Both Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are two essential destinations to see in Laos. Both destinations are separated by almost 200 kilometers, a journey that can be done in about 4 hours by minivan. The roads in Laos are not highways, most of the routes have curves or require going up and down mountain passes, therefore, we can sometimes confuse the distances.
In this post I talk to you about all the alternatives you have to go from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng or vice versa.
HOW TO GET FROM LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG, LAOS
By train, the best option to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
This option is quite recent. In my case, I could not take it since the train for this route was inaugurated in October 2021. But if I had had it, I would not have hesitated. IT WILL ONLY TAKE 1 HOUR AND 8 MINUTES TO DO THIS JOURNEY. Also it's very cheap. The trip costs around 15 euros per person per trip. There is usually a flow of 2 or 3 trains per day. I recommend that you book in advance.
By minivan, an alternative to go from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
This was the option that I had to take, since I was traveling through Laos during the Covid period, in 2020. The train was not yet running and the minivan option was the most recommended. The journey lasts almost 4 hours, and during the journey there is a 15-minute stop to stretch your legs or go to the bathroom. The journey is through a mountain pass and although the views are incredible, if you tend to get dizzy, I recommend that you choose the train option. The cost is usually around 18 euros per person per trip, as you can see it is usually more expensive than the train (as long as you book in advance).
Motorbike rental, an option to go at your own pace from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
It is possible to rent a motorcycle in Laos for quite little money. In our case we rent a motorcycle, but to make shorter trips, more than anything, to move around the city and surrounding areas. If you rent the motorcycle from an official place the cost is somewhat more expensive, but they usually include insurance. And the cost is usually around 15 euros per day. It is not advisable to rent a motorcycle if you do not have experience. In Laos they tend to drive like in the rest of Asia, like crazy.
There are agencies that allow you to rent a motorcycle at one point and return it at another point. So you can do this journey by motorcycle, although it is quite long. Keep in mind that by scooter you will have to stop several times and it will take around 8-9 hours to arrive. It is recommended that, if you go slowly, you spend the night somewhere in between.
There are unofficial places that usually ask for around 8 euros per day. Although keep in mind, if you have an accident it will not cover you anything.
POSTS FROM LUANG PRABANG AND VANG VIENG THAT MAY INTEREST YOU
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Laos and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue readingmany more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!