THE SHORT VERSION
Hanoi to Luang Prabang at a glance.
- From
- Hanoi Hà Nội
- To
- Luang Prabang ຫຼວງພະບາງ
- Road distance
- About 790 km
- Straight line
- 408 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~10 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Luang Prabang to Hanoi →
- Border
- Vietnam → Laos. Passport and visa needed
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Hanoi
Hanoi is the hub for buses into northern Vietnam and the start or end of most north–south open-tour trips. Long-distance buses use several stations around the edge of the city, and many tourist sleeper and limousine companies collect passengers from offices or hotels in and around the Old Quarter.
- My Dinh Bus Station · Bến xe Mỹ Đình
West of the centre. Many routes to the north-west and the mountains, including Lao Cai, Sapa and Ha Giang. - Giap Bat Bus Station · Bến xe Giáp Bát
South of the centre. Public buses to the south, such as Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and central Vietnam. - Gia Lam Bus Station · Bến xe Gia Lâm
Across the Red River to the north-east. Buses towards Hai Phong, Ha Long and the north-east. - Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations · Bến xe Nước Ngầm, Yên Nghĩa
Smaller southern and south-western terminals, used by some routes towards Hoa Binh and Mai Chau.
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 Hanoi
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 Hanoi from Luang Prabang by road?+
About 790 km by road (408 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 10 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 Hanoi?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Hanoi include My Dinh Bus Station, Giap Bat Bus Station, Gia Lam Bus Station, Nuoc Ngam and Yen Nghia stations, 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 Hanoi?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Luang Prabang to Hanoi guide.
Where does the bus from Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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 Hanoi 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.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?+
This journey crosses from Vietnam into Laos. 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). 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: Hanoi to Luang Prabang bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Hanoi (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Luang Prabang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →