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Complete Guide to Traveling Luang Prabang on Your Own
Jun
Sabaidee!
I’ve just wrapped up a 10-day solo adventure through Northern Laos, and I’m beyond excited to share some of the unforgettable memories from this trip!
When it comes to Laos, I’d describe its beauty as that of a highland girl — innocent and pure, with emerald-green eyes as clear as the jungle waterfalls. Her long hair flows gently like the Mekong River descending from the North.
She keeps her charm hidden behind endless forests, which makes her all the more mysterious, untouched, and irresistibly alluring to those who love exploration. Gentle, simple, quiet, and peaceful — these are the words I’d use to describe Laos to you.
By Bus from Hanoi to Luang Prabang
Currently, there’s no fixed schedule for buses from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. Some operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; others on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — and some even run daily. Due to this inconsistency, I couldn’t get accurate info, so I recommend going directly to Nuoc Ngam Bus Station in Hanoi to book your ticket in advance.
For those living far from Hanoi, you can call and reserve seats with VIETTRANS Bus Company.
📞 Hotline: +84 93 254 1114
📍 Departure from Hanoi (Old Quarter pickup or Nuoc Ngam Bus Station)
🛂 Crosses through Nam Can Border Gate (Nghe An province) and arrives in Luang Prabang.
💰 Ticket price: from 900,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND/one way (depending on the season)
Note: It’s highly recommended to book your ticket 2–3 days in advance at Nuoc Ngam Bus Station.
From Ho Chi Minh City to Luang Prabang
If you’re starting in Ho Chi Minh City, you have two options:
Fly to Hanoi, then take a bus to Luang Prabang.
Take a bus to Kon Tum, cross the Bo Y Border Gate, then continue to Pakse – Vientiane, and travel further to Luang Prabang from there.
Riding Motorbikes or Cars to Laos
Taking your motorbike or car to Laos is fairly easy. A friend of mine brought his own bike across the border and shared this:
“You just need your vehicle ownership documents and an International Driving Permit (IDP). The border officials won’t hassle you — just pay the necessary fee and you’re good to go.”
If you’re using a motorbike, bring your Vietnamese driver’s license to your local Department of Transport to apply for an IDP. It takes about 7–10 days.
I haven’t researched much yet about the process for car drivers’ licenses.
Vietnam–Laos Border Crossings
Tay Trang Border Gate (Dien Bien)
Loong Sap Border Gate (Moc Chau)
Bo Y Border Gate (Kon Tum)
Nam Can Border Gate (Nghe An)
Cau Treo Border Gate (Ha Tinh)
Cha Lo Border Gate (Quang Binh)
Lao Bao Border Gate (Quang Tri)
Na Meo Border Gate (Thanh Hoa)
Visa Notice:
Regular visas are accepted at all border crossings.
E-visas are only accepted at three border gates:
✅ Nam Can
✅ Cau Treo
✅ Bo Y
