THE SHORT VERSION
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng at a glance.
- From
- Luang Prabang ຫຼວງພະບາງ
- To
- Vang Vieng ວັງວຽງ
- Road distance
- About 184 km
- Straight line
- 113 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang →
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 Vang Vieng
Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
- Vang Vieng bus stops
Tourist buses and minivans; most tickets include a guesthouse pickup.
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.
- The road north to Luang Prabang is mountainous. Larger buses can be easier if you're prone to motion sickness.
KEEP GOING
From Vang Vieng, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Vang Vieng
More buses from Luang Prabang
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng by road?+
About 184 km by road (113 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 2 h 15 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 Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang guide.
Where does the bus from Luang Prabang arrive in Vang Vieng?+
It depends on the operator. In Vang Vieng, services use Vang Vieng bus stops. Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Vang Vieng?+
Most guesthouses are close to the centre. Tuk-tuks meet arriving buses.
What kind of bus runs from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng?+
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 Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng by bus?+
Direct buses from Vang Vieng include Vientiane, Udon Thani, Thakhek, Pakse, Chiang Mai and more. See all connections on our Vang Vieng 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: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Luang Prabang (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Vang Vieng (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →