The capital and largest city of Laos, Vientiane is a colorful and friendly place full of temples, including the most important national monument: That Luang. Although a large city, Vientiane offers a peaceful atmosphere that invites you to relax and unwind as you stroll through the streets of the old quarter and have a coffee in one of the many existing cafes. A popular destination in Vientiane is Luang Prabang, a smaller but no less entertaining city. Luang Prabang was once the royal capital of Laos and is popular with tourists for its many historical and natural sites, including waterfalls, caves, temples and palaces. Traveling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is easy and several transportation options are available.
Options to go from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
The drive from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is not complicated, although at first glance it can be assumed that the journey will be long, because on the map there are about 360 kilometers between these two cities. Traveling by plane is the fastest way to cover this distance if you can afford it, but you can also travel by road or ship, though you must be prepared for a long journey. The road between these cities meanders through mountains and valleys, and some areas are particularly difficult and unsuitable for those who suffer from motion sickness. The journey by road takes 10 to 13 hours. There is also a boat that goes this route, but you won’t save time and it’s not always recommended. Read on for details on each transport option.
By riverboat from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
We’ll start with a river cruise because, as we mentioned, traveling by boat is not always recommended in a country like Laos where the same security measures we are used to may not be in place. Several websites talk about a fast boat that leaves Vientiane in the morning and takes about 11 hours to get to Luang Prabang. This fast boat can carry 6 passengers and seems relatively cheap, and if you like to travel by water, it could be a good option. Many passengers say that they did not feel safe on these boats, so we do not recommend choosing this mode of transport.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus or taxi
Buses are safer and can be cheaper, and allow you to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Given that the boat saves no time, traveling by bus is the most practical way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for many reasons.
There are many companies that offer bus and delivery services, so you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the day and time of your trip. Prices are quite similar across different tour operators, so there is no one that stands out as particularly cheap. You can usually save a few dollars if you travel by regular bus, but consider the amenities of each option to decide if it’s worth saving. On a regular bus, you’ll have a standard seat with enough room to move around, while on a sleeper bus, you’ll be able to stretch your legs and lie down for a while to sleep. Considering that the journey takes 12 to 13 hours, flat seat buses will be much more comfortable than conventional buses.
There are two bus companies that offer sleeper buses from Vientiane to Luang Prabang: Soutchai Travel and Naga Travel. Soutchai arrives at Luang Prabang North Bus Terminal and Naga arrives at South Bus Terminal, which is an important detail when choosing which company to travel with.
You can also take a taxi from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Ken Taxi Service runs between Vientiane Airport and will take you to any hotel in Luang Prabang. This is an expensive option but may be suitable for a family or small group of friends as you will pay a fixed price regardless of the number of passengers.
Flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Lao Airlines at Luang Prabang International Airport © CatwalkPhotos / Shutterstock.com
If money is not an issue and you prefer to get to your destination as quickly and comfortably as possible, a flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang may be the best alternative. The flight time is only 45 minutes, so if you catch a flight in the morning, you can be in Luang Prabang by lunchtime.
There is no doubt that you will save a lot of time on your journey, but many travelers still recommend the bus because of the fantastic views that can be enjoyed along the way. Of course, you won’t get the same perspective of the landscape from the plane, but the good thing about flying is that you won’t miss a day of your vacation along the way.
Flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang are operated by two airlines: Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway. The latter has two flights a day, while Lao Airlines, although also flying daily, has different schedules depending on the day of the week. Flights depart from Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, which is just a few miles from the city center and is easily accessible. Luang Prabang International Airport is also close to downtown, so getting to and from the airport shouldn’t take too long.
Flights are generally the most expensive option to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. If you prefer to fly anyway, try to book your tickets as far in advance as possible to find the best deal.