Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

How to Get From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

3Options
1h 30mFastest
$20From
MaartenElaWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela · Updated 2 weeks ago

Train · Minivan · Private Transport

Luang Prabang is Laos's old royal capital, 112 kilometres (70 miles) north of Vang Vieng. Its Mekong-side temples, morning alms giving and the Kuang Si waterfalls earned it Unesco status. The train is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Tickets cost $20 (445,000 LAK) and the ride takes 1h 30m - 3h 5m. A minivan or a private transfer costs more and takes longer.

Distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang are about 112 km (70 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 187 km by road. The quickest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is by taking the train, which takes around 1h 30m - 3h 5m.

~112 km
Straight-line distance
~187 km
Route distance
1h 30m
Fastest
Travelling the other way?Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng→
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3 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

There are three ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the train, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 30m–5h 30m and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $20 (445,000 LAK).

Train2 companiesWith transfersDuration1h 30m+door to doorPricefrom$20445,000 LAK

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang by Train

The train is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, with a travel time of 1h 30m - 3h 5m.

Combined fares start from $20 (445,000 LAK), including transfers to the train stations, which are a bit outside the city.

Securing a train ticket in Laos can be tricky, but not impossible. In this guide, we give you tips on how to travel by train to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng.

Step 1: How to get to Vang Vieng Railway Station

10 minutes$2 (44,500 LAK)

Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km away from the town centre.

A tuk-tuk can take you there in just 10 minutes. Fares start from $2 (44,500 LAK).

IMPORTANT: Vang Vieng Train Station feels a lot like an airport, with strict security checks. Aerosols and sharp items may be confiscated, and screening can take time. It's best to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to avoid stress.

Step 2: Train from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

50m - 2h 25m$16 (360,000 LAK)

The trains on this route are high-speed trains of the new Laos-China Railway (LCR). Expect a scenic ride for 50m - 2h 25m from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. That's much faster than the 5.5 hours it takes with the minivan.

A train ticket costs $16 (360,000 LAK) when you book through BookAway. This is a bit more expensive than buying it directly from LCR, but it offers the advantage of being able to book tickets weeks in advance.

1h15mLaos Group TourStandardVang Vieng Train StationLuang Prabang Train Station09:49$16360,000 LAKTickets
2h4mLaos Railway by Family ServiceSecond Class SeatVang Vieng Railway StationLuang Prabang Railway Station09:4910:4614:0616:52$16365,000 LAKTickets
2h26mLaos Railway by Family ServiceSecond Class SeatVang Vieng TransferLuang Prabang Railway Station15:30$17380,000 LAKTickets
50mLaos Group TourSecond ClassVang Vieng Train StationLuang Prabang Train Station08:5510:4512:2013:5816:52$18400,000 LAKTickets
50mLaos Group TourFirst ClassVang Vieng Train StationLuang Prabang Train Station08:5510:4512:2013:5816:52$28610,000 LAKTickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Step tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

There are a few ways to score a ticket for the Laos-China Railway. The cheapest and most convenient would be to book one through the LCR Ticket app, where tickets are usually released just a week before travel. Registration can be tricky, though, and payments don’t always go through. For more details, check out our complete guide for Booking Train Tickets in Laos.

Step 3: Minivan from Luang Prabang Train Station to the City Centre

30 minutes$1.80 (40,000 LAK)

Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km away from the city centre. The easiest way to reach your accommodation is by shared minivan, which costs $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and takes about 30 minutes.

You can find these minivans just outside the train station. When in doubt, follow the mass exodus of people, most likely also taking a shared minivan. The good thing about this option is that, although shared, it will take you directly (or very close) to your hotel.

Another option to get from Luang Prabang Train Station to the city centre is the bus, which costs $2.50 (55,000 LAK). But unlike the minivan, the bus won’t take you to your hotel. Its last stop is at That Luang Park in the city centre.

Luang Prabang
Minivan3 companiesDuration5h 30m+Pricefrom$21470,000 LAK

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang by Minivan

Before the train came along, the minivan was the go-to way to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.

These days, it’s more of a backup option. It's an alternative if you couldn’t get a train ticket, or if you’re carrying items that are not allowed on the train.

The journey by minivan from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang takes around 5h 30m - 6h, which is about 5x the travel time with a train. It's also worth noting that this route goes through winding roads and more than a few potholes. If you’re prone to motion sickness, make sure you take an anti-sickness tablet before the trip.

Tickets cost about $21 (470,000 LAK).

There are three companies running minivan services on this route, including Laos Group Tour, Book Best Travel and Service and Exploring Laos.

Minivan schedule from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

5h30mLaos Group TourStandardVang Vieng Central Park HotelLa Poste (Post Office09:00$21470,000 LAKTickets
6hBook Best Travel and ServiceStandardVang Vieng TransferLuang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal08:00$24520,000 LAKTickets
5h30mExploring LaosStandardVang Vieng TransferNaluang International Bus Station09:00$25560,000 LAKTickets
Available atBookaway

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Luang Prabang
Private Transport1 companyDuration4hPricefrom$1553,450,000 LAK

Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang by Private Transport

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.

Rates start from $155 (3,450,000 LAK) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $39 (860,000 LAK) per person. Travel time is around 4h.

Private transfers are not always available for this route, though. We recommend securing your ride in advance to avoid any surprises on the day of your trip.

Private Transfer Options from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang

4h$155 (3,450,000 LAK)
Laos Group Tour
SUV Car 4 PAX
$155 (3,450,000 LAK)
$39 (860,000 LAK) per person
Tickets
Laos Group Tour
Standard Minivan 7 PAX
$165 (3,700,000 LAK)
$24 (530,000 LAK) per person
Tickets
Available atBookaway
Luang Prabang

Reach out to our Community

1
LC · October 2022
There’s a high speed train built by China between vientiane and vang vieng and Luang Prabang. It ends at Boten, near Chinese border.
M

Maarten: Many thanks for your feedback LC. We further researched the Laos-China high-speed train and added the train as an option to the route. Hope you had a wonderful

1
M
MaartenGeckoRoutes team

Many thanks for your feedback LC. We further researched the Laos-China high-speed train and added the train as an option to the route. Hope you had a wonderful trip!

0
Where to StayWhere we'd stay in Luang Prabang2 places we've picked out, for every budget
STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang

Here are our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang for every budget.

Mid-Range

Manichan Guesthouse

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 (670,000 LAK) per night
Check availability
Treat Yourself

Sakaodeuan Hotel & Travel

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 (1,660,000 LAK) per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, roughly 112 kilometres (70 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $20 (445,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?

The distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is 112 kilometres (70 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?

The fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is by train and takes 1h 30m - 3h 5m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?

The cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is by train with ticket costs starting from 445,000 LAK.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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
ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

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