Quick Overview
There is only one bus company that operates direct buses from Pakse to Luang Prabang. It’s cheaper than a flight but requires almost one day of travel.
A much quicker option is to book a flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang. A flight takes less than 2 hours but tickets cost over $100.
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 24 hours | $49 | Check bus tickets |
 | 1h 40min | $171 | Check flights |
Option #1: Bus
Cheaper option
Scenic route
Good travel experience
Less comfortable
Not the safest option
Long travel time
Route: Pakse Luang Prabang
Duration: 24 hours
Costs: $50
The bus trip from Pakse to Luang Prabang takes almost a full day. King of Bus is the only bus company that provides a direct trip. Their VIP sleeper bus departs Pakse at 19:00 and arrives in Luang Prabang at around 16:30 the following day. However, a direct trip is currently not available. Instead, you’ll have to book a combined bus ticket from Champasak Bus and King of Bus.
Another option is to book a bus from Pakse to Vientiane and from there, you’ll catch another bus to Luang Prabang. This option gives you some time to rest and explore the capital city of Laos.
See here the bus schedules:
| Bus company | Departure/Arrival | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| King of Bus (not available) | 19:00-16:30 | 21h 30m | $50 |
| Champasak Bus + King of Bus (requires transfer) | 19:00-19:00 | 24h | $49 |
King of Bus
- Departs from Green Paradise Travel Agency Office in the city center, near the Vietnam Consulate
- Arrives at the Southern Bus Terminal in Luang Prabang, about 2 km from the city center
King of Bus is one of the most popular bus companies in Laos.
Option #2: Flight
Faster option
More expensive
Route: Pakse Luang Prabang
Duration: 1h 40min
Costs: $171
Flying from Pakse to Luang Prabang saves a lot of time compared to taking the bus. It will cost you a bit more, but at least you won’t be completely exhausted when you reach your destination.
The main operator for this route is Lao Airlines. Their one-way tickets start at $171, and they operate one direct flight per day. If this one-way flight is fully booked, you’ll have to book one that has a stopover at Vientiane.
The direct flight departs Pakse International Airport at 16:20 and arrives in Luang Prabang around 18:00. You can use the button below to check the latest schedules and to book your flight.
Did you travel this route or visit this place? Share your experience in a comment below.
