The standard Laos trip links the capital, Vientiane, with the former royal capital, Luang Prabang.
The two cities are connected by the Laos–China Railway. From 1 April 2026, a second-class seat between Vientiane and Luang Prabang costs 360,000 kip.
Local police are on 1191 and fire on 1190. Fares and entry rules can change, so reread official information before you travel. Information on this page was checked on 4 November 2026.
Visa and entry requirements for Laos
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality; check with a Lao embassy or official immigration source before you travel. The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone is under a travel ban from the Korean foreign ministry; check your own government's advice and leave it out of your plans.
- Vientiane Capital (official tourism) (Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR)
- Railway, 2nd class: 360,000 kip Vientiane to Luang Prabang
- UNESCO: Town of Luang Prabang, 1995
- Police / fire: 1191 / 1190
How is Laos divided?
Luang Prabang is the former royal capital, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Many trips give it two days or more for the National Museum, temples and nearby Kuang Si waterfall. Vientiane is the capital, with That Luang, Patuxay and Wat Sisaket close together in the city.
You can travel between the two on the Laos–China Railway. By air, use Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane or Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ). Flying into one city and out of the other saves backtracking.
| City | What to do | Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Luang Prabang | National Museum, temples, Kuang Si | LPQ |
| Vientiane | That Luang, Patuxay, Wat Sisaket | VTE |
Based on official Lao tourism information and UNESCO.
How do I travel between the two cities?
The Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced fare rises on all Laos–China Railway routes from 1 April 2026. Vientiane to Luang Prabang is 360,000 kip in second class, 569,000 kip in first class and 1,063,000 kip in business class. The rise is about 9% across routes, per the LCR Ticket app.
Two people in second class pay 2 × 360,000 = 720,000 kip. Train times can vary by date, so choose on the booking screen and allow time to get from your hotel to the station.
| Class | Fare | From |
|---|---|---|
| Second | 360,000 kip | 1 April 2026 |
| First | 569,000 kip | 1 April 2026 |
| Business | 1,063,000 kip | 1 April 2026 |
Vientiane to Luang Prabang, per the official Lao tourism website.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
Local police are on 1191 and fire on 1190. Save your own country's embassy contacts before you go, in a note you can read offline. Be wary of text and messenger phishing asking for money.
What should I check before I go?
Check the entry rules and permitted length of stay for your nationality. Foreign-visitor prices at Luang Prabang's National Museum and Kuang Si change on 15 November 2026, so see our Luang Prabang page for prices by date. Some Vientiane temples close on Mondays, so match the day of the week.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check entry rules for your nationality
- Leave the Golden Triangle SEZ out of your plans
- Check railway fares and times
- Check the 15 November price change in Luang Prabang
- Save emergency numbers
Which city suits my trip?
- For temples and waterfalls: give Luang Prabang two days or more.
- For a short stay: combine Vientiane's temples and Patuxay in one day.
- For both cities: pick your Laos–China Railway train first.
FAQ
How much is the train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang?
From 1 April 2026: 360,000 kip second class, 569,000 kip first class, 1,063,000 kip business class.
Is there an area to avoid?
The Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone is under a travel ban from the Korean foreign ministry; check your own government's advice.
What are the local emergency numbers?
Police 1191, fire 1190.
How much for two in second class?
2 × 360,000 = 720,000 kip.
Sources
- Laos–China Railway fare rise · Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR · accessed 2026-11-04
- Vientiane Capital · Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Lao PDR · accessed 2026-11-04
- National Museum · Tourism Luang Prabang · accessed 2026-11-04
- Town of Luang Prabang · UNESCO World Heritage Centre · accessed 2026-11-04
- Laos safety information (Korean) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea · accessed 2026-11-04
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.
