In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 715 kilometre distance from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 4 ways to get from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the flight, shared minivan, bus, ferry. The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $5. The fastest route is by flight (1h 30m).
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1h 30m
$5
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22h
$61
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22h
$61
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$75
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Flying from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang is obviously the fastest way to travel, but comes at a price.
Airlines such as AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, Thai Airways and Lao Airlines offer flights through this route. Most of the flights are non-direct and it takes at least 5 hours of travel, usually with a layover in Bangkok. There are only about 2-3 flights which offer direct travel. The price for a direct flight starts at $5.
Planes depart from Chiang Mai Airport and land in Luang Prabang Airport. Flight time is just below 1.5 hours. Click on the button below to check the latest and cheapest flights.
Travelling by bus from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang takes almost a day of travel. But, it is also cheaper than booking a flight and faster than when travelling by ferry.
Yortdoy Travel and Banana Leaf Tour are the two most popular bus companies that offer trips from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. They both have one trip departing daily. We’ve provided the schedules in the table below.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. A beautiful fusion of traditional Lao architecture and colonial design, this ancient city sits at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Luang Prabang lifts up your spirits with its 33 Buddhist temples and awakens your senses with its picturesque landscape.
Backdropped by mountains, adventurers will find plenty of things to do in Luang Prabang. You'll find turquoise waterfalls, trekking trips and biking trails on the outskirts of town. Our favourite part? The friendly atmosphere and slow life that it was somehow able to maintain despite the growing number of tourists.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
Carbon Footprint
This 715 km journey produces approximately 64 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Sakaodeuan Hotel located within the Old Town of Luang Prabang is in an ideal location to explore some of the city's best sights. You're less than 1km away from both Mount Phousy and the Night Market.
The rooms are spacious, comfortable and clean. One of the best things about this hotel are the staff who are there to help you with anything. And the complimentary breakfast is a highlight of the stay. It's delicious!
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