PREMIUM
China-Laos Railway
2nd class + 1st class
2-3x daily
Price
LAK 130-180k (~$6-9)
1h direct AC + WiFi Modern high-speed
SE Asia bus route
🇱🇦 Vang Vieng Luang Prabang 🇱🇦
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is another China-Laos Railway win — 1h train ride vs 6-7h mountain bus. High-speed train stops at Vang Vieng en route between Vientiane + Luang Prabang. LAK 130,000-180,000. Old Route 13 bus still runs — 6-7h through mountains, motion-sickness territory. If you're Vang Vieng-based (kayaking, blue lagoon, tubing) heading north, train is the obvious pick.
Distance
235 km
Duration
1h (train) OR 6-7h (bus)
Operators
3
Region
SE Asia
Operators comparison
RELIABLE
VIP AC bus
AC 40-seat
3-4x daily
Price
LAK 150-200k
AC Mountain scenery 6-7h
RELIABLE
Minibus
AC minibus 15-seat
3-4x daily
Price
LAK 100-150k
AC Slightly faster Hotel pickup
Book Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang
Live schedules + prices. Cancel free 24h before departure.
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Frequently asked
How to book Vang Vieng train?
Book at Vang Vieng Railway Station (5km north of town) or via 12go online. Trains stop at Vang Vieng between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Book 24-48h ahead — Vang Vieng station has limited walk-in tickets.
Where does the train station stop at Vang Vieng?
Vang Vieng Station is 5 km northwest of Vang Vieng town centre. Tuk-tuk from town LAK 20-40k. Song Nam Road connects to the main tourist strip.
Bus or train Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
Train (1h, LAK 130-180k) beats bus (6-7h mountain roads, LAK 100-200k) on time + comfort. Only take bus if trains sold out or you want scenic mountain views (Route 13 does have great scenery).
Motion sickness on Vang Vieng-Luang Prabang bus?
Yes — Route 13 has extensive mountain switchbacks. Take Dramamine 30 min before. Sit in front of the bus. Or just take the train.