How to Get From Pakse to Luang Prabang
Bus + Train (Separate Tickets) · Flight · Bus + Train (Combined Tickets)
%2Cpin-s-b%2B8B4513(102.21430665%2C19.86790495)%2F104.00547985944999%2C17.4929909223495%2C5%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 965 kilometre (600 miles) distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Luang Prabang as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
There are three ways to travel the 965 km distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the bus + train (separate tickets), flight, and bus + train (combined tickets).
The journey takes between 2h 20m–19h and the quickest way is by flight (2h 20m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + train (separate tickets) with tickets starting at 1,076,000 LAK ($50).
12-19h
1,076,000 LAK ($50)
2h 20m
2,180,000 LAK ($100)
18h
1,783,000 LAK ($82)
Where to stay in Luang Prabang?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang at the bottom of this page.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Bus + Train (Separate Tickets)
Taking a combined bus and train is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang.
If you book your tickets separately, combined fares cost only 1,076,000 LAK ($50). You will also have flexibility in terms of schedule and what kind of seat to book for the train.
Step 1: Bus from Pakse to Vientiane
From Pakse, you will take a sleeper bus to Vientiane. These buses usually depart at night and arrive at the Lao capital city in the morning.
The journey takes about 10h - 13h 30m, but you can hopefully spend most of that getting some sleep. Ticket prices start from 10h - 13h 30m.
Buses usually depart from their own headquarters in Pakse city centre. In Vientiane, the last stop is at the Southern Bus Terminal.
IMPORTANT: Most buses operating on this route are sleeper buses, with only flatbeds for seats. These flatbeds are for two persons. If you’re travelling solo, you must buy 2 tickets to have the flatbed to yourself. Otherwise, expect to sleep beside a stranger.
Ready to book your step?
Getting from Vientiane Bus Station to Vientiane Railway Station
Vientiane Train Station is 6 km away from the Southern Bus Terminal. The easiest way to get there is by taxi, which costs about 100,000 LAK ($4.60). We recommend booking your ride through local taxi apps like Loca and InDrive. Regular taxis and tuk-tuks tend to overcharge tourists. Plan to arrive at the railway station at least an hour before your train departs. This gives you enough time to clear security checks without the rush and the stress.Step 2: Train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
The first train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang departs at 08:00. Depending on the time of your bus arrival in Vientiane, you can immediately leave for Luang Prabang by taking one of the morning trains.
But if you want to go around the capital city for a bit, you can take an afternoon train or catch one the next day instead.
The train ride to Luang Prabang from Vientiane takes more or less 2 hours. Ticket prices start at 489,000 LAK ($23) for a 2nd class seat when you book with BookAway.
Ready to book your step?
Booking Tip
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Flight
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by flight. Travel time takes only 2h 20m.
It is also the most expensive, though. Combined costs, including airport transfers, start from 2,180,000 LAK ($100).
Step 1: How to get to Pakse Airport
The best way to travel the 5 km from Pakse city centre to the airport is by taxi. Rates start from 60,000 LAK ($2.80) for the journey that takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk to Pakse International Airport. Fares start from 50,000 LAK ($2.30). Ask the fare beforehand because some drivers try to overcharge.
Visit our guide for Pakse Airport for more info.
Step 2: Flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Lao Airlines operates the only direct flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang. Airfares start from 2,022,000 LAK ($93), and the flight takes about 1h 40m.
Two things to note:
- Direct flights to Luang Prabang from Pakse are not available every day. They operate only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- These direct flights are active only during the peak season, typically from November to June. From July to October, only indirect flights are available from Pakse to Luang Prabang.
Indirect flights, on the other hand, operate daily via Vientiane. The layover time varies from 3 hours to over 22 hours. These are normally more expensive with rates from 3,478,000 LAK ($160). On the good side, if you have a long layover, you can explore Vientiane first before continuing to Luang Prabang.
Step 3: Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre
The most convenient way to get from Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre is by taxi. The 20-minute ride costs around 100,000 LAK ($4.60) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca.
Airport taxis are also available, but much more expensive, with rates from 320,000 LAK ($15).
The tuk-tuk is a local alternative, and usually costs the same as a Loca taxi.
For more details, check out our complete guide for Luang Prabang Airport.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Pakse to Luang Prabang by Bus + Train (Combined Tickets)
If you're not into flying, but don't want the hassle of booking separate bus and train transfers, you can also book combined tickets.
The downsides: this is twice the cost of booking your bus and train tickets separately; plus, you can't choose which train to take, and what kind of seat.
On the good side: you will be saved from all the hassle of arranging your own transfers. Even your ride from the bus station to the railway station in Vientiane will be taken care of by the tour company.
A combined bus and train ticket from Pakse to Luang Prabang costs 1,783,000 LAK ($82).
What to expect in your bus-and-train journey
You will take a 10-hour sleeper bus from Pakse to Vientiane.
In Vientiane, you will have a few hours of stopover before taking the 11:25 train to Luang Prabang. Your ticket will be for a 2nd-class seat.
Bus schedules from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Booking Tip
Our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang
Here are our favourite places to stay in Luang Prabang for every budget.
Manichan Guesthouse
- Ideal location
- Walking distance to many sights
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant on-site
Sakaodeuan Hotel & Travel
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!
- Located in the Old Town
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Amazing staff
- Delicious free breakfast
Double rooms start from $75 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang is 965 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Luang Prabang?
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.
How We Research
Every route on Gecko Routes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally travelled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
Verified
BY TRAVELLERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travellers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Reader Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience!