How to get from Vientiane 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.

There are 4 ways to travel the 340 kilometre (211 miles) distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, train and flight. The journey takes 50 minutes - 14 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by shared minivan with tickets starting at $20 (434,000 LAK).

A minivan ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs around $20 (434,000 LAK). The minivan journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic.

There are three companies operating on this route: Chit Prasong, Family Service and Naluang.

Shared Minivan options from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

We recommend taking the night bus with King of Bus leaving at 20:00 and arriving at 07:00. However, bear in mind that travelling by night is less safe as roads are not well-lit.

While departure points are different for each bus company, all the buses will drop you off at the Southern Bus Terminal in Luang Prabang. This bus station is about 2 km from the city centre. Be aware that night buses have a slightly higher fare than day buses.

Expect to reach the ancient town of Luang Prabang within 11 to 14 hours.

The journey to Luang Prabang from Vientiane via train takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 4 hours. Fares start at $25 (542,000 LAK).

Vientiane Train Station

First Class

Luang Prabang Train Station

08:08

2h

10:08

09:45

2h

11:45

13:30

2h

15:30

15:55

2h

17:55

Laos Fast Train

From $44.50 (963,000 LAK)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

$44.50 (963,000 LAK)

08:08

2h

10:08

15:55

2h

17:55

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

$45 (976,000 LAK)

09:45

2h

11:45

13:30

2h

15:30

Check on BookAway

Lao Skyway and Lao Airlines are the main airlines operating the Vientiane to Luang Prabang route.

One-way tickets start at $57 (1,236,000 LAK), and it takes around 50 minutes to reach Luang Prabang.

Lao Skyway offers the cheapest tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. They operate daily flights departing Vientiane at 9:30 and 12:00.

Click the button below to check schedules and book your flight online.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.