THE SHORT VERSION
Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong at a glance.
- From
- Luang Prabang ຫຼວງພະບາງ
- To
- Chiang Khong เชียงของ
- Road distance
- About 487 km
- Straight line
- 185 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h 45 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang →
- Border
- Laos → Thailand. Passport and visa needed
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the old royal capital of Laos, on the Mekong. It has two main bus stations, and road links to Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw and the north are slow but scenic.
- 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.
Arriving in Chiang Khong
Ask the seller where the service ends in Chiang Khong. A town-name stop can be a bus station some way from the centre, and the last stretch to your accommodation is usually up to you.
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.
KEEP GOING
From Chiang Khong, the road continues.
All buses from and to Chiang KhongOther ways to reach Chiang Khong
More buses from Luang Prabang
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Luang Prabang from Chiang Khong by road?+
About 487 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 Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong 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 Luang Prabang?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Luang Prabang include Naluang (Southern) Bus Station, Northern Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang guide.
Where does the bus from Luang Prabang arrive in Chiang Khong?+
It depends on the operator. Some services end at the local bus station, others at an office or a stop on the main road. Ask the seller for the drop-off address before you book.
What kind of bus runs from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong?+
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 Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong 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 Chiang Khong by bus?+
Direct buses from Chiang Khong include Chiang Mai, Bangkok. See all connections on our Chiang Khong bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong?+
This journey crosses from Laos into Thailand. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 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: Luang Prabang to Chiang Khong bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Luang Prabang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →