THE SHORT VERSION
Huay Xai to Luang Prabang at a glance.
- From
- Huay Xai ຫ້ວຍຊາຍ
- To
- Luang Prabang ຫຼວງພະບາງ
- Road distance
- About 478 km
- Straight line
- 185 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Luang Prabang to Huay Xai →
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Huay Xai
Huay Xai is the Lao border town on the Mekong opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand, and the start of the slow boat to Luang Prabang. Buses run to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Vientiane and Chiang Rai.
- Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station
Domestic long-distance buses. - Phet Aloune Bus Station
Including buses from Chiang Rai via the Friendship Bridge.
Arriving in Luang Prabang
A tuk-tuk into the old town is a short ride from either station.
- Naluang (Southern) Bus Station
About 2.6 km south-west of town. Routes south, such as Vang Vieng and Vientiane. - Northern Bus Station
Near the airport. Routes north, such as Nong Khiaw and Oudomxay.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Mountain roads make journeys longer than agents often advertise. Plan for it.
- Tickets from agents usually include the tuk-tuk to the station, at a mark-up.
KEEP GOING
From Luang Prabang, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Luang Prabang
More buses from Huay Xai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
Partner links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Huay Xai from Luang Prabang by road?+
About 478 km by road (185 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 5 h 45 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Huay Xai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Huay Xai include Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station, Phet Aloune Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Luang Prabang to Huay Xai guide.
Where does the bus from Huay Xai arrive in Luang Prabang?+
It depends on the operator. In Luang Prabang, services use Naluang (Southern) Bus Station, Northern Bus Station. A tuk-tuk into the old town is a short ride from either station.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Luang Prabang?+
A tuk-tuk into the old town is a short ride from either station.
What kind of bus runs from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Huay Xai to Luang Prabang bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Luang Prabang by bus?+
Direct buses from Luang Prabang include Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Chiang Rai, Dien Bien Phu and more. See all connections on our Luang Prabang bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Huay Xai to Luang Prabang bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Huay Xai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Luang Prabang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →