We travelled from Luang Prabang to Vientiane last month and really enjoyed the journey. There are several travel options to choose from, including aeroplane, train, and minivan, each with their own pros and cons. So, it’s worth doing a little research and weighing up which is best for your Laos plans.
In this guide – we outline three ways to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane including prices, travel operators, and the pros and cons of each option.
If you’re anything like us, then you like to scope out your transport options ahead of time (even if we don’t actually decide until the last minute!). So wanted to share our trip-planning research 🙂 If you’re planning a trip to Laos and aren’t sure how to get around while you’re there, this article will help.
Luang Prabang To Vientiane Transport Options
If you want to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane (or Vang Vieng which is on the way), then you have a few different travel options to choose from…
- Minivan
- Train
- Aeroplane
Let’s look at each of these travel options in more detail along with the pros and cons of each one…
Minivan From Luang Prabang To Vientiane
The cheapest option is to take a minivan. This costs around $17 and takes about five hours to Vang Vieng. To Vientiane, it’ll take seven hours and cost around $18.
The ticket offices will tell you it takes less time than this, but the reality is that it’s always longer than they state. This can be due to the volume of traffic on the road and number of stops made along the way. But it’s always longer than estimated.
There are a lot of minivans that run between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane daily so there are plenty of departure times to choose from.
Yes, it can be a little bumpy at times and if you get a rally driver, then the journey can sometimes be hair raising. But on the whole mini bus travel in Laos is a lot more chilled and sedate than other countries in southeast Asia, like Vietnam and Indonesia.
- Pros: Cheap
- Cons: Time-consuming
Getting The Train From Luang Prabang To Vientiane
The Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng train is a much quicker alternative to travelling by minivan. It takes around 50 minutes and costs $10.
It’s the same train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane as Vang Vieng. Vientiane is just a little further down the same line and takes just under two hours. It takes just under two hours and costs $20-$30 depending on where you book.
We chose to take the fast train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and found it a really enjoyable experience. It’s definitely the option we’d choose if we were doing the route again since it’s quick, cost-effective, and takes in Laos’ incredible views.
- Pros: Quick, cost-effective, environmentally friendly
- Cons: Tickets can book up quickly
Read more… Get a detailed rundown of how to take the train from Luang Prabang to Vientiane in our step-by-step guide.
Air Travel
You can also fly between Luang Prabang and Vientiane (but not Vang Vieng as it doesn’t have an airport). The flight takes 45 minutes and prices are cheap at around $30. However the direct airlines (Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway) don’t have the best safety records (3 out of 7 stars according to Airline Ratings).
Flying isn’t an environmentally friendly option either. And given that you have to be at the airport at least an hour before domestic flights, it’s just as quick to take the two hour train.
- Pros: Quick
- Cons: Most expensive option, not environmentally friendly
The Best Way To Get To Vientiane From Luang Prabang
The best way to get from Luang Prabang to Vientiane is undoubtedly by train. It’s just a couple of dollars more than a minivan but takes less than two hours! And it’s a much smoother ride too with comfy seats and stunning views throughout the journey.
While flying is quick, you need to check-in earlier and hang around waiting for luggage at the other end. All in all it takes about the same time as the train but costs more money. Planes are also a much less environmentally friendly way to travel, so the train wins on all counts.
What about Travelling From Luang Prabang to Vientiane By Boat?
You might be wondering whether you can travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by boat. After all, the Mekong connects both cities and river cruises are popular along other sections of it.
Unfortunately, ferries no longer run along this route and there aren’t any scheduled boats either.
If you want to do a river trip, then you’ll need to book on to an organised tour instead. And those only depart a couple of times per year.
Top Mekong Cruises offer a 5-night trip from Luang Prabang to Vientiane by boat, but it only has two dates available in 2024 (November and December). You might get lucky and find that these dates align perfectly with your travel plans.
But it’s not a regular boat service so the train, bus, or flying are more consistently available options.
Whichever transport option you choose, you’re in for a treat along the way. The landscape in Laos is truly stunning so you’ll be spoilled by the views on your journey.
From impressive mountains to lush jungles, there’s plenty to look at. So whether you’re gazing out of the window of a train, bus, or aeroplane, the view will be fantastic.
