How to get from Vang Vieng 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 3 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
There are 3 ways to travel the 183 kilometre (114 miles) distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the minivan, private transport and train. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 6 hours and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 439,000 LAK ($20).
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.
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 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 5 minutes.
Combined fares start from 439,000 LAK ($20), 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
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 44,000 LAK ($2).
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
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 355,000 LAK ($16.20) 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.
PRO 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
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 40,000 LAK ($1.80) 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 55,000 LAK ($2.50). 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.
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 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours, 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 464,000 LAK ($21).
There are three companies running minivan services on this route, including Laos Group Tour, Book Best Travel and Service and Exploring Laos.
Minivan schedules from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
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 3,394,000 LAK ($155) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 849,000 LAK ($39) per person. Travel time is around 4 hours.
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
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 Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
The distance from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is 183 kilometre (114 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 1 hour 30 minutes.
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 439,000 LAK ($20).
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.
