THE SHORT VERSION
Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang at a glance.
- From
- Vang Vieng ວັງວຽງ
- To
- Luang Prabang ຫຼວງພະບາງ
- Road distance
- About 184 km
- Straight line
- 113 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~2 h 15 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng →
Ready to travel from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a riverside town of limestone karsts between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Tourist buses and minivans run to both, and the expressway has made the Vientiane trip much quicker.
- Vang Vieng bus stops
Tourist buses and minivans; most tickets include a guesthouse pickup.
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 Vang Vieng
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Vang Vieng from Luang Prabang 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 Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang 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 Vang Vieng?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Vang Vieng include Vang Vieng bus stops, 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 Vang Vieng?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng guide.
Where does the bus from Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng 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 Vang Vieng 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, Vientiane, Chiang Rai, Dien Bien Phu, Huay Xai and more. See all connections on our Luang Prabang bus page.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Vang Vieng → Luang Prabang on 12GoFOLLOW 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: Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Vang Vieng (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Luang Prabang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →