Trains from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Trains from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Luang Prabang
Vang Vieng
Sun, Jun 14
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Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Destination Reviews

JC
Jack C
The journey took 30 mins longer than advertised and it was very hot on the train.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jun 5, 2026
SM
Saga M
Fast, on time, helpful staff
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C85 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), May 19, 2026
M
Magnus
Everything went smooth. Very professional staff.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C91 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), May 17, 2026
JS
Jerrie S
It wasn’t clear that certain products, like deodorant and sunscreen bottles, were not allowed. These were taken away during check-in, and the staff handled the situation in a rather unfriendly manner.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #K11 Hard Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), May 17, 2026
P
Pkitsz
On time and Quick ride!
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class, Laos Group Tour, May 16, 2026
MC
Michael C
A very clean train station and efficient service.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Apr 27, 2026
MH
Michele H
Great train terrible first class seats no window paid $75.00 aud first and only time visiting Lao looking forward to sitting on train and looking out the window ….NO VIEW total waste of money want my money back
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Apr 24, 2026
KB
Kevin B
The train was great, very comfortable seats fast journey, everything on time. The problem was at the station. Luang Prabang station is a starting point for several international trains. As a result, it has something approaching airport style security, very lax in some ways but can be quite pedantic if you are stopped for a check. I was, and they confiscated an aerosol deodorant I’d been using (I thought it pretty, but wasn’t overly bothered). But they also confiscated a small Swiss Army knife that has travelled with me halfway around the world, via several airports, many other buses and trains and 3 border crossings without issue. Someone in Laos is going to get a very nice present at my expense. I wouldn’t mind, but unlike an airport, they do not separate domestic from international travellers. I was not leaving the country. The penknife was in the baggage that would have gone in the hold had I been travelling by air. As I was leaving the check area, I heard the lady next to me complaining that they were taking the table knife she’s been using to eat her food with. It’s all so petty and pointless.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train #C97 First Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Apr 19, 2026
PP
Peter P
Even during Pi Mai we got our tickets in time.
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Apr 16, 2026
AM
Anne M
Buzzy train and really sharp control without going across border
Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Apr 5, 2026
4.4
415 customer reviews
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Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng Train Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
08:30
12:00
$18.07
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
09:30
11:30
$17.50
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
10:30
11:30
$14.50
  4.5
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
11:00
13:28
$14.84
  4.8
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:22
13:22
$17.50
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
11:50
13:50
$17.50
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:22
13:28
$14.20
  4.6
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
12:50
13:42
$14.20
  4.5
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
13:30
15:49
$16.78
  4.8
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
13:58
15:58
$17.50
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:49
15:40
$15.64
  4.5
Laos Railway by Naluang
Hard Seat
15:30
18:52
$11.99
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
16:37
17:52
$11.62
  3.9
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
17:00
19:59
$14.48
  4.3
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
17:30
19:47
$14.84
  4.8
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
17:56
19:56
$17.50
Laos Group Tour
Second Class
18:35
19:35
$14.50
  4.5
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
18:56
19:47
$14.20
  4.6
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
19:22
20:14
$14.20
  4.5

How to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by train

Train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is a decent alternative to bus or air travel. Travelling from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by train is easy, safe, and convenient. There is a direct railway link between the two destinations, which makes your trip smooth and hassle-free. Tickets are available for online booking and it is a good idea to buy them in advance to secure your seat. To get the most out of your train journey, check the schedule and choose the most convenient departure. As a rule, trains and ticket classes are available for every taste and budget.

How far is Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng?

The distance from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng is 41 km. Railways link the two destinations so that you can travel direct without connections. If there are connections, they will be indicated in your ticket.

How long does it take to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by train?

Depending on the type of train, the length of your railway journey from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng may vary. The slowest train needs about 1h 15m to get to Vang Vieng, and the fastest one brings you there in about 49m. We recommend opting for the fastest service to save you time, especially if you travel by day. With overnight service, the difference of a couple of hours seems not so crucial and may prove even convenient.

Note that trains normally depart on time from their station of origin but sometimes come later than scheduled to their terminus. It is better not to plan short connections if you are going to continue your journey immediately after arrival to Vang Vieng.

In many destinations, train stations are located very centrally and have good transport connections with the rest of the city, bus stations, and airports. It mostly concerns the older and well-established railway stations. The newer and bigger ones tend to appear in the outskirts of towns and cities, first of all, due to the reason of limited space in the central locations. Getting to and from there may be challenging even by taxi, as restrictions may apply on taxi operators allowed to serve the passengers. Hence, we highly recommend double-checking the location of the station you will depart from and arrive at as some destinations have several train stations.

How much does it cost to get from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng by train?

There may be carriages of a different class on one and the same train on one and the same route. The price of your ticket will vary accordingly – from a dirt-cheap tag for hard seats to high numbers for super comfy overnight sleeper berths on luxury trains. For the Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng route, the cheapest ticket costs while if you want to travel with more comfort, expect to pay for the most expensive option.

Travelling by train essentials

  • Train tickets often sell out well before the date of departure. Book them in advance even if your travel does not fall onto high-season dates. Travelling during peak periods which also include public and national holidays, and long or bank weekends, advanced booking is a must if you do not want to remake your travel plans on the spot. It is unnecessary to go to the train station to book – buy your ticket online in a few clicks.
  • Advanced booking ensures you get the seats and berths you want. For example, the lower berths are always the first to sell out, while upper berths may be available even on the departure date. Similarly, for longer distances, it is the night trips that enjoy the highest demand, while you may be able to grab a ticket for the same route an hour before departure if it is an inconvenient day ride that eats a huge part of your time.
  • There may be different carriages within one and the same train: fan-only and air-conditioned; hard seats and soft seats; second class berths and private compartments. Before buying your ticket, make sure you understand what type of seat you are paying for. Prices may differ greatly, but sometimes it is a good idea to pay more not to spend 20 hours on a hard seat in a fan-only carriage. In general, second-class berths are a good choice for longer overnight trips, while for shorter 4-6-hour day journeys, a soft seat is a great option.
  • Air-conditioning on trains can be excessive – as well as heating during the cold season. Make sure to pack layers not to get cold or hot during your trip. In hot countries, fan-only carriages are a cheaper and acceptable alternative to air-conditioned carriages.
  • There are toilets on board a train. Depending on the type of train, some carriages can be equipped with simple squat-type toilets or normal Western toilets. Regardless of your ticket's price, the train toilets' cleanness is not often up to the standard, alas. It especially concerns cheaper classes, though even in first-class carriages, complaints are not unheard of.
  • There is normally a dining carriage on long-distance trains, but on some routes, dining carriages have become extinct due to covid-19 restrictions. Check in advance if food is available on board or simply pack some snacks to be on the safe side. On many trains, you will also see hawkers patrolling the aisles during the journey and selling soft beverages and snacks. Alcohol drinks are prohibited on trains.
  • Smoking is prohibited, too, if, of course, you are not travelling by a common class somewhere in China or Indonesia!
  • Arrive at the train station at least half an hour before departure to allow enough time to find your platform and go through check-in formalities. A passport or other ID which you use for buying your train ticket is almost always needed, so keep it at hand to produce when asked at check-in or boarding.
  • Trains may arrive at their destination later than scheduled. These delays are not uncommon, especially for long-haul routes. Be ready and plan accordingly. Yet compared to buses, trains are less weather and traffic dependent hence more reliable schedule-wise.

Transportation from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Facts about the train from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng

Cheapest Train$14
Fastest Train49m
Earliest Train10:30 오전
Latest Train7:07 오후
Daily Train Routes41
Distance41 kilometers
TrainLaos China Railways, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure