Vientiane Airport to Luang Prabang by bus, van

Stuck three of us in tiny compartment over engine at back of bus. Not impressed. These spaces not designed for three large western guys.

We were packed into a tiny mini bus that could barley fit us all so I had to sit in the middle front seat which was concrete hard unlike the seat everyone else was sitting on the difference was night and day, made for a very uncomfortable journey, although the driver got us there an hr early so that was positive and he was nice

Communication on what bus to get was poor, we got told to stay on transport which was going to Paksa when we were going to Luang Prabang. The driving was crazy and my partner was unable to sleep more than 2hrs. Air conditioning was good and bed wasn’t too bad.

So many people in a small van, the baggage storaged on a roof rack and the driver stopped along the way several times to pick up more package. We already knew the bad road bad conditions, so no complaints about it,but in our opinion the driver could have been more careful due to this and the weather (so much fog)

We travelled with overnight bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. On the plus side - we arrived early (just in time for the sunrise alms-giving ceremony) and managed to get some sleep on the way. There was AC and we got blankets. On the minus side - we had to arrive at 18:00 in the Soutchai office, while the bus leaves at 20:30 from the Northern bus station. We first waited for the transfer from the office to the bus terminal. Our vouchers were changed into tickets there and we had to wait nearly 2 hours at the dirty station. The bus was there, but they would not let us in before the 20:15. The price of the ticket at the station was 150.000 kip, we paid twice the price (over 30$) per person through 12GoAsia. The reclining seats allows you to sleep if you are less than 170 cm. There is no toilet and no toilet stops on the way. Instead of 8:00am stated on the tickets we arrived at 5:20am. Also we arrived to Southern station in Luang Prabang, while our tickets stated that we will arrive at the Northern one. Still this trip was more restful than the other way round.

I bought the ticket via 12go and I am aware that they are only selling the ticket and are not operating the buses. The bus had 12-15 passengers, give or take, during the tour. The trip between Vientiane and Luang Prabang was interesting and I can summarize it as: Pro: - We made it all the way without any incidents . That said there was several near-misses and some serious incidents observed on the way (see below) - The driver of the bus was politely and friendly - The air-con was not to cold (which is often a problem on this buses) - Plenty of stops en-route (might be annoying for some) ensured that the engine - and most importantly - the brakes could cool down before continue the ride. Con: - We observed a truck involved in a "front to front" collision with another heavy vehicle. This caused some delays both southbound and northbound. - We observed an incident involving two motorcycles with at least two fatalities. Shocking! - I showed up the 1 hour before pick up (as instructed on the ticket) just to experience that I had to wait for 1 hour and 20 minutes for the pick-up. - At the bus station there was some confusion about which bus to take, wen it was leaving etc, but it was sorted out in the end. - The bus was old, noisy and had seen better days. But remember- this is Laos - The roads was bumpy, and to some extent, unpaved. But remember- this is Laos

Driver did not seem that confident on the roads and at times felt dangerous. On the plus side, the bus left 15 mins early and did not take 6 hours, more like 4.5 - with a 30 min food stop and a shorter 10 min toilet break.

Overall we managed to reach the destination safely and on time. However, we booked a sleeper van but we got a sleeper bus where the aircon broke down.

The driver who picked me up was very helpful and kind. The bus left 45 minutes late, and we got to Luang Prabang 3 hours late. The bus smelled very moldy and made me cough. The bathroom was closed, which was very inconvenient for me because I was sick. Thankfully the driver stopped many times so we could use the bathroom. The bus service was kind about letting me have my own bed since I am bigger than most Asian people.

We weren’t happy that once we boarded the mini bus in Vang Vieng, we had to drive around for ages back and forth to the same places to pick up other travellers who were not ready on time. There was not enough space in the mini van for every plus our bags, it was so cramped for a 4 hour plus journey.

A bumpy ride, but quite okay, through the mountains. The bus didn’t have so much space, but the beds were fine for sleeping. At the paper it said we were supposed to leave at 18 pm but the bus took off at 20.30 pm. It also said a ride for about 13 hours, and were supposed to be in Luang Prabang at 7.00am. But the bus came in at 12pm. At the bus station tuktuk’s are ready to pick you up, but be aware that they drive you to city center and not the accommodation, even though you tell them where to go.

The mini-van was in pretty good condition and the driver drove reasonably safely. The roads aren’t in great condition but the beautiful scenery en route compensates. Overall, I’d recommend this service, especially at busy times of the year where it’s worth paying the 12go. premium to secure a seat in advance.

Booked sleeper bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Time on booking was 18.00 but not a real departure time. Mini van shuttle picked up me to northern bus terminal and real departure time was 20.00(same as another bus company) They gave a meal voucher that no staff speak english to tell how and where to use. The meal voucher are value 10k kip that can exchange some snack or drink, not enough for meal. Few passenger got only fucking sticky rice!!

The good: Someone picks you up from your hotel. GREAT scenery. Trip included lunch. The bad: Bus was fairly dirty, needed dusting and a good wipe down and vacuum. Driver played music for most of the trip, which seemed kind of weird. When it gets dark no lights are turned on, so you’re just sitting in the dark. This could have been a good opportunity for sleep, but the music was still playing. Near the end of the trip he made a lot of stops. Trip took about 13 hours

Nvt

Great driver, great travel

Long and hard on the butt. All okay. Thanks!

Bring some earplugs and you are fine.