Are you eager to travel to Laos and visit the unique architecture of Luang Prabang temple but still need to learn how to get to Luang Prabang? Ftrip will help you to know about transport information and provide a lot of information about the Luang Prabang travel guide.
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By Plane
Your only landing point in Luang Prabang is the Luang Prabang International Airport (tel. 071/212-173). As the second busiest airport in the nation, it serves as a regional hub for international flights. In 2012, the airport underwent extensive expansion work, becoming the destination of international flights from Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap. Visas are available on arrival at the airport.
The Luang Prabang International Airport (Airport code: LPQ – ICAO code: VLLB) is located 4 km from the city center. Several local and foreign airlines operate flights at the airport, including Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, and Vietnam Airlines.
When guests from other places get here, they will have access to services like shopping, dining options, ATMs, and information on currency exchange. There are several transit options available as well.
Domestic
Lao Airlines (Tel. (856-21) 510040 or 1626)
The national carrier Lao Airlines flies domestically to Vientiane (minimum three daily flights) and Pakse. There will be no fixed flights to Phongsali and Xieng Khuang, so you need to regularly monitor and book in advance to take the right flights.
International
Bangkok Airways ( Call center:1771 or +66 (2) 270 6699) also flies twice daily between Bangkok and Luang Prabang.
Vietnam Airlines (Luang Prabang International Airport; tel. 071/213-048) flies to and from Luang Prabang from both Hanoi and Siem Reap five times a week. There is another airline which is Silk Air. It has a Singapore-Luang Prabang-Vengung-Singapore loop route starting at the end of October 2016.
In peak season, airlines may add additional customer routes (From October to April).
By Bus
There are two main bus stations in Luang Prabang. One is for traffic to and from the south, called Naluang, and the other for traffic to and from the north is Kiew Lot Sai Nuan. Take a tuk-tuk to get to the station.
It will take you about 10 hours by public bus to move from Vientiane’s Northern bus station to Luang Prabang (in case you don’t encounter problems such as breakdowns and traffic congestion). You will likely read about bad experiences from international travelers when they decide to travel by bus, including poor road quality, hot and windy weather, and local buses often packed with people.
However, that may not be true at present. You should update the information and look for more detail to ensure your bus ride will limit the uncomfortable situation as much as possible. If you often feel intoxicated when traveling long distances, make sure to bring the proper medication, or it will be difficult for you to stop to get the medicine you need while on the go.
However, when zooming in on the window frame. You will catch the full view of the impressive limestone mountains and climb on the back of them in Vang Vieng, watching some of the hill villages of the Hmong.
Luang Prabang’s Naluang (South) bus stop is around 10,000 kip from the town center per person sharing a tuk-tuk. There are also daily routes to Phonsavan ( about 90,000 Kip) and the northernmost region.
A faster alternative to public buses is to take a minibus. You can buy tickets from most travel agents and some guesthouses.
By Boat
If you want to see the nature of Luang Prabang, one of the best and most popular ways is to cross the border of Thailand – Chiang Khong to Huay Xai. After that, continue to take a boat up or down the poetic and majestic Mekong.
You can choose between a slow boat, a speedboat, and a luxury cruise. If you take the slow boat, then it will last for two days. As scheduled, you will arrive in Luang Prabang on the second day’s afternoon. Another way to get to Luang Prabang by boat is by following Chug upstream. This can take up to 3 days and is not recommended.
More specifically, you can go to Laos speedboat. These are flat-bottom boats with an oversized outboard motor that propels you at breakneck speeds, whirling silently. However, because the terrain has many sharp rocks pointing up, it quickly causes accidents. And this is a bad experience while traveling. Therefore, think carefully before participating in this activity.
How to Get Around Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is not too big for passengers to walk to different locations. But if you have to move a lot, you can also sign up for a bicycle tour from 10000 Kip/person. It will help if you keep your bags and backpacks on you, not in the cart of the car, because this place has recorded many cases of snatching.
Another popular means of transport in Luang Prabang is the tuk-tuk. There will be two types of tuk-tuks: local people (who rarely speak English) and tuk-tuks groups (which will often try to invite you to join their tour). So, asking carefully about needed information before stepping on this vehicle is never wasted.
Transport is expensive in Luang Prabang. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a tuk-tuk to take you within the peninsula for less than 10,000 Kip. From the center to Phosi Market, you might be asked to pay more than 20,000 Kip.
Motorbike rentals are available. However, this kind of transport is not advised for first-time motorbike riders. Some motorbike accidents involve tourists, especially on the road to Kwang Si.
The article has summarized information on how to get to Luang Prabang. In addition, You can have a perfect trip to Luang Prabang with your desired schedule and required overnight location at a reasonable cost. Contact Ftrip now!
