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Luang Prabang is Laos's old royal capital, 657 kilometres (408 miles) north of Pakse. Saffron-robed monks, French-colonial shophouses and the Kuang Si waterfalls make it worth the trek. Flying is the quickest option, taking 2h 20m. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is a bus and train combination at $50 (1,100,000 LAK). It's a long haul, around 12-19h.
Distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Pakse and Luang Prabang are about 657 km (408 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 909 km by road. The quickest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by taking the flight, which takes around 2h 20m.
3 ways to travel from Pakse to Luang Prabang
There are three ways to travel from Pakse to Luang Prabang. You can choose between the bus + train (separate tickets), flight, and bus + train (combined tickets). The journey takes 2h 20m–18h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + train (separate tickets) with tickets starting at $50 (1,100,000 LAK).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Pakse→Vientiane10h
- Vientiane→Luang Prabang , Luangprabang1h 45m
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Pakse Airport20m
- Flight from Pakse to Luang Prabang1h 40m
- Luang Prabang Airport to the city centre20m
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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 $50 (1,100,000 LAK). 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.
Step tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $4.50 (100,000 LAK).
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 $23 (500,000 LAK) for a 2nd class seat when you book with BookAway.
Step tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $100 (2,228,000 LAK).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
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 $2.70 (60,000 LAK) for the journey that takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk to Pakse International Airport. Fares start from $2.30 (50,000 LAK). 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 $93 (2,067,000 LAK), 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 $160 (3,556,000 LAK). 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 $4.50 (100,000 LAK) when you book through the local taxi-hailing app Loca.
Airport taxis are also available, but much more expensive, with rates from $14 (320,000 LAK).
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.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
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 $82 (1,822,000 LAK).
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 + Train (Combined Tickets) schedule from Pakse to Luang Prabang
Bus + Train (Combined Tickets) tickets are available on Bookaway.
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.
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Pakse to Luang Prabang, roughly 657 kilometres (408 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $50 (1,100,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 2h 20m.
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 distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The distance from Pakse to Luang Prabang is 657 kilometres (408 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by flight and takes 2h 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Luang Prabang is by bus + train (separate tickets) with ticket costs starting from 1,100,000 LAK.
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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