Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: LUANG PRABANG
BY PLANE
LuangPrabangInternationalAirport
If you're flying into the city, be sure to get a window
seat on the plane in order to enjoy the stunning bird's-eye views of Luang Prabang. Up-
graded and expanded in 2013, Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ;
luangpraban-
gairport.com
)
is situated around 4km northeast of the old city - visitors from most coun-
tries are issued with a thirty-day
visa
on arrival, though at busy periods there can be lengthy
queues at immigration. There is a foreign exchange booth (24hr), a couple of ATMs and a
counter selling prepaid tickets for the minivans that shuttle tourists into the centre (50,000K
or 600 baht for up to three people); they can also organize guesthouse accommodation in
town. Once you've bought your ticket you'll be ushered to a vehicle and taken directly to
your accommodation.
Airlines
Lao Airlines (Manomai Rd; 071 212172) operates three daily flights to Vientiane,
and daily flights to Pakse. Internationally, they fly daily to Bangkok and Chiang Mai and
twice weekly to Jinghong, China. Vientiane is also served daily by Lao Central Airlines (
071 410215) and three times a week by Lao Skyway ( 1441). Bangkok Airways (Sis-
avangvong Rd; 071 253334) has flights twice daily to Bangkok, which is also served by
Thai Smile (
thaismileair.com
)
four times a week. Lastly, Vietnam Airlines ( 071 213048)
flies twice daily (codesharing with Lao Airlines) to Hanoi and daily to Siem Reap. A tuk-tuk
to the airport should cost around 50,000K.
Destinations
Bangkok, Thailand (3-4 daily; 1hr 40min); Chiang Mai, Thailand (1 daily;
1hr); Hanoi, Vietnam (2 daily; 1hr); Jinghong, China (2 weekly; 1hr); Pakse (1 daily; 1hr
40min); Siem Reap, Cambodia (1 daily; 1hr 40min); Vientiane (4-5 daily; 40min).
BY BUS AND MINIBUS
Luang Prabang has two public bus stations, plus a third for faster and pricier tourist minibuses
and “VIP” international coaches. Tuk-tuks from any station to town cost around 20,000K/
person. Though you can buy tickets at the bus stations (get there at least 30min before de-
parture), it's usually easier to get them from one of the tour agencies on Sisavangvong Road.
Though this works out more expensive, it will include a transfer from your guesthouse (plus
commission for the agent).
Northern bus station
Buses from the north arrive at the Northern bus station ( 071
252729), 3km northeast of town, near the airport. Minibuses leave at 9am, 11am and 1pm for
Nong Khiaw, or you can take the 8.30am service to Sam Neua, which will stop off en route.
The Luang Namtha bus leaves at 9am, and buses for Houayxai (normally marked as Borkeo,
the name of the province) at 5.30pm and 7pm, the latter a VIP service.
