Luang Prabang Province in Laos has limited transportation options. The main mode of transportation is by road, with buses and vans connecting the province to neighboring cities and towns. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes are also available for shorter trips within the city. The airport in Luang Prabang Province is in the city of Luang Prabang, which is served by several domestic and international airlines. River transportation is also possible along the Mekong River, which runs through the province. Here is a detailed explanation on how to get to 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:

Airline	Route	Frequency
Lao Airlines	Luang Prabang to Bangkok	Daily
Lao Airlines	Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai	Daily
Vietnam Airlines	Luang Prabang to Siem Reap	Daily
Vietnam Airlines	Luang Prabang to Hanoi	Daily
Bangkok Airways	Luang Prabang to Bangkok	2x daily
Thai AirAsia	Luang Prabang to Bangkok	Daily
Silk Air	Singapore-Luang Prabang-Vientiane	Circular

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 Number	Depart	Arrival	Duration	Intermediate Stations
C82 (Fast Train)	Vientiane (07:30)	Boten (11:02)	3 hours 28 minutes	Vang Vieng(123km, 08:25-08:29);Luang Prabang(238km, 09:23-09:31); Muang Xay(339km, 10:17-10:21); Na Teuy(393km, 10:47-10:51)
K12 (Ordinary Train)	Vientiane (08:00)	Boten (13:10)	5 hours 10 minutes	Phonhong(64km, 08:39-08:43);Vang Vieng(123km, 09:20-09:24); Kasi(167km, 09:53-09:57) Luang Prabang(238km, 10:43-10:49); Muang Nga(293km, 11:22-11:26) Muang Xay(339km, 11:55-12:01); Na Moh(378km, 12:27-12:38); Na Teuy(393km, 12:51-12:55)
C92 (Fast Train)	Vientiane (09:20)	Luang Prabang (11:13)	1 hour 7 minutes	Vang Vieng (123km, 10:15-10:19)
C86 (Fast Train)	Vientiane (10:10)	Muang Xay (13:45)	3 hour 35 minutes	Phonhong (64km, 10:41-10:45);Vang Vieng(123km, 11:13-11:17); Luang Prabang(238km, 12:25-12:31)
C84 (Fast Train)	Vientiane (15:05)	Luang Prabang (17:10)	2 hour 5 minutes	Vang Vieng (16:11-16:15)

Train Schedule(Boten – Luang Prabang – Vientiane)

Train Number	Depart	Arrival	Duration	Intermediate Stations
C81 (Fast Train)	Boten (12:15)	Vientiane (15:52)	3 hours 37 minutes	Na Teuy(13km, 12:24-12:28);Muang Xai(67km, 12:54-12:58); Luang Prabang(168km, 13:45-13:53); Vang Vieng(283km, 14:45-14:49)
K11 (Ordinary Train)	Boten (14:00)	Vientiane (19:15)	5 hours 15 minutes	Na Teuy(13km, 14:11-14:15);Na Moh(28km, 14:28-14:32); Muang Xay(67km, 14:58-15:02); Muang Nga(113km, 15:31-15:35); Luang Prabang(168km, 16:10-16:16); Kasi(239km, 17:11-17:15); Vang Vieng(283km, 17:44-17:48); Phonhong(342km, 18:25-18:29)
C91 (Fast Train)	Luang Prabang (11:40)	Vientiane (13:40)	2 hours	Vang Vieng(12:32-12:36)
C85 (Fast Train)	Muang Xay (14:25)	Vientiane (17:48)	3 hours 23 minutes	Luang Prabang(15:13-15:19);Vang Vieng(16:39-16:43); Phonhong(17:11-17:15)
C83 (Fast Train)	Luang Prabang (18:20)	Vientiane (20:20)	2 hours	Vang Vieng(19:12-19:16)

• 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

Destination	Departure Time	Cost (kip)	Duration
Huay Xai	17:30	120,000	13-15 hrs
	19:00 (VIP)	145,000	12-15 hrs
Luang Nam Tha	09:00	90,000	9-10 hrs
	17:30	90,000	9-10 hrs
Nong Kiaow	09:00	40,000	3 hrs
	11:00	40,000	3 hrs
	13:00	40,000	3 hrs
Phongsali	17:30	130,000	14-16 hrs
Sam Neua	17:30	140,000	14-16 hrs
Udomxai	09:00	55,000	5-6 hrs
	12:00	55,000	5-6 hrs
	16:00	55,000	5-6 hrs
	17:30	55,000	5-6 hrs

 

Use Naluang station, for traffic to and from the South

Destination	Departure Time	Cost (kip)	Duration
Vang Vieng (Express)	09:30	105,000	6-7 hrs
Vang Vieng (VIP)	12:30	130,000	6-7 hrs
Vientiane (Express) & Vang Vieng	06:30  07:30  08:30  11:00  14:00  16:30  18:30	110,000	8-10 hrs
Vientiane (VIP) & Vang Vieng	08:00  09:00  19:30	130,000	8 hrs
Xieng Khuang/Phonsavan	08:30	95,000	10 hrs

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

Destination	Departure Time	Cost (kip)	Duration	Vehicle Type
Chiang Mai	18:00	265,000	18 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Hanoi	18:00	350,000	24 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Kunming	07:00	420,000	24 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Luang Nam Tha	08:30	110,000	8 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Nong Khiaw	09:00	55,000	3 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Phonsavan	09:00	105,000	8 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Vang Vieng	08:00  09:00  10:00  14:00  15:00	100,000	6-7 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus
Vientiane	08:00	155,000	9 hrs	Minivan/Tourist bus

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 China

• Entering Luang Prabang from Kunming: 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.
• Entering Luang Prabang from Xishuangbanna: 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.

From Vientiane and Vieng Vang

• There are daily long-distance buses departing from the northern bus station in Vientiane, with departures concentrated between 6:30 and noon, and a few in the afternoon, taking 11 hours.
• There are long-distance buses departing from the northern bus station in Vang Vieng from 9:00 a.m. daily, with intervals of 1-3 hours, and there are two types of buses: mini buses and luxury buses. The road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is in good condition and the scenery along the way is breathtaking. (The specific time is subject to the current day)

From Luang Namtha

There are daily long-distance buses departing from the long-distance coach station, 10 km south of Luang Namtha city, at 9:00 a.m. and minibuses departing at 8:00 a.m. It takes 8 hours and about 100,000 kip.

From Houay Xai

There are daily long-distance buses departing from the coach station, 5 km east of Houay Xay, via Luang Namtha and Oudomxay, departing at 9:00, 11:30, 13:00 and 17:00, with the 17:00 departure being a luxury bus with blankets provided and more comfortable seats.

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. Note: 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.