With lots of baguette, wine, pastries and pretty architecture – its own version of the Arc de Triomphe – Patuxai Arch, Vientiane – the capital city of Laos is basically Paris! Luang Prabang, the city of Buddhist and French colonial buildings next to a river and nestled in mountains is the jewel in Laos’ crown. It is possible to travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus or river boat, as follows: Indochina tours Laos

Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Bus

Luang Prabang- source: internet

Where do you book tickets from Vientiane to Luang Prabang? How long is it from Vientiane to Luang Prabang? Depending on operator and vehicle, traveling by bus takes on average 13 hours on the distance of 237 km.

Though there are multiple departures per day from the Northern Bus station in Vientiane, about 2km away from the center of the capital, you may prefer an overnight ride as it saves you a night at a hostel.

Assuming there are no difficulties (breakdowns are popular), the overland route from Vientiane’s Northern bus terminal to Luang Prabang takes about 10 hours by public bus. There are international warnings about travelling on this stretch, and you should ask around before hitting the road though it has been quiet in recent years. Local buses are often packed while the trip is bumpy and winds interminably. Be sure to bring the right pills or you are in line for 10 hours of pure, queasy, unremitting, hell if you suffer from travel sickness. Laos tours packages

Com Lam- traditional food in Mai Chau- source: internet

Taking a minibus is a faster alternative to a public bus. It is possible to get a ticket from some guesthouses and most travel agents. Even though faster, the journey on a minibus can also be pretty cramped. A minibus from Luang Prabang to Vientiane costs $18 and takes about 7 hours; to Vang Vieng costs 60,000 kip and takes you 5 hours. In terms of travel sickness since the drivers swing them round the bends at full speed, the minibuses may well be worse than the regular buses.

• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by ordinary bus, 11 hours, 5 daily departures, about 70,000 Kip one-way ticket.
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by VIP bus, 10 hours, morning (8AM and 9AM) and night (8PM) departures, about 130,000-170,000 Kip one-way ticket.
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by overnight VIP sleeper bus, 10 hours, evening departures, about 140,000-180,000 Kip one-way ticket.
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by air-condition bus, 10 hours, 4 morning departures and 3 afternoon departures at 06:30 07:30, 08:30, 11:00, 13:30, 16:00 and 18:00; about 120,000-130,000 Kip one-way ticket.
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by cargo/passenger ferry, 4-7 days, daily morning departures, about $6 one-way ticket.
• Vientiane to Luang Prabang by 6-seater river speedboat, 11 hours, morning departures, about $20 one-way ticket.

How to buy tickets: Ask your hotel or guesthouse or buy tickets locally from any travel agencies.

By Plane

Plane from Vientiane to Luang Prabang- source: internet

Lao Airlines has daily flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang for $76 one-way. Domestic connections from Luang Prabang to Vientiane are at least three flights a day. As there are no direct flights to the far north; it is a must to fly directly from Vientiane.

It is best to arrange transport between town and Luang Prabang International Airport, which is about 4km (2 1/2 miles) from town through your hotel. Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk ride for $5. Going the other way, get a tuk tuk organized by your guesthouse or hotel. It should cost about $3.

By Boat

Slow boat on the Mekong River-source: internet

Crossing the border at Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai and taking a boat up or down the Mekong through spectacular and scenic countryside is one of the nicest and most popular ways to get to Luang Prabang. It will take 2 days if you take the slow boat (recommended), with an overnight in the small town of Pakbeng, a village with basic accommodations, before getting to Luang Prabang in the afternoon of the next day (assuming no delays or other engine troubles).

See more:

FROM LUANG PRABANG TO CHIANG MAI

5 THINGS I WISH I KNEW BEFORE GOING TO LAOS

A GUIDE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO TRAVEL VIENTIANE

Asia Travel Lover