Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Chiang Rai
Luang Prabang
Wed, Jul 15
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Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

LE
Lucas E
The transfer between the different bus is well organised. They are used to do it. Just one problem about the train. They didn't book our train ticket in advance, then it was fully book and we had to take the next train and we arrive 3 hours later. It's happening, but they didn't warn us earlier, they informed us at the border in Laos, so to late to find any other option. Exept this problem, everything was ok, and we recommend.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Feb 27, 2026
CS
Chloe S
Could have done with a bit more communication, but overall a smooth experience
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ), Feb 26, 2026
EH
Emma H
Scary drive to the border, a very fast one handed drive whilst the driver was on his phone. Stopped to complete visa's for those that needed, and fill in some paperwork. Also given the chance to change some money (appalling exchange rate but we would need money for the over night stop). No-one to meet us or explain next step over the border. All other tour groups left. Eventually herded into 2 of the slowest, oldest buses to the pier to meet the slow boat.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 22, 2026
LF
Luis F
All good. The only thing I saw could be better is the organization of they boat fron Pakbeng to Luan Prabang, we were at the last minute trying to make room for more and more people and in they end another boat departured too, so that second boat was only a few people there, while we on the first boat were really packed. I think makes more sense to distribute more evenly or plan ahead or estimate the amount of people they expect.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Shuttle Bus + Slow Boat, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล), Feb 14, 2026
KR
Kane R
A well organised transfer - I would highly recommend.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Feb 11, 2026
JN
Janette N
This boat is a local means of transportation, not a tourist activity. During the trip, many backpackers treated it like a party, occupying all the seats without considering local passengers. I saw women with small children forced to stay in the engine area due to lack of seats. I gave up my seat more than once and eventually had to travel there myself. An experience that raises important questions about respect and responsibility when traveling.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 9, 2026
SD
Sandrine D
When you sit in the front of the boat the experience is much more enjoyable. About 200people in the boat, with ramen you can buy and water
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Ferry Truck + Ferry, Mekong Transfer, Feb 9, 2026
W
Wencke
They picked me up on time and cared about me. I‘m happy with every pickup!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Ferry, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Feb 8, 2026
C
Camille
Hello, it was perfect ! The guide who helped us cross the border was so kind and funny, I loved him! He made the crossing super chill Everything went smoothly, thank you so much!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Ferry, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Feb 5, 2026
NR
Nicolas R
High quality of the vans. The drivers are atencious and the trip was been organized.
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, Van Van + Train, Mekong Transfer, Dec 6, 2025
4.4
157 customer reviews
5
52%
4
22%
3
18%
2
8%
1
0%

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Easyride Services
SUV 4pax
Any time
+8h 30m
$599.89
Bus
K Buddy
Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat
05:00
16:00
$40.66
  4.5
Van
Mekong Transfer
Van + Bus
05:30
23:30
$49.20
Bus
Yortdoy Travel
Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat
08:00
17:00
$36.50
  4.3
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
08:25
12:05
$228.80
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
08:50
15:15
$201.95
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
10:10
12:05
$249.76
Van
LaoLuang Travel
Van + Shuttle + Sleeping Bus
11:00
06:00
$42.85
  2.0
Bus
Naluangs
Bus + Taxi + Sleeping Bus
12:00
07:30
$47.61
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
12:30
15:15
$128.08
Flight
Nok Air
Economy
12:55
14:05
$142.64
Bus
Yortdoy Travel
Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus
13:30
08:00
$44.44
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
13:50
12:05
$330.69
Flight
Thai Airways
Economy
14:25
12:20
$167.67
Flight
Thai Lion Air
Economy
14:50
14:05
$141.36
Flight
Thai Vietjet
Economy
15:25
12:05
$161.51
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
16:05
15:15
$186.88
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
16:25
12:20
$139.73
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
17:55
14:05
$125.17
Flight
Thai AirAsia
Economy
18:15
15:15
$188.63

How to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Travelling between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang is possible by Flight, bus, ferry, train, van and taxi. Flight guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Ferry+van is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 799.37 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus+ferry+van which will set you back mere USD 45.42.

How long does it take to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

It can take you anywhere between 5 and 51 hours to travel between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang depending on the means of transport you choose.

Flight is the fastest way to travel between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang. Flight will bring you to your destination in 4h 50m. Ferry+van does a much slower job and take about 2d 3h to reach Luang Prabang.

How much does it cost to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

Travelling between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang can be as cheap as USD 45.42 if you opt for a K Buddy (เค บัดดี้) bus+ferry+van and as expensive as USD 799.37 if you buy a Easyride Services taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang ?

  • 12 by flight from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 08:30 Chiang Rai Airport until 21:55 Chiang Rai Airport
  • 9 by Ferry+Van from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer until 13:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer
  • 8 by Bus+Van from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer until 13:30 Chiang Rai Town Transfer
  • 7 from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer until 05:15 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 3 by Train+Van from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Town Transfer
  • 2 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 1 by Bus+taxi from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 05:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer
  • 3 from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang starting from 00:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer until 00:00 Chiang Rai Hotel Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang

Mekong Transfer, Naluangs

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang

Easyride Services

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang

LaoLuang Travel (ບໍລິສັດທ່ອງທ່ຽວລາວຫຼວງ), Mekong Transfer, Terminal Green Pai

What is the most popular transport to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Bus+Ferry+Van remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 15% chosen Bus+Ferry+Van
  • 15% chosen Bus+Van
  • 13% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 12% opted for a bus
  • 12% chosen taxi+Ferry
  • 11% chosen Ferry+Van
  • 10% took a van
  • 4% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 4% chosen Train+Van
  • 1% Other

Facts about the transport from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Transport$44
Fastest Transport4h 50m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure9:55 PM
Departures per day45
Distance2549 kilometers
Transport CompaniesEasyride Services, K Buddy, LaoLuang Travel, Mekong Transfer, Naluang, Naluangs, Smart En Plus, So Good Airline Service and Travel, Sombat Tour, Terminal Green Pai, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Thai AirAsia, Trip Corner, Yortdoy Travel, Zhanzhao Tour