How to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Why visit Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. A beautiful fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial design, this ancient city sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang lifts up your spirits with its 33 Buddhist temples and awakens your senses with its picturesque landscape.
Backdropped by mountains, adventurers will find plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. You’ll find turquoise waterfalls, trekking trips and biking trails on the outskirts of town. Our favourite part? The friendly atmosphere and slow life that it was somehow able to maintain despite the growing number of tourists.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
There are 2 ways to travel the 965 kilometre (600 miles) distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes to 18 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,959,000 LAK ($92).
Where to stay in Luang Prabang?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang at the bottom of this page.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Flight
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by flight. Travel time takes only 2 hours 20 minutes. Combined costs, including airport transfers, start from 2,138,000 LAK ($100).
We don’t normally recommend flying because of its negative impact on the environment. But for this route, it is admittedly the most practical choice.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: How to get to Pakse Airport
The best way to travel the 5 km from Pakse city centre to the airport is by taxi. Rates start from 60,000 LAK ($2.80) for the journey that takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk to Pakse International Airport. Fares start from 50,000 LAK ($2.30). Ask the fare beforehand because some drivers try to overcharge.
Visit our guide for Pakse Airport for more info.
Step 2: Flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Lao Airlines operates the only direct flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang. Airfares start from 1,980,000 LAK ($93), and the flight takes about 1h 40m .
Two things to note:
- Direct flights to Luang Prabang from Pakse are not available every day. They operate only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- These direct flights are active only during the peak season, typically from November to June. From July to October, only indirect flights are available from Pakse to Luang Prabang.
Indirect flights, on the other hand, operate daily via Vientiane. The layover time varies from 3 hours to over 22 hours. This is normally more expensive with rates from 3,407,000 LAK ($160). On the good side, if you have a long layover, you can explore Vientiane first before continuing to Luang Prabang.
Step 3: Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre
The most convenient way to get from Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre is by taxi. The 20-minute ride costs around 100,000 LAK ($4.70) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca.
Airport taxis are also available, but much more expensive, with rates from 320,000 LAK ($15).
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi.
For more details, check out our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Bus
If you’re not into flying, an alternative choice when travelling from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by a combined bus and train.
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.
Bus schedules from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Best places to stay in Luang Prabang
Manichan Guesthouse - Mid Range
The Manichan Guesthouse is the perfect location, just a 5-minute walk from the Night Market, National Museum and plenty of other sights. The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean and come with your choice of fan or air conditioning. A delicious breakfast is included daily with your stay and there is a restaurant on location for your convenience.
- Ideal location
- Walking distance to many sights
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant on-site
Private rooms start at $30 per night
Sakaodeuan Hotel & Travel - Treating Yourself
Sakaodeuan Hotel located within the Old Town of Luang Prabang is in an ideal location to explore some of the city’s best sights. You’re less than 1km away from both Mount Phousy and the Night Market.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. One of the best things about this hotel are the staff who are there to help you with anything. And the complimentary breakfast is a highlight of the stay. It’s delicious!
- Located in the Old Town
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Amazing staff
- Delicious free breakfast
Double rooms start from $75 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang. 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse to Luang Prabang
What is the distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang is 965 kilometre (600 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by flight and takes 2 hours 20 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,959,000 LAK ($92).
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.
