Overview Compare Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
One of the most popular destinations in Laos is Luang Prabang, a small but lively town set in the northern mountains of the country. With its night markets, 33 Buddhist temples, cafes, waterfalls and streets that reflect French colonial influences, it is a relatively easy place to be stuck.
Vientiane is a small city that sits along the Mekong River. With its straightforwardly navigable streets, the capital of Laos makes an easy spot to wander. Rent a bike and explore the sights from a different angle. If you want to relax, head to the Riverside area near the Mekong River. Here there are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants. This is also where you will find the city’s landmark buildings such as the Lao National Cultural Hall.
2 ways to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
The fastest option to travel the 340 km journey from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is by flight which takes 50 minutes and costs $46 while a bus takes about 10 hours and costs $22. However, the bus is a more sustainable way of travelling and with the night sleeper bus, you can sleep your way throughout the journey.
Itinerary from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
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
- Departs from the Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre
- Arrives at the Southern Bus Terminal in Vientiane, about 10 km north of the city centre
Laos Group Tour
- Departs from Laos Group Tours, 62/4 Sisavangvong Road, in the city centre
- Arrives at the Northern Bus Terminal in Vientiane, about 10 km northwest of the city centre
Vieng Chaleune
- Departs from the Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre
- Arrives at the Northern Bus Terminal in Vientiane, about 10 km northwest of the city centre
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
- Departs from Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre
- Arrives at the Phanthavong Tour Office along Yonnet Road, opposite the Bank of Lao PDR in the centre
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.
Minivan schedule 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
More routes to Vientiane
More routes from Luang Prabang
Most popular routes in Laos
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.
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!