This article provides information to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by bus and a travel guide for your visit to Luang Prabang: what to do in Luang Prabang, where to stay in Luang Prabang, and how to get around Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang, a town so charming I wanted to stay for weeks. Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang by Bus
Get to the Northern Bus station in Vientiane, about 2km away from the center of the capital. There are multiple departures per day but you may prefer an overnight ride plus it saves you a night at a hostel. It takes over 10hrs to reach Luang Prabang from Vientiane. Expect to pay between 100,000 to 150,000 Kip (roughly USD $12-19).
Upon arrival, at the bus station in Luang Prabang, you can hire a tuk tuk for 20,000Kip (<USD $3) to the town center.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang: Hotels in Luang Prabang & Accommodation
Pathoum Phone Guesthouse : USD $8 for a double room with shared bath or USD $10 for private bathroom, free WiFi, fan.
Sisombath Guesthouse : USD $13 for a double room with fan, USD $16 for a double room with air-conditioning and private bath, free WiFi – a bit far from town center.
Philaylack Villa 1: For USD $15, you can get a clean double room with terrace, free WiFi and air-conditioning. Highly recommended. You can also rent bicycles on location for your daily town promenade.
What to do in Luang Prabang – Sights and Activities in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Falls – My all time favorite place, though extremely touristy: a superb multi-level waterfall where you can actually swim. The atmosphere felt like being at a waterpark, at times, but the beauty of the falls is truly breathtaking and worth the detour. A tuk tuk from town should cost about 30,000Kip (<USD $4) per person (6 people maximum on tuk tuks but 7 is often possible). Private tuk tuks cost from 150,000 to 200,000Kip (USD $18-25). Return ride should be included. Don’t forget to negotiate!
Tad Sae Waterfall – Another beautiful waterfall but not as touristy as Kuang Si Falls. Reachable by boat only for 10,000 Kip (<USD $1.50) per ride. Entrance Fee: 15,000 Kip (<USD $2).
Mount Phousi – for a beautiful view of the city
Wat Xieng Muan and Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple) Quiet and peaceful temples in the town center. Beautful artwork and paintings can be seen on and inside the wats. One of my favorite visits.
- Wat Xieng Muane, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Pak Ou Caves – The caves can be reached by boat from Luang Prabang (2.5 hrs) or by road (30km away) and then a short motor boat ride for 20,000Kip (<USD $3). Two caves inside a limestone cliff accessible by stairs with many, many Buddha representations inside. Very interesting visit and enjoyable ride.
Alms Ceremony at Dawn: At 6am, monks collect alms from the locals but more and more it has become a tourist attractions – if you want to participate, please be respectful of the process and dress appropriately. You will see a lot of tourists in the streets with their cameras wanting to take pictures of the monks while they are collecting food donations.
Luang Prabang Night Market – Located on the main street in Luang Prabang, a nice after dinner walk even if you don’t intend to buy anything: local touristy art, and many souvenirs options.
Bus Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
The bus will take from 6-8hrs and cost from 90,000Kip to 150,000 Kip (USD $11-19) and departs from the South Bus station (Ban Naluang Station).
Bus Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Board from the South Bus station (Ban Naluang Station) for a 11-12 hr ride to the capital at a cost of 100,000 to 150,000 Kip (USD $12-19). Multiple departures per day.
What did you do in Luang Prabang? Anything else that could be added to the list of must-dos? Share your travel experience with us! We love to hear from you.
Happy Travels !!xx
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Hi there, I really enjoyed reading your past updates and most recent post 🙂 I have just started on WordPress since I am just beginning my travels – not only to keep my own recording of the journey, but also to read other people’s recommendations and insights. I am 23 and my first post lists the places I will be visiting. Thank you for your post!
Hello! Thank you for reading and your kind words! Looking forward to share more with you 🙂 Happy Travels to you!!xx