Buses from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Buses from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

NaN Passengers

Best Options

 
$36
 
 
$36

Other Options

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Bus Schedule

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Bus Schedule
Transport NameRoute TimePrice
Firstplan Transport Services Economy 3pax Any time฿ 13,750
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat 05:00 - 16:00฿ 1,490
Thai AirAsia Economy 08:50 - 15:35฿ 6,843
K Buddy Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus 12:00 - 07:00฿ 1,450
Naluangs Taxi + Sleeping Bus 15:00 - 07:30฿ 1,200
Sombat Tour Express 42 18:30 - 14:05฿ 2,803
Thai AirAsia Economy 21:30 - 09:30฿ 5,202

Transportation from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Facts about the bus from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Cheapest Bus$36
Fastest Bus16h 30m
Earliest Bus5:00 午前
Latest Bus6:30 午後
Daily Bus Routes7
Distance1750 kilometers
Bus CompaniesJTTT Travel, K Buddy, Naluangs, Sombat Tour, Thai AirAsia, Yortdoy Travel

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Destination Reviews

CZ
I had booked the van plus overnight bus to Laos. Departure was scheduled for 12pm at my hotel. A gentleman came by at 11am to tell me that the departure had been postponed until 2pm. At 1.30pm another man in a basic car picked him up and dropped me off at the van. The rest went pretty well. The van was comfortable and air-conditioned, and he took us to a small roadside shop to do the paperwork before the border (rather bizarre). We filled in the customs form and took photos if we didn't have any. You can also change baths into kip at a very attractive rate. Customs clearance was fairly straightforward, with nothing to report on the Thai side. On the Laotian side, however, there was a $1 or 50 bath service charge (just for her to check the form). Pay $40 or 1,800 baths for the visa (be careful, in baths it's much more expensive). After passing through customs, we had to wait to catch the night bus, which took us to the small but well-stocked bus station. The night bus left more than 30 minutes late, the staff were as unfriendly as possible, they didn't explain anything to us and they didn't speak English. You end up in a rather narrow berth with a stranger (they try to put tourists together). And a road that jolts you back and forth between holes and bends is enough to make you want to vomit. There was a dinner break at 8pm, and after that we had no idea whether there were breaks or just the travelers' stops, because nothing was said in English. The journey goes on, we don't sleep or don't sleep much, but at least we make it to our destination.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Sleeping Bus, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Mar 5, 2024
CM
bon dans lense
Bus Taxi + Bus + Song Taew + Slow Boat, K Buddy (เค บัดดี้), Feb 6, 2024
N
The journey to the border was perfect, and the cab driver was extremely helpful with the formalities, etc. Thank you again. On the other hand, the bus was not at all comfortable, there were no mattresses, there were two of you per berth and there wasn't much room, so you were sharing the intimacy of a stranger if you were alone. We were woken up several times by the noise, the flashlights on our heads and by customs who ripped my bag protector in the hold. It's certainly an experience, but if you need comfort, take the plane instead :)
This review was autotranslated
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Dec 14, 2023
KM
We made it to Laos in one piece but the bus was an experience I will never forget haha. The bus was over packed with people sleeping in the isle. I woke up to the sound of a lady being violently sick. The bus was very jumpy and rocky.
Bus Taxi + Sleeping Bus, Naluangs, Oct 18, 2023
4.4
17 customer reviews
5
41%
4
24%
3
29%
2
6%
1
0%

How to get from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang by bus

Bus travel remains one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel between many destinations. Getting from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang by bus may not be the fastest way of travel, yet many travellers prefer to rely on the bus on this route; with easy online booking and tickets of different classes for all tastes and budgets available, the bus from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang a conscious and budget-friendly option.

Check the timetable before you book your ticket and read other travellers’ reviews to choose the trip that suits you best. Note that there may be several bus terminals at your departure or arrival point – always double-check where you are leaving from and arriving to. It may prove crucial if you have connecting trips.

Here is the list of operators serving the route: .

How far is Chiang Rai from Luang Prabang?

If travelling by bus, you will cover the distance of 1750 km between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang.

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

Buses normally need between 16h 30m and 16h 30m hours to get to Luang Prabang from Chiang Rai. Note that the travel time is for your reference only and can depend on different factors such as traffic and weather conditions. Heavy rainfalls almost inevitably make the trip longer due to poor visibility or floods. Road and surface repairs which happen quite often, result in detours and longer travel times. Major national holidays, long weekends, or peak season periods may cause delays both in departures and arrivals – plan accordingly to avoid disappointment, especially if you have further connections and a tight schedule.

On this route, Naluangs offers the fastest service. Naluangs buses usually take the longest time to complete the journey.

Remember, though, that tickets offering the shortest travel time are normally the most expensive ones. Yet it pays to spend a bit more to ensure your bus goes direct without additional stops and uses highways instead of local roads.

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

The price of your bus ticket will depend not only on the distance you need to cover but on the class of your coach. E.g. expect to shell out more for VIP or sleeper buses while ordinary buses though being the cheapest option, often are a compromise on comfort and travel time. Of course, they do their job, too, and can be the only option if you hop on/off in the middle of the route.

Anyway, travelling by bus between Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang remains an affordable option. The cheapest ticket is offered by Naluangs and costs USD 35.13. A Naluangs's ticket will set you back USD 35.13 on average.

Travelling by bus essentials

  • If you are planning to travel during the high season, weekends, or national holidays, booking your bus tickets in advance is highly recommended. The demand is at its highest, yet very often, the number of coaches serving the route remains the same. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better. On some routes, you need to secure your ticket more than a month in advance; on others, a couple-of-days advanced booking is enough. During such periods, try to book online beforehand whenever possible, as showing up at the bus station without a ticket may result in many-hours of waiting in the queue or leave you downright stranded.
  • VIP, 1st, Gold, and similar bus tickets are the most expensive option, but they provide a higher level of comfort. Normally the price of such tickets will include wide soft reclining seats, blankets, water and snacks or lunch, and sometimes some toiletries. Upper-class buses travel faster, make fewer stops during the route, and normally provide more spacious seating to their passengers and a better travel experience.
  • Not all buses have an on-board toilet, but generally, for all trips longer than three hours, all operators schedule a bathroom and/or a lunch stop. While operators definitely do their best to keep on-board toilets clean, the smell may be an issue sometimes. For longer trips, booking a seat a bit farther from the toilet may be a good idea. Also, using bathroom stops for your toilet needs is always better than trying to find your balance in an on-board toilet on the run.
  • If you travel by an air-con bus, make sure to pack layers. A hoodie, a warm scarf, or a beanie hat may prove a good idea. Air-conditioning on buses tends to be excessive, and running nose and sore throats abound after even not the longest bus rides.
  • Always use the security belts even if your bus ride attendant or driver does not insist on it. Your safety comes first – for you, for sure. All buses normally are equipped with security belts, but they may be fixed behind your seat. Take time to find the belt and fix it appropriately.
  • To avoid being disturbed by overhead lights, switched on during stops even at night, and too loud music or sound from the on-board entertainment system, have earplugs and a sleeping mask at hand.
  • As a courtesy to other passengers, avoid using strong perfumes or smelly foods. Some foods like cheeses or durians are forbidden to take on-board – check in advance. Alcohol is also prohibited on the majority of buses.
  • Note that if the bus requires refuelling en-route, passengers will be asked to get off the bus. Operators are not allowed to refuel with passengers on board due to safety reasons. Usually, it takes from 5 to 10 minutes and is often combined with a toilet/lunch stop.
  • If not stated otherwise in your tickets, arrive at the bus station 20-30 minutes before departure. It will give you enough time to find the departure platform and check-in. For international trips, you may need more time for check-in and border formalities.