By flight
Lao Airlines Flies daily from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Vientiane and Hanoi to Luang Prabang, on some days of the week also from Pakse, Siem Reap and Udon Thani.
Bangkok Airways: Flies daily from Bangkok to Luang Prabang.
Vietnam Airlines: On some days from Hanoi and Siem Reap.
By boat on the Mekong
Picture PondspiderThe slow boat between Pakbeng and Huay Xai
Picture claud334Small room for many people on the slow boat
From Huay Xai: By slow boat you travel two days, staying in Pakbeng during the night. The speed boat takes around six hours, the trip may be rough. And then there are some luxury cruise boats with two- or three-day-tours.
Picture PondspiderHuay Xai, seen from the Mekong
By bus
Picture Don T.At the bus station in Huay Xai
Bus from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang: In January 2012 a bus connection has been launched by Thailands Transport Ministry, The second class bus runs from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal once a day and makes a stop in Chiang Rai before crossing the border to Louang Namtha, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang provinces of Laos. It arrives at Tiew Lot Sai Nua Terminal in Luang Prabang. The ride takes about 18 hours, and the fare is 1,200 Baht. The bus starts at 9 am, there is a Bus change at the frontier.
From Huay Xai: Local or VIP buses, take 12 to 15 hours
From Vientiane: Express and VIP-buses take from 6 to 8 hours
More about timetables of flights, boats and buses on travelfish.org
Where to get the Visa
You will get visa on arrival at airports as well as at other entry points in Laos. More information here. Read about the fees for visa here.
