Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng
Mon, Apr 28
+ Add return
0 Passengers
 
 
 
 
 

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+4h
$143.67
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
06:30
12:30
$15.00
Van
RG Adventure
Van
07:00
12:00
$13.23
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
07:30
13:30
$15.00
  3.1
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
08:00
14:00
$15.00
  3.1
Van
Naluang
Regional 14pax
08:30
14:30
$15.26
  3.3
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
09:00
15:00
$15.00
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
09:30
15:30
$15.00
Van
Luang Prabang Holiday Travel
Minivan
10:00
15:00
$15.90
  2.5
Train
Laos Group Tour
First Class
10:20
11:20
$22.00
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
11:00
17:00
$15.00
  3.1
Van
RG Adventure
Van
12:00
17:00
$13.23
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:30
15:38
$16.54
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:52
13:44
$13.99
  4.6
Train
Laos Group Tour
First Class
13:20
14:20
$22.00
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
14:00
20:00
$15.00
  3.1
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:49
15:38
$15.42
  4.6
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
17:00
20:42
$14.28
  4.4
Van
Vieng Chaleune
Regional 14pax
18:30
00:30
$15.00
  3.1
Train
Laos Group Tour
First Class
19:10
20:10
$22.00

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.

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Facts about the transport from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Cheapest Transport$13
Fastest Transport51m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure7:52 PM
Departures per day66
Distance43 kilometers
Transport CompaniesLaos Group Tour, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Naluang, RG Adventure, Vieng Chaleune

Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Destination Reviews

CS
The bus departed 2 hours late and proceeded to breakdown. my 6 hour journey became at 12 hour travel day. not ideal. apparently they knew the bus had already broken down.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Regional 14pax, Vieng Chaleune (เวียงเจริญ), Apr 13, 2025
L
The tickets came through the app, the station has security and clear instructions were given the journey its self was great high speed train very comfy seats lots of leg room, well organised.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Mar 8, 2025
BV
The journey took about 11 hours, instead of the estimated 5. The operater just transfered me from my accomodation to the busstation and got me a ticket for the public bus, classic case of false advertisement!! Bus was overcrowded and the journey took way longer than told beforehand. It was quite an experience, although not the one I expexted when I booked this trip. Arrived a little past midnight and the transfer to the hostel was already waiting for me, kudo's for that. Busdriver was alright and the other passengers were nice, even though we didn't understand each other.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Van, RG Adventure (RG Adventure), Feb 23, 2025
RJ
We got on at 8am and spend 1hr 30 picking people up. The couple behind us had got on at 6.30am. There were 20 people on our bus and only 15 seats. We were crammed on. We arrived two hours late at our destination.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Minivan, Laos Group Tour, Feb 11, 2025
EC
Clean, quick, a bit hectic at the train station but kind of expected in SEA
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, Feb 3, 2025
LR
Railway puts ours in the U.K. to shame. Excellent service.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C97 Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), Jan 30, 2025
LH
We booked a „Van“ Ride to Vang Vieng with Transfer to our guesthouse. Our driver picked us up 70 min earlier, then brought us to the Bus Station, where he booked Tickets and directed us to the Bus. We waited until it went off at 2pm und it filled more and more with people needing to sit in the aisle on Plastic Chairs. We made one Long stop without any Information if there is enough time to eat or not. We arrived two Hours Late (9pm) and were dropped off at the Minivan Station and there was no follow-up Transfer, we then walked to our guesthouse.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Van, RG Adventure (RG Adventure), Jan 11, 2025
RH
The time busses go are not correct. When we arrived they told us the bus went an hour earlier. This is a problem that you can easily solve by contacting the bus station. For the rest was it ok, we got offered an other bus. Don’t expect luxury but it will get you from A to B. Road quality is very bad, so no seatbelts was a bit scary
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Van Regional 14pax, Vieng Chaleune (เวียงเจริญ), Sep 26, 2024
BC
The train overall was great, but keep in mind they have some stupid rules about carrying deodorants and other liquids. I lost a lot of bottles because of that and would never have taken the train if I knew it in advance.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #D887 Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), Jun 12, 2024
G
Train on time, clean. Check in very fast and no issues.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C97 Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), May 16, 2024
4.4
243 customer reviews
5
42%
4
23%
3
14%
2
21%
1
0%

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 USD 344.28. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 16.22.

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 (43 km). The flying distance is 27 miles (43 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 6 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 Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure): travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 16.22 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 USD 344.28.

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

  • Bus+Van price: USD 12.04. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 14:40 Vang Vieng Soutchai Travel until 14:40 Vang Vieng Soutchai Travel
  • Train tickets - USD 16.22 to USD 31.21;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 17.09 - USD 29.19. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 08:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 19:37 Luang Prabang Railway Station
  • Van price : USD 17.98 - USD 24.97;
  • taxi+Van price: USD 19.13. From Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 07:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 14:00 Luang Prabang Transfer
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 198.65 - USD 209.39. 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 USD 19.13 to USD 344.28.

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.

  • 23 by taxi+Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 08:30 Luang Prabang Transfer until 19:37 Luang Prabang Railway Station
  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 22 trains per day.
  • Vans from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng depart during the day - there are approximately 11 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
  • 2 by Bus+taxi from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng starting from 00:00 Luang Prabang Airport until 00:00 Luang Prabang Airport
  • 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 USD 19.13.

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:

  • 30% chosen taxi+Train
  • 29% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 27% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 10% opted for a van.
  • 2% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 1% Other