How long does the train take from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

How long does it take by train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Okay, so Vientiane to Luang Prabang by train? Right.

I took that train, yeah, back in December 2023, what a trip. It wasn’t just a commute, but a proper experience, let me tell you.

Left Vientiane station, that shiny new thing, at like, midday? Or maybe 2 pm? Something like that. Anyway, the journey clocked in at roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. Boom.

Tickets? I think I paid around $30 for a 2nd class seat. Comfy enough. Some peeps were saying they spent way more for 1st class, over a hundred bucks! Each to their own, eh?

• Train: Laos-China Railway
• Frequency: Once a day (at least when I went)
• Cost: Wide range, $13 to $120, basically depends on the seat.
• Duration: 1 hr 45 mins (give or take, delays happen lol)

The landscape whizzing by was amazing, super green, hilly… Made me almost miss my stop, haha.

How long is the bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Man, that bus ride. Vientiane to Luang Prabang, December 2023. It was exhausting. Eight hours straight, seriously. My butt was numb. The road, a total rollercoaster – potholes galore. I swear I saw my life flash before my eyes a few times. Seriously. The bus itself? Crammed. Like sardines. I was squished next to this dude with a snoring problem – a massive snoring problem. He was HUGE too, which made things worse.

The scenery was amazing though. Seriously. Worth it. Green hills, rice paddies, those incredible limestone karsts. Breathtaking, really. But I’d prefer a shorter ride next time. Maybe a better bus, too. This one felt like it was about to fall apart.

Things I noticed:

• The length of the journey: 8 hours. Brutal.
• The condition of the bus: Old, uncomfortable, and overcrowded. I’m pretty sure I saw some rust.
• The road: Terrible. Potholes, bumpy ride.
• The scenery: Beautiful. Made the journey bearable.
• My seatmate: Loud snorer. Giant man.

I needed a good massage after that. My neck hurt. And my legs. It was a long trip, but I did it. Got to Luang Prabang, though. That’s what matters.

How long is the train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?

Okay, so the Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng train, right?

• Travel Time: Expect about a 1-hour train journey. Short, but sweet. It seems worthwhile, as the view is a factor.

• Departure Times: Trains currently leave at 13:45 and 16:10 daily. The schedule is set for now.

• Ticket Costs: One-way tickets are $18-$26 per head. I mean, considering the view, that’s not outrageous, is it?

It’s interesting how a relatively short journey can feel significant depending on what you see and who you are with. Worth it? Well, that’s up to you, now, isn’t it?

Here’s some potential extra info…

Laos-China Railway: The service is part of the wider Laos-China Railway project. Think of it as a symbol of regional connection. I visited the area last year.

• High-Speed Aspects: Some stretches allow for speeds up to 160 km/h. Still feels pretty quick.

• Ticket Classes: There are different classes, affecting prices and comfort. Worth considering.

Stations: Getting to and from the train station from the city centers might require some pre-planning. Transport options vary.

• Booking: Tickets are best booked in advance, especially during peak times. I found that out the hard way. I like to be flexible, but the spontaneity is gone if you never get a seat!

The scenery? From what I read, it blends mountains, jungle, and rice paddies. The kind of view that triggers the mind and makes you wonder.

How long is the bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Seven hours. Maybe eight. Vientiane fades. Luang Prabang waits.

• Distance: 338 km.
• Public transport? Time is fluid.
• My uncle, he always took the slow boat. Says the road is like a snake—twisting, tiring.
• Roads improve. Or do they? Depends.
• Consider night buses. Sleep cheaper than hotels. Or not.

Think. Time. Price. Scenery. Pick two. That’s Laos.

• Slow travel, sure. But time isn’t free. Is it?

The journey’s tedium fuels contemplation.

How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang by boat?

Vientiane to Luang Prabang. A whisper of the Mekong. Eleven hours, they said. A slow, shimmering journey. But no public boats now. Safety, a phantom.

Gone. The gentle rocking, the river’s breath. My grandmother’s stories. They were always of the river, the current, a heartbeat against the hull.

Mekong Sun, Mekong Pearl. Names like prayers. Six-day cruises. July to March. Luxury, a stark contrast to the lost public boats. Sleep under stars. Wake to mist.

A different kind of journey, it seems. The river holds its secrets. A slow unfolding. Expensive, yes, but imagine. The silence, broken only by the river. The distant calls of birds.

• Mekong Sun & Mekong Pearl Cruises: Options for a luxurious experience.
• July – March: The cruise season.
• Six-day journey: Immersive travel, not just transportation.

The boat, a floating palace. Or so they say. My uncle took that cruise last year! He raved about sunsets. Remember his photos? Absolutely breathtaking. This year? I’m considering it. The price though… yikes! Still…

The water, a mirror. Reflecting the sky, the passing banks. Time stretched thin. An eternity. Or, a fleeting dream. The scent of river mud. A thousand memories held within the water’s flow. It calls to me.

How to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Okay, Vientiane to Luang Prabang, right? Ugh, that trip. Lemme tell ya.

It was last July (2024), scorching heat, I tell you. I was sweating just thinking about the journey. Had to get to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, ASAP.

So, my friend Sarah, she insisted we take the train. She hates buses, said she gets carsick. Fair enough.

We opted for the high-speed train. Cost a bit more, yeah, but Sarah swore it was worth it. She mentioned the ordinary train was terrible and not worth it.

Getting to the Vientiane train station… that was a whole other adventure. Tuk-tuk mafia, I swear!

The train, though? Not bad. Not bad at all. Supposed to take around 1 hour and 45 minutes, Sarah said.

Turns out, it was more like… 2 hours and 10 minutes. But who’s counting? It was comfy, air-conditioned, and no carsickness for Sarah!

The bus? Forget about it. Seven hours?? Sarah would have killed me. I heard it can be even longer sometimes.

• Train (High-Speed): My pick, even with the extra cost. Worth it.
• Train (Ordinary): Sarah straight up refused. So, I didn’t even look at it.
• Bus: Nope. Nope. Nope. Too long, too bumpy, too hot. I wouldn’t take it.

Sarah was so happy. That made the trip easier and the journey pleasant. And that’s all that mattered. Vientiane train station is far from the center, by the way. Plan ahead.

Can you take a boat from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Vientiane to Luang Prabang. A whisper of the Mekong, a slow, languid current. Eleven hours unfolding, a tapestry woven with sun-drenched water. The river breathes, a life of its own.

The boat, a gentle rocking. Time stretches, immeasurable. The banks blur, green and gold, a dream unfolding. Such freedom, a quiet journey. Not a popular choice, they say, but mine. My own river pilgrimage.

Slow, yes. Eleven hours of sun-warmed skin and whispering wind. A perfect escape. I closed my eyes. I felt the pulse of the river. The water’s rhythm a balm.

An escape from the rushed world. A visceral connection to something ancient, something timeless. The boat, a tiny vessel on a vast, ancient waterway. My soul stretched out, expansive. The sun dipping low, painting the sky. A fiery end to the day.

The journey, a personal odyssey. More than mere transport, a communion. This is the way to travel. A silent communion. The Mekong’s secrets unfolded. Unfolding. Slowly.

• The Mekong’s embrace: a powerful feeling.
• Eleven hours: a significant passage of time. A gift.
• Unpopular but perfect: a personal preference, strongly held.
• Slow travel: the essence of the experience.

This is 2024, mind you. My trip. My river. My memories. The river continues flowing.

How much is the slow boat to Luang Prabang?

400,000 kip. Cheaper now, ironically.

Devaluation. Currency games. What is real value anyway?

• Price tag: 400,000 LAK (2024).
• 2017 cost: 210,000 LAK. Seems a lot less now. Huh.
• Key takeaway: Kip’s fall = bargain boat.

It’s still just a boat. Water remains wet.

How much is the bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?

Vientiane to Luang Prabang? Cheap. Seven hours. $21, maybe.

Fly. Pricey. Two hours. Up to $230.

Distance? Irrelevant if you value time or money.

• Bus:Budget option. Rough ride. Time sink.
• Flight:Quick escape. Price fluctuates, wildly.
• Distance: Unspecified. I don’t care. Neither should you.

I took the slow boat in ’22. Never again. My back still hurts. The Mekong is overrated.

Expanded Information (Brief):

• Alternative Transportation: Consider private car services. Comfort costs. Negotiate hard.
• Booking: Pre-book during peak season. Especially flights. Avoid scams.
• Sleeper Buses: Claustrophobic coffins on wheels. Only if desperate.
• Local Buses: Cramped. Chaotic. Authentic. Bring patience.
• Luang Prabang arrival: Expect tuk-tuk hustlers. Know your destination’s location.
• Currency: Kip is king. USD accepted, but expect unfavorable exchange rates.
• Visas: Check entry requirements before arrival. Don’t get stuck at the border.
• Baggage: Travel light. You’ll thank me later.
• Scams: Be wary of overly friendly strangers. Trust your gut.
• Food: Street food is cheap and delicious. But use caution.
• Sim Card: Buy a local sim card upon arrival. Stay connected.
• Bargaining: Essential skill. Start low, be firm, walk away if necessary.
• Laos Climate: Hot and humid. Pack accordingly.
• Language: Basic Lao phrases go a long way.
• Respect: Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Luang Prabang airport code: LPQ. Remember it.
• Don’t lose your passport. Seriously.
• Pharmacies carry essential medication. Don’t rely on it though.
• Prepare for delays. Embrace the “Lao time.”
• Pack bug spray. Mosquitos are relentless.

Okay, bye.

How to get from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang?

Huay Xai to Luang Prabang, huh? So many options! A private car sounds luxurious, 10-12 hours though, that’s a long drive. I’d rather not be stuck in a car that long, honestly. My back would be killing me.

Sleeper bus? Twelve to fourteen hours? Nope. That sounds cramped. Hard pass. I value my sleep too much. Plus, all those stops… ugh. Think I’d rather walk.

Road/rail combo? What even IS that? Needs more info! This sounds weirdly complicated.

Okay, the overnight cruise. Three days?! Sounds amazing, actually. Imagine waking up on the Mekong. Beautiful scenery, right? Definitely worth considering for the experience. It’ll be expensive though, I bet.

The slow boat. Two days? On a boat. No thanks! I’d get seasick. Absolutely not an option for me. It’ll probably be cheap though. Cheap isn’t always good!

So, here’s my breakdown:

• Private Car: Long, but comfy maybe?
• Sleeper Bus: Too long, too many stops, probably uncomfortable.
• Road/Rail: Ummm… research needed.
• Overnight Cruise: Expensive, but sounds idyllic. This is my top choice.
• Slow Boat: Cheap but a long, possibly nauseating journey.

Ugh, decisions, decisions. Probably going to book that cruise. Next step: check prices for 2024. Need a vacation. Seriously. I’m drained. This whole planning thing is stressful.

How do I go to Luang Prabang from Vientiane?

Okay, so you wanna get to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, eh? Yeah, there’s a few ways to do it, like I went last year for Songkran – total madness, btw!

The bus is deffo the cheapest. It’s a long haul though, like, really long. I’m talking probbly around 12 hours. I think it’s around $20-$30 bucks? Ya depart from Vientiane Bus Station, and end up at the Luang Prabang Bus Station. But prepare yourself. Long night.

• It can be very uncomfy.
• Watch your bags!

Next up: the train. I havn’t done it my self. I heard it’s slightly faster than the bus, maybe 10 hours ish. It could cost you, like, $25-$40. Trains leaves from Vientiane Railway Station and get to Luang Prabang Railway Station.

• Maybe get a sleeper berth?
• Book tickets in advance.

Finally, flying. If you’re not on a budget, just fly. It’s like, an hour tops. Quickest and easier by a mile! But look it could run you $50-$100, or even more sometimes. You take off from Wattay International Airport in Vientiane and bam, land at Luang Prabang International Airport. Easy peasy!

• Worth it if you are short on time.
• Check for deals, some airlines have them.

I took the bus once, never again. haha!