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Vang Vieng sits on the Nam Song river, ringed by limestone karsts. Kayaking, tubing and hot-air balloons draw travellers here for a few days. The train is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. It costs $12 (258,000 LAK) and the ride takes 1h 30m - 2h 55m. The minivan costs more and takes far longer, and a private transfer costs more again.
Distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are about 112 km (70 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 187 km by road. The quickest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by taking the train, which takes around 1h 30m - 2h 55m.
3 ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
There are three ways to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. You can choose between the train, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 30m–5h and the quickest way is by train. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $12 (258,000 LAK).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Luang Prabang Centre→Luang Prabang Railway Station30m
- Luang Prabang→Vang Vieng2h 15m
- Vang Vieng Railway Station→Vang Vieng City Centre10m
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Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Train
The train is the most practical way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. It's the fastest and cheapest option, with a travel time of 1h 30m - 2h 55m and combined rates from $12 (258,000 LAK) — including transfers to and from train stations.
Train travel in Laos is incredibly popular. When the Laos-China Railway first launched in 2021, tickets would sell out almost instantly. They’re still in high demand today, but with a few different booking options, you’ve got a much better chance of getting a seat without queuing for hours.
Below, we give you tips on how to get train tickets to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang depending on your budget and schedule.
Step 1: How to get to Luang Prabang Railway Station
Luang Prabang Railway Station is about 12 km east of the city centre. The cheapest way to get there is by shared minivan. A ride costs $1.80 (40,000 LAK) per person and the journey from the city centre to Luang Prabang Train Station takes about 30 minutes.
The easiest way to do this is through your hotel. Tell them beforehand the time and date of your train journey, and they will arrange a shared minivan for you. This minivan will pick you up from your hotel. Note that it will also pick up other passengers before or after you.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from That Luang Park to Luang Prabang Train Station. This departs every hour from 08:00 to 17:00, except at 12:00 noon. A ticket costs $1.40 (30,000 LAK).
IMPORTANT: Luang Prabang Train Station feels a lot like an airport, with strict security checks. Aerosols and sharp items may be confiscated, and screening can take time. It's best to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early to avoid stress.
Step 2: Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Laos-China Railway (LCR) operates several rapid trains from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng daily. These are relatively new trains that pass through Laos' beautiful countryside, so you can expect a scenic and comfortable ride that takes just an hour.
For comparison, a minivan ride takes 5h - 6h 30m.
Train ticket prices to Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang start from $8.00 (178,000 LAK) for a hard seat when you book through BookAway. This is a bit more expensive than buying it directly from LCR, but it offers the advantage of being able to book tickets weeks in advance.
Step tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
There are a few ways to score a ticket for the Laos-China Railway. The cheapest and most convenient would be to book one through the LCR Ticket app, where tickets are usually released just a week before travel. Registration can be tricky, though, and payments don’t always go through.
For more details, check out our complete guide for Booking Train Tickets in Laos.
Step 3: Tuk-tuk from Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng City Centre
Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km away from the town centre. Tuk-tuks are waiting at the train station to take passengers to the city centre.
A tuk-tuk ride from the train station to Vang Vieng city centre would cost about $1.80 (40,000 LAK) per person and take 10 minutes.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Minivan
Before the train became available, the minivan was the most popular way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
Nowadays, it's an alternative if you failed to secure a train ticket, or if you're carrying items that you're afraid may be confiscated if you take the train.
Note that travel time with the minivan takes around 5h - 6h 30m, much longer than the train journey. A minivan ticket costs $19 (416,000 LAK).
There are five transport companies offering minivan trips from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: Vieng Chaleune, Luang Prabang Holiday Travel, Book Best Travel and Service, Laos Group Tour and Aqua De Bamboo.
PRO TIP: Depart Luang Prabang before noon if you can. The route winds through the mountains, and with all the twists and turns, travelling after dark can be riskier.
Minivan schedule from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Departure and arrival stations
Minivans depart from Naluang International Bus Station or their own headquarters within the city.
Most vans arrive at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal, 2 km north of the town centre.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by Private Transport
Travelling in a group or with bulky luggage? Consider taking a private transfer from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng.
Rates start from $155 (3,444,000 LAK) for a 4-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $39 (861,000 LAK) per person.
Travel time is around 4h.
Private transfers are not always available for this route, though. We recommend securing your ride in advance to avoid any surprises on the day of your trip.
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng
Here are our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng for every budget.
Vang Vieng Diamond Resort
It's not easy to find a resort for $23 a night, so when you find one like Vang Vieng Diamond Resort, you should snap it up! This place has a huge outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant that serves a range of cuisines and nice areas to relax in.
The rooms are clean and spacious, offering great views of the mountain and surrounding areas. The resort is slightly out from the city centre, adding a bit of piece to your stay in Vang Vieng.
- Great value for money
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite restaurant
- Mountain views
Private rooms start from $23 per night.
Vang Vieng Champa Hotel
Vang Vieng Champa Hotel recently opened, so everything feels clean and modern. Plus, they're cleaned every day with fresh water provided every day. The host, Ben, goes out of his way to make sure you have a fabulous stay. He's so incredible, many people have ended up extending their stay.
He wants to make you feel at home which includes providing a free breakfast every morning! The location is great, within walking distance of most attractions.
- Modern and clean
- Amazing host
- Free water
- Free delicious breakfast
Private rooms start from $25 per night.
Sunset Nam Ngum Resort
Sunset Nam Ngum Resort is situated 50 minutes south of Vang Vieng, but it offers a unique and unforgettable stay. You'll be staying on one of the islets in Nam Ngum Reservoir, surrounded by water.
The place has just been renovated offering stunning and modern rooms that overlook the water. This is the perfect escape from the world. And don't worry about the distance to Vang Vieng, the resort offers a free shuttle.
- Unique stay
- Surrounded by water
- Modern and luxury rooms
- Free shuttle to Vang Vieng
King rooms start from $40 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng is a small Laotian town set in the midst of tranquil cliffs and rich green rice fields, just like a scene from an Asian painting. Formerly a party destination, the picturesque town reinvented itself to become Laos' adventure capital.
Adrenaline-hungry travellers can enjoy many exciting activities in Vang Vieng. From rock climbing and caving to hiking and river tubing. When you want to relax, take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoons or just ride a motorbike across Vang Vieng's rugged roads and lush green fields.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, roughly 112 kilometres (70 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $12 (258,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
The fastest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by train and takes 1h 30m - 2h 55m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
The cheapest way to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is by train with ticket costs starting from 258,000 LAK.
What is the distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
How long does it take to travel from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?
What can I expect from Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng is a small town in northern Laos that is popular among backpackers and tourists for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and party scene. You can expect to find a variety of adventures like tubing on the Nam Song River, rock climbing, hiking to amazing viewpoints, and exploring nearby lagoons and waterfalls.
There are also plenty of bars and restaurants in town, making it an unlikely nightlife haven.
How to get around in Vang Vieng?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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