What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
There are two ways to travel the distance of 340 km (211 miles) from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: by bus (11 hours) and flight (50 minutes). The journey takes between 50 minutes - 11h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from €18.50 ($22) for the bus.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 Bus
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 hours.
Bus schedule from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
| Bus company | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| King of Bus | 08:00-19:00 20:00-07:00 |
11h | $22 Check Bus Tickets |
| Naga Travel | 07:00-20:00 18:00-07:00 |
13h | $30 Check Bus Tickets |
| Soutchai Travel | 18:00-08:00 | 14h | $27 Check Bus Tickets |
VIP buses provide flatbeds which accommodate 2 passengers. The flatbeds are generally comfortable and will allow you to get some rest.
Bus schedule from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
VIP buses provide flatbeds which accommodate 2 passengers. The flatbeds are generally comfortable and will allow you to get some rest.
King of Bus
This bus company provides good services and is one of the most popular in Laos.
Naga Travel
Naga Travel is generally more expensive, but their service is similar to that of other companies.
Soutchai Travel
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 Flight
Lao Skyway and Lao Airlines are the main airlines operating the Vientiane to Luang Prabang route.
One-way tickets cost between $57-$112, and it takes a little less than an hour 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.
Our favourite 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.
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 km (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 bus with ticket costs starting from €18.50 ($22).
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!
Routes from Luang Prabang
Most popular routes in Laos
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.
