Lying at the Mekong River, Luang Prabang offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through a variety of Lao, Burmese, Chinese, Tai-Lue and Tai architecture at the Night Market, excellently preserved Buddhist temples and museum. Since 1995, when this historic center of the town classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding architectural, historical and cultural values as well as its harmonious relationship between the natural and manmade environment, this small yet well known tourist town in the Northern Laos dramatically increased its popularity. No tourists leave Laos without going to Luang Prabang sometimes making this places a bit overcrowded by travelers. Explore with: Indochina tours Laos

1. FLIGHTS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Taking a flight should be the best and the fastest way to get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. If you do not fly by a plane, it is not so easy to get to Luang Prabang. It is a little bit more expensive choice. You are free to choose to fly with Lao Airlines or Vietnam Airlines, however, expect these flights to be a little bit expensive. It is good news that in the winter time, prices for the flight tickets mainly drop down. The best choice for the low cost travelers and backpackers is going by a sleeper bus, but if you travel from Hanoi, the journey can take about 23 hours. So, be well prepared for this!

There is a new international airport opened in Luang Prabang in 2013. There are 2 daily flights by Lao Airlines and 1 flight of Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. The total flight time is only 1 hour from Hanoi. Expect the flight ticket price to start from USD $110 – $300. It is possible to book and get your flight ticket from Hanoi to Luang Prabang on Baolau or official websites of Vietnam Airlines or Laos Airlines.

2. BUS from Hanoi to Luang Prabang

Even though it is possible to take a bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, bear in mind that it will be a 23 hour ride (a night and a day) to Luang Prabang.  In the past, there were many reports from experienced travelers saying that this bus ride was a rough one on poor conditioned roads though mountainous areas, but offset by magnificent scenery so well worth experiencing at least once.  However, things have recently become much better. Many recent reports say that with better roads and a more modern sleeping, air-conditioned bus with sleeper bunk – things have significantly improved. There is a daily bus operating Hanoi to Luang Prabang. Indochina travel reviews

In Vietnam’s capital city, the sleeper bus departs at 06.30 PM from Nuoc Ngam station, which is 1km from Hanoi’s southern bus station along the National Road 1 and about 9km from Hanoi Old Quarter. It will arrive in Luang Prabang at 6.00 PM (the following day). While buses from Luang Prabang to Hanoi leave Naluang Mini bus station and cross the border at Namcan/Nam Khan border checkpoint, the buses from Hanoi to Luang Prabang operate via the Nam Phao – Cau Treo border point. Hanoi – Luang Prabang buses will pass through Vinh, Dien Chau and Thanh Hoa, where they pick up/drop off passengers.

Bus companies operating Hanoi to Luang Prabang are TheSinhTourist and HTX Van Tai 27-7. The ticket price is VND 1,150,000 (£40, $51) booked online at www.baolau.vn. Also, you can online book and buy bus e-tickets to Luang Prabang on 12go.asia. They will send your e-ticket through email, ready to print or carry in your tablet or mobile phone and show it to the ticket counter at the station before you board the bus.

3. TRAIN from Hanoi to Luang Prabang

There is no direct train connecting these two cities, so you can go to Luang Prabang from Hanoi by train.

Transport within Luang Prabang

Available all over town, trishaws (lot-sam-lor), tuk-tuks and jumbos (small tuk-tuks) are means of transport to get around. It is also possible to hire taxis and mini buses through hotels, guesthouses as well as tour operators. Alternatively, you can rent bicycles for about $2 per day. Please note that foreign travelers are not allowed to rent motorcycles.

See more:

TRAVEL IN AND AROUND VIENTIANE BY BUS

BEST TIME TO VISIT VIENTIANE

VIENTIANE TRAVEL GUIDE

 

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