Best way Udon to Luang Prabang

[MrFixer]

Wife and I would like to take a few days in Luang Prabang early in the New Year. What is the best way to get there from Udon ? Is there a 'VIP' bus ?

[dezzer111]

Laos Internation bus from main bus station.

[wazza]

I have travelled on that route years ago and scary is being polite.

I commented it was like a race for buses , to see who could smash first. ( travelling to L P )

Then around the corner the bus that had overtaken us, had run off the road and hit a tree, 20 odd pax injured and no ambulance service in lao to speak of, We took the injured on our bus AND the driver made them pay ! dropped them off at the next small town

When I arrived back in Vietianne, i went to the office to tell them of the standard of driver etc, they denied any accident ! until i showed them the pictures.

good luck, suggest you take a private van, and make sure you have travel insurance.

[arjay]

Wife and I would like to take a few days in Luang Prabang early in the New Year. What is the best way to get there from Udon ? Is there a 'VIP' bus ?

Mr Fixer, we went there in October 2013. We crossed the land border at Nong Khai to Vientiane and then flew with Lao Airlines from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. (A brand new A320 Airbus). Good journey. Would recommend it. Can stay over in Vientiane either way if so desired.

[d p meijer]

fully agree with wazza.

went by private van and selected driver 8 years ago . from asia carrental Vientiane.
would not go by bus .
maybe nowadays by air a good way to go,
by private van gives you a very beautifull scenery / mountain views .

[wazza]

Other option is via BKK and Bangkok Airways and Thai Smile I think

[thaiguzzi]

Disagree.
Used the govt bus from Van Vieng to LP a couple of years ago. Excellent driver. If flying you are missing the stunning scenery from VV to LP. Only the last 30 kms does the scenery get interesting from VTNE to VV.

[arjay]

The scenery is still stunning when flying, particularly the last 15 minutes, and you don't get travel sick from all the bends in the tortuous road journey.

[fantom]

Daily domestic flight with Lao Airlines from Vientiane to Houeisay (Huay Xai) which is on Mekong river opposite Chiang Kong, Chiang Rai province, Thailand. Next morning join dozens of backpackers on SLOW boat, 2 days scenic journey downstream to Luang Prabang, with overnight in Pak Beng (many guesthouses). Enjoy Luang Prabang, then 6 daily flights with Lao Airlines back to Vientiane.

[fantom]

Situation may have changed, but in 2014 there was NO VIP bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or to Vang Vieng, However many agents in Vientiane were selling tickets for mythical VIP bus to Vang Vieng, which turned out to be a songthaew to the Northern bus terminal of Vientiane, then negotiations with driver of very ordinary bus to Vang Vieng which departed nearly 3 hours later than the advertised, non-existent VIP bus.

[wazza]

Situation may have changed, but in 2014 there was NO VIP bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang or to Vang Vieng, However many agents in Vientiane were selling tickets for mythical VIP bus to Vang Vieng, which turned out to be a songthaew to the Northern bus terminal of Vientiane, then negotiations with driver of very ordinary bus to Vang Vieng which departed nearly 3 hours later than the advertised, non-existent VIP bus.

There are now VIP vans, LOL, which depart when full, delays still expected. crowded.

Took me from the Lao Border, 0900 , 2 buses to the Northern Bus station in Vientianne, then waits delays and transit, arrived VV about 1630, long long day

Good news going back VIP bus direct to the Thai Side of the border, after clearing immigration, bus crew organise a fast track at a booth, costs 20 baht I think it was ....

[MrFixer]

Many thanks guys. Quite a lot there to chew on.