Getting to Luang Prabang, Laos

Getting There and Away

Written by Lorraine Aust, Thongchai Phommachanh

13/08/2025

Explore the Royal Palace's intricate architecture surrounded by lush palms in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Desaga Thierry, Pexels

Luang Prabang is served by Luang Prabang International Airport, the Luang Prabang Railway Station, and two main bus terminals: the Northern Bus Station and the Southern Bus Terminal.

By Air:

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) is located approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from the city center. It handles international flights from destinations such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as domestic flights from Vientiane and Pakse. Flights from Vientiane typically take around 45 minutes to 1 hour and can cost between $42-$155 USD for a one-way ticket. International flights, such as from Hanoi, can take about 1 hour 15 minutes and cost $100-$280 USD.

By Train:

The Luang Prabang Railway Station, part of the China-Laos Railway, is situated approximately 12-15 kilometers (7.5-9.3 miles) from the city center in Ban Xieng Lom. High-speed trains connect Luang Prabang with Vientiane, with a journey time of about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. Ticket prices for this route generally range from $17-$29 USD, though cheaper options like hard seats on ordinary trains can be around $11-$15 USD. Minibus shuttles are available from the old town to the railway station for around 25,000 kip (approximately $2 USD), taking about 30 minutes. Private cars or vans can also be hired for around 150,000 kip.

By Bus:

Luang Prabang has a Northern Bus Station, primarily for routes to the north (e.g., Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Nong Khiaw), located near the airport, about 3-5 kilometers north of the town center. The Southern Bus Terminal serves routes to the south, including Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Phonsavan. Bus journeys from Vientiane to Luang Prabang typically take 7 to 8 hours, with tickets costing between $19-$28 USD. International bus services to places like Chiang Rai and Loei in Thailand are also available.

By Boat:

Travel by slow boat on the Mekong River remains an option, particularly for journeys to and from Huay Xai. A slow boat to Pak Beng can cost around 200,000 kip, while speedboats to Pak Beng and Houay Xay depart from a landing about 10 km upriver. The speed boat to Huay Xai takes approximately 7 hours and costs about 340,000 kip per person.

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