city views. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Breakfast included daily with your stay.
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant and bar
- Ideal location
Private rooms start at $31 per night
Vang Vieng Victory Hotel
Situated in central Vang Vieng, this hotel is just 400 meters from the post office and a short walk to all amenities, shops, restaurants, and many sights. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a garden area, and a sun terrace for guests’ enjoyment. You can rent bicycles or cars from the hotel and they offer a currency exchange on-site. Breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- Bar, garden, and terrace
- Excellent location
Private rooms start at $38
More routes to Vang Vieng
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About the author(s)
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.
