Laos

How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 340 kilometres (211 miles) from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel Writer

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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 4 ways to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

There are 4 ways to travel the 340 kilometres (211 miles) 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 (433,000 LAK).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Shared Minivan

6-8h

From $20 (433,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Bus

11-14h

From $22 (476,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Train

1h 45m - 4h

From $25 (541,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Flight

50m

From $57 (1,234,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

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.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Shared Minivan

Duration: 6-8h

Costs: $20 (433,000 LAK)

Duration: 6-8h

Costs: $20 (433,000 LAK)

A minivan ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang costs around $20 (433,000 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

Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal

Tourist

Luang Prabang International and Tourist Bus Station

08:00

14:00

11:00

17:00

13:00

19:00

16:00

22:00

Chit Prasong

$20 (433,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane - Any hotel

Standard

Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal

07:00

15:00

Family Service

$20.50 (448,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal

Tourist

Southern Bus Terminal

08:30

7h 30m

16:00

Naluang

$26.50 (570,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Bus

Duration: 11-14h

Costs: $22 (476,000 LAK)

Duration: 11-14h

Costs: $22 (476,000 LAK)

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.

Bus schedule from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

Vientiane

Luang Prabang

08:00

11h

19:00

20:00

11h

07:00

King Bus

$22 (476,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane

Luang Prabang

18:00

14h

08:00

Soutchai Travel

$27 (585,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane

Luang Prabang

07:00

13h

20:00

18:00

13h

07:00

Naga Travel

$30 (650,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

VIP buses provide flatbeds which accommodate 2 passengers. The flatbeds are generally comfortable and will allow you to get some rest.

King of Bus

Departs from Vientiane Phanthavong Tour Office
Arrives at the Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre

This bus company provides good services and is one of the most popular in Laos.

Naga Travel

Departs from Vientiane Haysoke Guest House in the city centre, near the Agricultural Promotion Bank
Arrives at the Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre

Naga Travel is generally more expensive, but their service is similar to that of other companies.

Soutchai Travel

Departs from Vientiane Soutchai Travel Office in the city centre, near Khamkong Minimart or from your hotel (pick-up service)
Arrives at the Luang Prabang Southern Bus Terminal, about 2 km south of the city centre

Including Free pick-up!

Their sleeper bus leaving at 20:00 provides a free pick-up service from your hotel. They are well-reviewed but not suited for tall travellers as their beds are short.

Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Train

Duration: 1h 45m - 4h

Costs: $25 (541,000 LAK)

Duration: 1h 45m - 4h

Costs: $25 (541,000 LAK)

The journey to Luang Prabang from Vientiane via train takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 4 hours. Fares start at $25 (541,000 LAK).

Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Train

Vientiane Train Station

Standard

Luang Prabang Train Station

08:42

12:42

Laos Group Tour

$25 (541,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane Train Station

Second Class

Luang Prabang Train Station

08:08

10:08

09:45

11:45

13:30

15:30

15:55

17:55

Laos Fast Train

$30 (650,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane Train Station

Second Class

Luang Prabang Train Station

07:30

1h 46m

09:16

08:08

1h 45m

09:53

09:45

2h 4m

11:49

13:30

1h 59m

15:29

15:55

2h 21m

18:16

Laos Group Tour

$31 (676,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane Train Station

First Class

Luang Prabang Train Station

08:08

10:08

09:45

11:45

13:30

15:30

15:55

17:55

Laos Fast Train

From $44.50 (962,000 LAK)

Vientiane Train Station

Business

Luang Prabang Train Station

08:08

10:08

09:45

11:45

13:30

15:30

15:55

17:55

Laos Fast Train

$61 (1,321,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Flight

Duration: 50 minutes

Costs: $57 (1,234,000 LAK)

Duration: 50 minutes

Costs: $57 (1,234,000 LAK)

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

One-way tickets start at $57 (1,234,000 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.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

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

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

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Vientiane to Luang Prabang

What is the distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

The distance from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is 340 kilometres (211 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

The fastest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by flight and takes 50 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

The cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is by shared minivan with ticket costs starting from $20 (433,000 LAK).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Vientiane 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!

About the author(s)

Maarten

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

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.