Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

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$36
 
 
$170

Other Options

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Schedule

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Firstplan Transport Services Economy 3pax Any time฿ 13,750
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat 05:00 - 16:00฿ 1,490
Thai AirAsia Economy 08:50 - 15:35฿ 6,843
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus 12:00 - 07:00฿ 1,450
Naluangs Taxi + Sleeping Bus 15:00 - 07:30฿ 1,200
Sombat Tour Express 42 18:30 - 14:05฿ 2,803
Thai AirAsia Economy 21:30 - 09:30฿ 5,202

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Transport$36
Fastest Transport5h 5m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure6:30 PM
Departures per day9
Distance1750 kilometers
Transport CompaniesFirstplan Transport Services, JTTT Travel, K Buddy, Naluangs, Sombat Tour, Thai AirAsia, Yortdoy Travel

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

CZ
I had booked the van plus overnight bus to Laos. Departure was scheduled for 12pm at my hotel. A gentleman came by at 11am to tell me that the departure had been postponed until 2pm. At 1.30pm another man in a basic car picked him up and dropped me off at the van. The rest went pretty well. The van was comfortable and air-conditioned, and he took us to a small roadside shop to do the paperwork before the border (rather bizarre). We filled in the customs form and took photos if we didn't have any. You can also change baths into kip at a very attractive rate. Customs clearance was fairly straightforward, with nothing to report on the Thai side. On the Laotian side, however, there was a $1 or 50 bath service charge (just for her to check the form). Pay $40 or 1,800 baths for the visa (be careful, in baths it's much more expensive). After passing through customs, we had to wait to catch the night bus, which took us to the small but well-stocked bus station. The night bus left more than 30 minutes late, the staff were as unfriendly as possible, they didn't explain anything to us and they didn't speak English. You end up in a rather narrow berth with a stranger (they try to put tourists together). And a road that jolts you back and forth between holes and bends is enough to make you want to vomit. There was a dinner break at 8pm, and after that we had no idea whether there were breaks or just the travelers' stops, because nothing was said in English. The journey goes on, we don't sleep or don't sleep much, but at least we make it to our destination.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 5, 2024
CM
bon dans lense
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 6, 2024
N
The journey to the border was perfect, and the cab driver was extremely helpful with the formalities, etc. Thank you again. On the other hand, the bus was not at all comfortable, there were no mattresses, there were two of you per berth and there wasn't much room, so you were sharing the intimacy of a stranger if you were alone. We were woken up several times by the noise, the flashlights on our heads and by customs who ripped my bag protector in the hold. It's certainly an experience, but if you need comfort, take the plane instead :)
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Dec 14, 2023
KM
We made it to Laos in one piece but the bus was an experience I will never forget haha. The bus was over packed with people sleeping in the isle. I woke up to the sound of a lady being violently sick. The bus was very jumpy and rocky.
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Oct 18, 2023
4.4
17 customer reviews
5
41%
4
24%
3
29%
2
6%
1
0%

How to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

When you want to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Ferry
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Flight. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Bus+taxi+ferry ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A flight ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 169.60. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus as a bus ticket costs as low as USD 35.32.

How far is Chiang Rai from Luang Prabang?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang. Your trip will be a total of 1088 miles (1750 km). The flying distance is 2686 miles (4321 km).

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

The travel time from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 6 to 35 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

The cost of the trip from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Naluangs: travelling by bus expect to pay as low as USD 35.32 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a flight - a one-way flight ticket can cost as much as USD 169.60.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang:

  • Bus tickets - USD 35.32 to USD 35.32;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 39.39 - USD 47.54. From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 12:00 Chiang Rai Transfer
  • Bus+taxi+Ferry price: USD 40.48 - USD 43.47. From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 08:00 Chiang Khong Transfer
  • Bus+taxi+Van price: USD 67.75 - USD 69.79. From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 00:00 Chiang Khong until 00:00 Chiang Khong
  • flight+Bus price: USD 82.07. From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 18:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 until 18:30 Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
  • flight price: USD 169.60. From Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 09:00 Chiang Rai Airport until 09:00 Chiang Rai Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 343.66 to USD 492.13.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • 3 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 12:00 Chiang Rai Transfer
  • 3 by Bus+taxi+Ferry from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 08:00 Chiang Khong Transfer
  • 2 by flight from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 09:00 Chiang Rai Airport until 09:00 Chiang Rai Airport
  • Buses start plying the route from 15:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 15:00. There are 1 available bus trips every day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 343.66.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator..

The most popular transport from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 33% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 32% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 31% decided to go for a bus.
  • 1% Other