What to expect when visiting Vientiane
Vientiane is Laos’ fascinating capital city sitting on the banks of the Mekong River. A former French trading post, the city has kept many of its historical influences and original architecture undamaged.
True, there is not much to do in this sleepy city — and that’s exactly what sets Vientiane apart from other capital cities in Southeast Asia. It is a hub for temples, markets, spas and cafes. Our favourite spot is the riverside, where you can relax with a cold Beer Lao and just watch the sunset over the Mekong.
2 ways to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
There are two ways to travel the distance of 340 km (211 miles) from Luang Prabang to Vientiane: by bus (9-11 hours) and flight (50 minutes). The journey takes between 50 minutes - 11h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €18.50 ($22) for the bus.Where to stay in Vientiane?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Vientiane at the bottom of this page.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Bus
You can choose from several night buses on the route from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. If you don’t want to travel by night but still want to save some money compared to flying, you can also travel by day via a minivan.
Buses offer standard flatbeds and the journey trip takes about 10-11 hours.
Bus schedules from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Naga Express Travel
Laos Group Tour
Vieng Chaleune
Vieng Chaleune bus stop is at the Northern Bus Terminal in Vientiane. The terminal is not within the city centre, so you need to take a taxi to Vientiane city. One advantage is that the airport is close to the Northern Bus Terminal. This makes it convenient for travellers who need to catch a flight from Vientiane.
You can book your tickets via 12go.asia.
King of Bus
King of Bus provides a good service and many travellers prefer to travel with this company. Book online through Baolau.
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Minivan
A minivan can take you about an hour faster from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. They also travel during the day, which is a nice opportunity to see the landscape along the way.
However, note that sitting on a minivan for 9 hours can get really uncomfortable. We also don’t recommend this for taller travellers as there is not a lot of legroom.
Fares start at $25.50, including free pick-up from your hotel at the city centre. You can see their schedules below.
Bus options from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Luang Prabang to Vientiane by Flight
There are two airlines operating flights on this route, of which Lao Skyway is the cheaper option.
Lao Skyway offers one daily flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. The flight departs from Luang Prabang at 13:20 and travel time is only 50 minutes. You can check the latest flight schedules with Lao Skyway through their website.
Lao Airlines is also a good airline, but tickets are slightly more expensive. To check flight schedules and book your flights, 24click on the button below.
Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Mini S Hotel
Set just slightly outside of downtown Vientiane, this hotel offers peace, quiet and a great night’s rest. The hotel is new with clean modern furnishings and extremely comfortable beds. They offer an outdoor swimming pool and bicycle rentals. Breakfast is included daily with your stay. There is a shuttle that runs guests to and from the downtown area.
- New modern hotel
- Breakfast included
- Shuttle service
- Swimming pool
Private rooms start at $21 per night
Atlantic Vientiane Hotel
An excellent location in central Vientiane, just a 5-minute walk from the Mekong River, you will find numerous restaurants, shops, bars, and amenities nearby. The hotel is clean, comfortable and the rooms are very spacious. Each room comes with a TV and refrigerator as well as a private bathroom. Shuttle and laundry services are available upon request and a delicious breakfast is included daily with your stay.
- Great location
- Breakfast included
- Close to shops, restaurants, and sights
- Clean and spacious rooms
Private rooms start at $26 per night
Champa Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Vientiane, this hotel is the perfect location. It is within walking distance to many sights, the night market, the Mekong River, and countless restaurants, shops, and amenities. There is an outdoor pool situated in a lovely garden setting which is a great place to cool off after exploring the city. Breakfast is included daily. The rooms are clean and the beds are very comfortable.
- Ideal location
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- Clean and comfortable
Private rooms start at $44 per night
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 Vientiane
Patuxay Place - Budget Friendly
Patuxay Place is great value for money. The rooms are spacious, modern and decorated to a high standard. The hotel has thought of every detail, including free drinking water on every floor of the hotel.
The staff want to make sure you have the best stay possible, offering a helping hand whenever you need it. They’re full of recommendations too! The hotel is situated in a great location in Vientiane.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Free drinking water
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Private rooms start from $29 per night.
S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel - Mid Range
This hotel is beautiful! S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel boasts a modern and simple decor with pops of colour. Every corner of this hotel is aesthetic. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, onsite gym and delicious restaurant. There’s even a barista.
It’s good to know that it isn’t located directly in the city centre, so you’ll need to grab a taxi to visit popular attractions. Don’t worry though, the friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to help you get somewhere.
- Beautiful hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Delicious restaurant
King rooms start from $39 per night.
Eastin Hotel Vientiane - Treating Yourself
If you want to splash the cash a little, Eastin Hotel is the place to do it. Overlooking the Mekong River, it’s hard to find a better view to wake up to. The hotel was built recently meaning that everything is fresh, clean and very modern.
The hotel is located 10 minutes outside of the city, but there’s a courtesy car to take you there and back. The service here will make your stay an unforgettable one.
- Stunning river views
- Modern and clean hotel
- Recently built
- Courtesy car to city centre
Private rooms start from $66 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luang Prabang to Vientiane
What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The distance from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is 340 km (211 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by flight and takes 50 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from €18.50 ($22).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. 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 Vientiane
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.
How about travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by river? Slow boat/speed boat? I only see up/down stream from Pakbeng to Luang Prabang.
Hi Peter, thank you for pointing that out! Indeed you can travel this distance by speedboat or cruise ship. We’ve read there are speedboats leaving Luang Prabang in the morning, but we don’t really recommend it as it takes 11 hours. Some people have also said it’s neither safe nor comfortable.
As for cruise ships, they normally take 4 days and 5 nights to complete this journey. Top Mekong Cruises seem to be the most popular choice, with rates from $1,000 per person. You’ll have to inquire with them to get the actual rate depending on your chosen cabin. You can take either Mekong Sun Cruise or Mekong Pearl Cruise. Hope this helps! Safe travels!
Very comprehensive information. Thank you.
Hi Medha! Thanks for leaving a comment! Have a save trip!
Great information. I didn’t know that there was another airline aside from Laos Airlines. Thanks for the site.
You’re welcome and thanks for leaving a comment! Hope you have a great trip!
Super useful.Thank you
Thanks Pat! Enjoy your travels!
Very good explanation
Thank you! Enjoy your Laos Trip!