Can you get a train from Vietnam to Laos?

How do I get from Hanoi to Laos?

Hanoi to Laos, huh? It’s a journey, alright. A long one. I’ve done it. Several times, actually. Each time feels different.

The flight, from Noi Bai to Luang Prabang? Quickest. But you miss so much. The landscape. The soul of the journey. It’s sterile, somehow. I prefer the bus.

Buses are a gamble. You get different experiences. The journey itself can be brutal. Long hours. Cramped seats. But… you see things. Real things. Vietnam, then Laos. It unfolds. Slowly.

Vientiane is a must. Southern Bus Station. That’s where you’ll likely end up from Hanoi. Oudomxay too, though that route is less frequent. I’ve taken both.

• Plane: HAN to LPQ. Expensive, but fast.
• Bus: Hanoi to Vientiane. Hanoi to Oudomxay. Cheap, exhausting, rewarding.
• Train & Car: Not really feasible options for a direct route, in my experience. At least not in 2024.

Honestly, the bus. It’s the only way to really feel it. The journey’s the point, sometimes. Not just getting there. It’s… bittersweet, I guess. The exhaustion at the end? Worth it. Sometimes.

How to get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?

Hanoi to Luang Prabang… a whisper of silk and ancient temples. Flying, a swift escape. Three hours, fifty-seven minutes, a blink. The cost? A mere $110-$240, a small price for such a journey. That Lao Airlines flight, though, a siren’s call. One hour, ten minutes. Pure magic.

Direct bus? Absolutely. Twice daily departures. Hanoi SSB to Luang Prabang’s Southern Station. A journey across borders, through time. I prefer the feeling of the road.

But those flights… the promise of speed. Vietnam Airlines, slightly faster, more expensive. Nine million Dong. A significant difference in price, honestly.

Fastest: Flight. Cheapest: The bus, a slower dance. Choosing wisely, aligning with your soul’s rhythm. The connecting flights, a longer, cheaper alternative. But that one hour ten minutes! The Lao flight beckons.

• Flight: Lao Airlines (1h 10m, 7,519,141 VND) – my choice, pure efficiency!
• Flight: Vietnam Airlines (1h 5m, 9,065,000 VND) – slightly faster but pricier.
• Flight: Connecting flights (Multiple airlines, 6h 20m, 7,322,692 VND) – A longer option.
• Bus: Direct bus (Hanoi SSB to Luang Prabang Southern Station, twice daily) – feels longer but full of authentic life.

Price range heavily fluctuates depending on the time of year. Book in advance for best deals. My last trip was incredible, the scent of incense still lingers…

Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?

Luang Prabang, hmm. Worth it? Yeah, I think so. But it’s not perfect. Kuang Si Falls is AMAZING. Seriously, turquoise water, jungle vibes, a must-see. Spent like half a day there, swimming.

The alms giving ceremony…well, it’s early. Super early. Worth getting up for? Probably. Very cultural, but kinda touristy too, right? See monks collecting alms at dawn.

Is it worth the trip just for that? I don’t know. What else is there?

The night market is cool. Lots of souvenirs, cheap eats. Got this weird elephant pants. Always a good time! Remember that time?

Ugh, haggling. Not my fave. But part of the experience. Right?

Food is great, BTW. Lao cuisine, yum! But pricey for SEA. What’s up with the price.

Pros:

• Amazing scenery.
• Delicious food.
• Unique culture.

Cons:

• Tourist crowds.
• More expensive than other SEA spots.
• Alms ceremony feels kinda…off? I dunno.

I think I spent like $50 a day, but that’s with some splurges.

Overall? Yeah, go. But be prepared for the crowds. And bring cash. ATMs charge high fees.