Vang Vieng To Luang Prabang Train: LCR – A Great Way To Travel
Taking The LCR Train From Vang Vieng To Luang Prabang
Planning to take the Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train? After spending a month exploring Laos, I can tell you that taking the train is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to make this transition between these two distinct Laotian destinations.
During my recent travels, I discovered that while many visitors worry about train schedules, station locations, and ticket costs, the journey itself is relatively straightforward.
Though I did encounter some quirky staff interactions (which seemed to be part of the authentic Laotian charm!), the train service offers a reliable and enjoyable way to traverse the country’s stunning landscape.
Whether you’re a solo traveller or exploring as a couple, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the train journey – from finding the station and booking tickets to what to expect during the ride.
I’ll share practical tips from my personal experience to help make your transition from Vang Vieng’s lively atmosphere to Luang Prabang’s peaceful ambience as smooth as possible.
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What Time Does The Train Leave Vang Vieng To Luang Prabang
There are multiple daily train services from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.
I recommend downloading the LCR (Laos-China Railway) App. It shows departure times from Vang Vieng at 08:55 AM, 10:06 AM, 10:45 AM, 14:29 PM, and 17:22 PM.
Additional trains may be available, for example, we caught a 15:30 PM service to Luang Prabang.
The best advice I can give you is to speak with your hotel or tuk-tuk driver. They will have all the key information about train schedules during your stay in Vang Vieng, and you can plan accordingly.
How To Buy Laos High Speed Train Tickets?
When we arrived at Vang Vieng Train Station with our tuk tuk driver, he took the lead.
He walked into the train station and got us our tickets.
You can also book your tickets on 12GoAsia.com, which lists additional departure times.
You can expect to pay between €15.00-€20.00 for a ticket, though prices vary depending on the seat type, season, and availability. We paid 480,000 KIP for a nice soft seat.
First-class tickets are on the high end, whereas second class (which is what we purchased) won’t be crazy expensive.
How Long Does It Take To Luang Prabang?
It takes a little over one hour to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang on the LCR Railway.
I had no complaints with our experience. Our tuk-tuk driver brought us to the train station and bought our tickets for us. Though I’m not sure why, as the language barrier made it hard to communicate, he seemed happy to do it.
After an airport-style security check and search of my backpack, we stood waiting for the train to arrive.
Onboard The Laos High Speed Train
The train was extremely clean.
Staff members walked the aisles with sweeping brushes, cleaning the floor as we moved along the railway and made stops.
To be honest, it seemed rather performative and strange. While I know they were just doing their job, it felt more like a show than practical cleaning.
The journey was very peaceful, hardly anyone spoke. The best part was enjoying the views of the forest surrounding the train line.
We could store our backpacks in the overhead compartments, just like on a plane.
Hoe To Get To Luang Prabang Centre From The Train Station
There are a couple of ways to get from the LCR station to the Luang Prabang centre.
The station is about 12 kilometres from the city centre. Your best option is to take one of the shared minivans or taxis waiting in the station’s parking lot.
Book a seat in the shared minivan to avoid problems when you arrive. Usually its costs about €5.00-€9.00 for a space as well as baggage.
We chose a minivan, though finding two seats together proved challenging. After about 20 minutes of waiting, we finally secured spots.
We paid 25,000 KIP per ticket, and our backpacks joined a stack of about eight other bags in the back of the van.
If you don’t enjoy the cramped minivan experience, you can negotiate a price with a tuk-tuk driver.
However, this may be more difficult if you’re travelling with multiple people and lots of baggage, as tuk-tuks are generally lightweight and can’t carry much luggage.
Renting two tuk-tuks could solve this issue.
Discover the best restaurant in Luang Prabang with my detailed guide.
Where To Stay In Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has so many great places to stay.
When we visited, we stayed right on the river and had amazing sunrise views. Our hotel of choice was Mao Pha Sok Guesthouse.
The rooms were large and impressive, with amazing balcony views of the river. The breakfast was decent but repetitive. However, I would definitely recommend staying here. Our experience was good, and it’s well-located too.
Some other great places to stay for couples or solo travellers include:
Sunrise Hotel Luang Prabang Mekong River
Elegant Boutique Hotel Luang Prabang
Visit Kuang Si Waterfall From Luang Prabang
Safety Wing Travel Insurance
Don’t travel without insurance.
Read about our experience in Almaty when Safety Wing had our backs.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Taking the Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang train was a smooth and enjoyable experience.
I have to say that Luang Prabang is worth visiting.
The town has many great things to do. Vang Vieng is packed full of adventure activities, including the Blue Lagoons 1, Blue Lagoon 2, and 6. There are plenty of caves to explore, like Angel Cave, as well as stunning views from Nam Xay Viewpoint and Pha Ngern Viewpoint.
You won’t be bored in Vang Vieng.
While the staff were somewhat strict both onboard and at the Vang Vieng train station, I really can’t complain.
The train is super modern. The seats are comfortable, and we were treated to some spectacular views of the landscape as we arrived in Luang Prabang.
I spent many days in Luang Prabang too, so there are also many things to do in the town.
Make sure you pack all the essential items for your trip through Southeast Asia with my detailed packing list.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
How Fast Is Laos’ Bullet Train?
The top speed of the train is 160 kilometres per hour. While travelling on the train, it didn’t feel particularly fast. The comfortable seating and pleasant atmosphere made for an enjoyable journey from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, even though the train was half full. The train connects Vientiane with China.
Can Foreigners Buy Train Tickets In Laos?
Yes, when we visited Vang Vieng, we could easily purchase train tickets to Luang Prabang. You can buy your train tickets online before you get to the station if you prefer. Additionally, you can download the free LCR Ticket App and make your purchase through the app. All the times and locations are listed, and they make life easier when planning your trip.
How Long Is The Train From Vang Vieng To Luang Prabang?
Good news, the trip from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang on the train only takes one hour and couple of minutes with it. It won’t take up much of your day. This is the most comfortable and fastest way to move between these two towns. The LCR is modern, comfortable and fast, and I recommend using it to travel between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang or any major towns in Laos.
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Hello James
About the security check, we carry a multitool and an Opinel folding knive to cut fruit and such. Do you think it will be allowed on the train?
I doubt it would, to be honest, but it likely depends on the people you cross at the railway station.