Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng
Wed, Feb 4
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Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Destination Reviews

HL
The journey was advertised to be 5 hours from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng but took 8 hours. It was the worst journey I’ve ever had. The roads were horrific the entire way and the driver flew over potholes. Within the first couple of minutes all of the air con vents fell down from the roof. People were jumping all over, my bum lifted off the seat countless times. It was a 15 person van but the driver kept stopping to add locals on so there was over 20 people on. He filled it that full that he tried to shut the boot and the whole back door fell off which resulted in another 40 minute stop so he could fix it. I contacted the agency as soon as I booked to confirm the pick up location as it was unclear but I didnt get a response for 48 hours. They told me to be ready in the lobby for 7am and were over an hour late
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Van, RG Adventure (RG Adventure), Jan 31, 2026
AP
Traintickets in Laos were ordered and payed 4 days in advance and we didnot receive our Tickets until morning of departure so we bought train Tickets at a Lokal Office. So 2x paid. No email contact passable until day of departure, very annoying
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C91 First Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), Jan 29, 2026
C
The train I bookes did not run - but this information I received only when calling you. 12go did not inform me at all.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Jan 29, 2026
GA
Reservation was "instant" confirmation, but did not receive confirmation from the vendor until 9pm (via WhatsApp), twelve hours after making the reservation, and less than 12-hours prior to departure. Pick-up was on-time, there is roughly a one-hour window where the driver picks up all 15-pax and luggage. Drive is rough, 125-miles over cratered and dusty dirt roads. Two stops en route (food/restroom). Arrived "on-time" before 3pm.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Van, RG Adventure (RG Adventure), Jan 27, 2026
AO
The trip was great but it was very strange all the security to get inside the train station. It was too much.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 25, 2026
DK
Woman in the ticket office pretended that she doesn't know what 12Go is about. She told us "No" and asked to call the agency. Didn't know what she meant by that. Then she served young Asian tourist and entered their Booking information from 12Go. Could not find their tickets. Then we asked to do same for us. She reluctantly typed the booking info and believe or not found our tickets! Hallelujah, Praise the lord! This woman either didn't feel like typing the booking number or just purely enjoyed not giving people tickets. Following that airport security checks to get through the train station, passport checks scanning, etc. They took my Swiss knife away as I can't take it on a train. On a flight at least you can check things in, in the main luggage. Anyway, going back to the same train station, luckily so hopefully can get this knife back for a 'small fee', which is not that small at all. The train journey was good though, first class seats were nice, reclining and comfortable. However, everything else was cheap plastic. Strange choice of colour scheme of the seats. Nevertheless, nice to travel at 161kph through Laos.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C85 First Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Jan 23, 2026
MO
the tickets were supposed to be confirmed within 18 hours but we only received them after 36 hours without any communication
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 20, 2026
SK
Partner company does NOT send ticket via email. Had to inquire via WhatsApp and they eventually sent it there.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Jan 18, 2026
EC
The driver overfilled the car and accepted more passengers along the way. There were 6 of us on a row of 3, which felt very dangerous on such unpredictable roads, when questioning the driver they just laughed.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Van, RG Adventure (RG Adventure), Jan 16, 2026
PS
Lao train service are precise. You could need to wait a bit to get this ticket, mine arrived the night before the trip. Just be patient. Train is new.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 8, 2026
4.4
461 customer reviews
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48%
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Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+4h
€128.30
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
06:30
12:30
€12.65
Van
Luang Prabang Holiday Travel
Minivan
07:00
12:00
€13.03
  2.5
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
07:30
13:30
€12.65
  3.1
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
08:00
14:00
€12.65
  3.1
Van
Naluang
Regional 14pax
08:30
14:30
€13.63
  3.3
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
09:30
11:30
€14.76
Van
Luang Prabang Travel
Tuk Tuk + Van
10:00
15:00
€12.65
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
10:30
11:30
€12.23
  4.5
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
11:00
17:00
€12.65
  3.1
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:22
13:22
€14.76
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:50
13:50
€14.76
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:22
13:28
€12.50
  4.6
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:50
13:42
€12.50
  4.5
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
13:30
15:49
€14.77
  4.8
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
13:58
15:58
€14.76
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:49
15:40
€13.77
  4.5
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Hard Seat
15:30
18:52
€10.56
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
16:37
17:52
€10.22
  3.9
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
17:00
19:59
€12.75
  4.3

Is Vang Vieng safe to visit?

Vang Vieng is generally considered safe for travelers, but it is important to take standard precautions. Petty theft can occur, so keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas. For transportation, tuk-tuks and rental scooters are popular, but ensure you wear helmets and drive cautiously. The local roads can be challenging, especially during the rainy season.

When engaging in outdoor activities like tubing or hiking, follow safety guidelines and use reputable tour operators. The Nam Song River is popular for tubing; however, it is crucial to be cautious of water levels and currents, especially during the rainy season.

Tap water in Vang Vieng is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled water, which is widely available, or ensure you have a reliable filtration method.

Overall, staying informed and cautious will contribute to a safe and enjoyable visit to Vang Vieng.

Can you walk around Vang Vieng with a drink?

Walking around Vang Vieng with a drink in hand is generally acceptable, particularly in the tourist areas where nightlife is prominent. However, it is important to be respectful of local customs and avoid disruptive behavior. Public drinking is more tolerated in designated areas like bars and night markets, but exercise discretion in less tourist-centric zones. Bars often offer drinks in plastic cups for easy carry.

Keep in mind that local authorities periodically enforce stricter regulations, so staying informed about current rules is advisable. Always dispose of waste responsibly to help maintain the area's natural beauty.

Is it possible to rent a car in Vang Vieng?

Car rentals are available in Vang Vieng, with several local agencies offering vehicles for hire. Prices typically range from 300,000 to 500,000 LAK per day ($15 to $30). It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Most rental agencies require a valid international driving permit along with your home country driver's license.

Additionally, be aware that roads can be challenging, with some unpaved or poorly maintained, so ensure you are comfortable with local driving conditions. For those looking for alternatives, scooters and bicycles are also popular options for exploring the area.

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

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

  • Bus
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

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

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about EUR 313.21. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as EUR 7.99.

How far is Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. Your trip will be a total of 27 miles (42 km). The flying distance is 27 miles (42 km).

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

The travel time from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 7 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

The cost of the trip from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Laos China Railways (Guangdong Piaoduoduo): travelling by train expect to pay as low as EUR 7.99 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as EUR 313.21.

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

  • Train tickets - EUR 7.99 to EUR 23.93;
  • Van price : EUR 16.32 - EUR 21.12;
  • taxi+Train price: EUR 16.90 - EUR 26.55. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 11:00 Luang Prabang Transfer until 19:22 Luang Prabang Railway Station
  • taxi+Van price: EUR 17.41. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 07:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 14:00 Luang Prabang Transfer
  • Bus+Van price: EUR 27.23. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 07:30 Luang Prabang until 14:00 Luang Prabang
  • Bus+taxi price: EUR 169.49 - EUR 178.65. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 00:00 Luang Prabang Airport until 00:00 Luang Prabang Airport

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from EUR 17.41 to EUR 313.21.

How many trips per day are there between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng?

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

  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 36 trains per day.
  • 16 by taxi+Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 11:00 Luang Prabang Transfer until 19:22 Luang Prabang Railway Station
  • Vans from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng depart during the day - there are approximately 14 departures a day.
  • 3 by taxi+Van from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 07:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 14:00 Luang Prabang Transfer
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. 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 EUR 17.41.

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

Trains

Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.

If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng? 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:

  • 39% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 36% chosen taxi+Train
  • 12% opted for a van.
  • 8% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 2% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 2% chosen taxi+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Facts about the transport from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Cheapest Transport€8
Fastest Transport50m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure7:22 PM
Departures per day74
Distance42 kilometers
Transport CompaniesBook Best Travel and Services, Laos China Railways, Laos Group Tour, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Naluang, RG Adventure