Luang Prabang Province Transportation

How to Get in Luang Prabang Province

By Air

The easiest and most convenient way to get to Luang Prabang Province by air is to fly into Luang Prabang International Airport, which is located about 4 kilometers from the center of town. The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines, including Lao Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, and AirAsia. From the airport, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to your destination in Luang Prabang. It is recommended to use a metered taxi or negotiate a fare before getting into a tuk-tuk to avoid being overcharged. Some hotels and guesthouses in Luang Prabang also offer airport transfers, so it's worth checking with your accommodation if they provide this service.

Domestic Flights

Lao Airlines, the national carrier, operates four daily domestic flights to Vientiane and also flies to Pakse. Additionally, Lao Skyway provides domestic service between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. However, Lao Skyway has a history of suspending operations and reappearing after restructuring, which affects its reliability as a service provider. Furthermore, the company has been known to cancel flights with insufficient bookings, leaving passengers who have already made reservations in a difficult situation.

International  Flights

Here are international flights in Luang Prabang International Airport:

Note: Airlines may increase their number of routes and frequency during peak season (October to April).

Bangkok Airways booking office: 57/6 Sisavangvong Rd (main street), Ban Xiengmuang; T: (071) 253 334; open daily 09:00-12:00, 13:00-18:00.
Bangkok Airways airport office: T: (071) 253 253; open daily 07:30-19:00; www.bangkokair.com.
Lao Airlines head office: Manomai Rd, west of Kitsalat Rd; T: (071) 212 172.
Lao Airlines airport office: T: (071) 212 173; www.laoairlines.com.
Vietnam Airlines: Airport office T: (071) 213 048; open 08:00-17:00; www.vietnamairlines.com.

By Train

Since China-Laos Railway had been put into traffic, travelers can get into Laos from Yunnan province, China. Taking trains from Boten (China-Laos Border) to Luang Prabang are convenient and fast.

Train Schedule (Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Boten)

Train Schedule(Boten – Luang Prabang – Vientiane)

• China-Laos Railway
• Railway Stations of China-Laos Railway
• Kunming-Vientiane Train Schedule
• Kunming-Mohan Train Schedule
• Boten-Luang Prabang-Vientiane Train Schedule

From Luang Prabang, you can take a bus or hire a car to the places in Luang Prabang Province.

By Bus

Luang Prabang Province is located in northern Laos and can be accessed by bus from various cities within the country. Here are some general steps you can take to get to Luang Prabang Province by bus:

• Determine your starting point: Luang Prabang can be reached from many major cities within Laos, including Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Phonsavan.
• Look up the bus schedules: Bus schedules may vary depending on the starting point, but there are a number of reliable bus companies that operate routes throughout Laos. Some of the most popular ones include Naluang, Soutchai Travel, and King of Bus.
• Purchase your bus ticket: You can usually purchase your bus ticket at the bus station or online in advance. Keep in mind that the cost of the ticket may vary depending on the time of year and the company you choose.
• Arrive at the bus station: Be sure to arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This will give you enough time to check in and board the bus.
• Board the bus and enjoy the ride: Once you're on the bus, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic views as you make your way to Luang Prabang Province.
• Arrive at your destination: Buses will typically drop you off at the main bus station in Luang Prabang Province. From there, you can easily hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to take you to your final destination.

Keep in mind that bus travel in Laos can be bumpy and uncomfortable, especially if you're traveling on a local bus. If you're looking for a more comfortable travel experience, you may want to consider booking a private transfer or hiring a driver.

Here is a more detailed information about bus schedules in Luang Prabang, the capital city of Luang Prabang Province. There are two main bus stations, one serving destinations to the north and the other for destinations to the south. Minivans, the transport generally preferred by tourists, leave from a separate station near the southern station, technically increasing the number of bus stations to three.

Use Kiew Lot Sai Nuan station, for traffic to and from the north

Use Naluang station, for traffic to and from the South

Note: The price for VIP/Express is the same for Vang Vieng and Vientiane trips.

Southern Bus Terminal T: (071) 232 066

Minibuses
Naluang Mini Bus station: (071) 212 979

Note: The minibuses can be either minivans or regular tourist buses.

By Boat

Luang Prabang Province is located in northern Laos, and one way to reach it is by taking a boat along the Mekong River. Here are some steps to help you plan your trip:

• Determine your starting point: There are several options for starting points along the Mekong River, including Huay Xai, Pakbeng, and Muang Khua.
• Choose a boat operator: There are various boat operators offering services along the Mekong River, including slow boats, speed boats and cruises. You can ask your hotel or guesthouse for recommendations, or do some research online to find a reputable operator.
• Book your ticket: Once you have chosen your boat operator, you can book your ticket. It's a good idea to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Prepare for the trip: Make sure to bring appropriate clothing and gear, as well as snacks and water for the journey. The boats can be crowded and uncomfortable, so you may want to bring a cushion or something to sit on.
• Enjoy the journey: The boat ride to Luang Prabang can take anywhere from 1-2 days depending on your starting point and the type of boat you choose. Take in the scenery along the way and enjoy the slower pace of travel.

It's worth noting that boat travel can be affected by seasonal weather conditions, so it's a good idea to check with your boat operator or local authorities before embarking on your journey. Traveling by boat in northern Laos offers a picturesque and invigorating alternative to the uncomfortable and jolting bus journeys. However, due to dam construction, it is no longer feasible to travel on the Nam Ou River from Luang Prabang to Nong Kiaow and Muang Ngoi. Nonetheless, the boats continue to operate along the Mekong River towards Huay Xai and the Thai border through Pakbeng.

Speedboat

Tel: (071) 212 237
Huay Xay Departs at 08:00, costs 380,000 kip
Pakbeng Departs at 08:00, costs 280,000 kip

The quickest way to travel from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng to Huay Xai is by speedboat, which takes approximately six hours, with a brief stop in Pakbeng. While the ride is exhilarating, it can be rough and loud, which is why passengers are provided with lifejackets and helmets. It's crucial to bring earplugs and waterproof bags if you decide to take this option. Departure time is at 08:00 from the Ban Don pier, which can be reached in about 10 minutes by tuk-tuk at a cost of at least 50,000 kip for two passengers. Tickets can be purchased from a tour agency for 380,000 kip for the full trip, or 280,000 kip if you only plan to go halfway to Pakbeng. Some agencies may also include minivan transport to the pier.

Slowboat

Tel: (071) 252 389
Pakbeng Departs at 08:30, costs 180,000 kip including transfer to pier
Pak Ou Cave Departs at 08:00, costs 65,000 kip from the pier

You can purchase slowboat tickets near the pier or from any tour agency in town, which costs 180,000 kip to Pakbeng. From there, you can purchase onward tickets to Huay Xai. The ticket price should include early morning pickup and transfer from your hotel or guesthouse to the "pier," which is not exactly a pier but rather a steep, sandy riverbank located inconveniently 12 kilometers or a 25-minute tuk-tuk ride north outside of town. It was moved there in late 2013 without a clear explanation, adding an extra step to an already lengthy journey. There's no limit to the number of tickets sold, and it can get very crowded. As each boat is independently owned, the quality can vary, and you won't know which boat you'll be on. A cushion can make a significant difference. It's worth noting that the slowboat might not run during the dry season when river levels are exceptionally low. Therefore, it's best to check beforehand.

Luangsay Cruises

50/4 Sakkarine Rd, Ban Wat Sene, Luang Prabang
Tel: (071) 252 553
F: (071) 252 304
https://www.luangsay.com/

For a luxurious and indulgent journey, you can opt for the luxury slow boat with Luangsay, offering a two- or three-day leisurely cruise. During the high season, the two-day cruise departs from Luang Prabang on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, while from May through September, it departs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The cruise includes all meals, coffee/tea/drinking water, accommodation in Pakbeng, an English-speaking guide, a tour of the Pak Ou Caves and a hilltribe village, as well as assistance crossing the Lao/Thai border. Guests stay in teak bungalows at the lavish Luangsay Lodge in the forest outside town during the overnight stop in Pakbeng. Prices for twin-occupancy range from US$393 to $491, depending on the season. The three-day option follows the same route, with an extra overnight stop in a Khamu village and departs every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday during the high season and on Tuesdays and Fridays during the low season from May to September, costing $545 to $681 at the time of writing. Occasionally, late booking specials are available, and you can inquire about them by visiting the Luangsay website or contacting a travel agency in Luang Prabang.

Note: Regular passenger ferries no longer run between Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

By Road

Luang Prabang Province is accessible by road from various parts of Laos and neighboring countries. Here are some ways to get there by road:

• From Vientiane: You can take a bus or minivan from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, which takes around 8-10 hours. There are also private taxis and vans available, but they can be more expensive.
• From Northern Laos: If you are coming from other parts of northern Laos such as Phongsaly, Luang Namtha or Oudomxay, you can take a local bus or minivan to Luang Prabang.
• From Thailand: There are several border crossings between Thailand and Laos, including the Friendship Bridge near Vientiane and the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border. From there, you can take a bus or minivan to Luang Prabang.
• From Vietnam: The main border crossing between Vietnam and Laos is at Nam Phao, where you can take a bus or minivan to Luang Prabang.
• From Cambodia: It's possible to enter Laos from Cambodia via the southern border at the Veun Kham/Dom Kralor crossing. From there, you can take a bus or minivan to Luang Prabang.
• From China: There are daily international buses to Luang Prabang from Kunming Railway Station, Long Distance Bus Terminal and Kunming Nanyao Bus Terminal, which take about 24 hours. The international bus stops at the Luang Prabang South Coach Station and it is a ten-minute ride by Tuktuk to the downtown of Luang Prabang. And there is a line from Xishuangbanna Passenger South Station to Luang Namtha via Mengla, the drive is 6 hours, and it takes 12 hours to continue to Luang Prabang from Luang Namtha, which is a long journey, it is recommended to rest for one night.

It's important to note that road conditions in Laos can be challenging, especially during the rainy season. Make sure to choose a reputable transportation company and prepare for long and bumpy rides.

How to Get Around Luang Prabang Province

Luang Prabang Province is a popular tourist destination located in northern Laos. The province is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and numerous outdoor activities. If you are planning to visit Luang Prabang Province and wondering how to get around, here are some options:

Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation in Luang Prabang Province. They are small, three-wheeled vehicles that can seat up to four passengers. Tuk-tuks can be found throughout the province, and they are particularly convenient for short trips around town. You can negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Bicycle

Luang Prabang Province is a great place to explore on a bicycle. There are many rental shops in town where you can rent a bike for the day or even for a week. Bicycles are a great way to get around and see the sights at your own pace.

Motorbike

If you are comfortable riding a motorbike, renting one can be a great way to explore the province. Motorbikes can be rented from rental shops in Luang Prabang, and they are ideal for exploring the countryside and visiting more remote areas.

Car

Renting a car is another option for getting around Luang Prabang Province. This is particularly useful if you want to explore the province at your own pace or have a specific itinerary in mind. However, be aware that driving in Laos can be challenging, particularly in rural areas where the roads may be in poor condition.

Boat

Luang Prabang Province is home to the Mekong River, and taking a boat trip along the river can be a great way to see the sights. There are many boat operators in town that offer day trips or multi-day tours along the river. You can also take a boat to visit nearby villages and explore the local culture.

Songthaew

Songthaews are shared taxis that can be found in Luang Prabang Province. They are essentially pickup trucks with benches in the back, and they are a popular way for locals to get around. You can flag down a songthaew on the street and negotiate the fare with the driver. They are often cheaper than tuk-tuks.

Walking

Luang Prabang town is relatively small and can be easily explored on foot. Walking is a great way to see the sights up close and at a leisurely pace. Plus, you'll have plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos or grab a bite to eat along the way.

Private Tour

If you prefer a more guided experience, you can book a private tour with a local guide or tour operator. This is a great option if you want to see specific sights or participate in certain activities. Private tours can be customized to your interests and can often include transportation as part of the package.

Public Bus

If you are traveling on a tight budget, you can also consider taking a public bus to get around Luang Prabang Province. Buses connect the major towns and cities in the province, and they are a cheap way to travel. However, be aware that the buses can be crowded and uncomfortable, and they may not run on a strict schedule.

Keep Reading

• Vientiane Transportation
• Vang Vieng Transportation
• Pakse Transportation
• Luang Namtha Transportation
• Savannakhet Transportation

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