How to get from Luang Prabang to Hanoi
Luang Prabang to Hanoi is a classic Mekong–Tonkin run. Your fastest option is a short flight; the cheapest is an overnight/sleeper bus via the Laos–Vietnam border; and the most flexible is mixing short hops (e.g., Nong Khiaw or Dien Bien Phu) with a final ride into Hanoi. Below you’ll find the pros/cons, how to book, and step-by-steps with map links.
At A Glance (Luang Prabang to Hanoi)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Direct Flight (LPQ → HAN) | ~1h10–1h30 air + city transfers | Fastest, low hassle |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$90–220 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Direct/Through Bus (Overnight via Border) | ~20–26h (operator/border/road) | Cheapest, luggage friendly |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–65 one-way » compare buses | ||
| 🛫 Flight via Vientiane (LPQ → VTE → HAN) | ~3–6h incl. connection | More schedules when no nonstop |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$120–260 total » check combos | ||
| 🧭 Scenic Northern Loop (LPQ → Dien Bien Phu → Hanoi) | ~2 days (split buses/flights) | Slow travel & scenery |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$60–140 (mix of tickets) » LPQ→DBP | DBP→Hanoi | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Least hassle: Direct flight to Hanoi (Noi Bai) and a quick transfer downtown.
- Cheapest: Overnight/through bus (be ready for a long ride and border formalities).
- When no nonstop exists on your date: Connect via Vientiane with a single ticket.
- Most scenic/slow-travel: Northern loop via Dien Bien Phu (split the trip and enjoy mountains).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Border & visas: Check Vietnam visa policy for your nationality; some buses stop at lesser-used crossings—carry printed confirmations and passport photos.
- Season & roads: Mountain roads can be rough in the wet season; pack motion-sickness meds for buses/minivans.
- Money & connectivity: Carry some LAK/VND cash for snacks and toilets at stops; download offline maps.
- Transfers on arrival: In Hanoi, use Welcome Pickups (meet-and-greet) or local ride-hailing apps for hotel drop-off; for fixed intercity quotes you can compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Stash bags if you have time to explore before departure/after arrival: Radical Storage Luang Prabang / Radical Storage Hanoi.
✈️ Option #1 — Direct Flight (Fastest, Easiest)
Fast Low hassle Higher fare on peak dates
- Overview: Nonstop LPQ→HAN on select days/seasons. Land at Hanoi’s Noi Bai (HAN), then 30–60 minutes by car to the Old Quarter depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Typical fares US$90–220 one-way. Compare across carriers on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. For pickup on arrival, see Hanoi airport transfers or Welcome Pickups.
- Pros: Saves a full day vs. bus; fewer variables. Cons: Limited schedule in shoulder seasons.
Step-by-step: Direct Flight
- Get to Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) by tuk-tuk/taxi (10–20 min from town); check baggage rules.
- Search and book your LPQ→HAN ticket on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; check if carry-on fits smaller regional jets.
- Arrive in Hanoi (HAN) and meet your prebooked transfer / Welcome Pickups driver, or use a ride-hail/taxi to the Old Quarter.
- Hotel check-in downtown; many properties are walkable from Hoan Kiem.
Getting to the main embarking points (LPQ & Noi Bai)
- LPQ departures: Small terminal; arrive 1.5–2h before flight.
- HAN arrivals: Taxis/ride-hailing, prebooked cars, and shuttle buses are signed at T1/T2.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct/Through Bus (Cheapest, Longest)
Budget Daily or near-daily Border formalities
- Overview: Sleeper/semi-sleeper buses run LPQ→Hanoi via mountain roads and a Laos–Vietnam checkpoint (routes vary; common crossings include Na Meo/Nam Xoi or Tay Trang). Expect meal/rest stops and a nighttime border if schedules slip.
- How to book (with price): US$35–65 one-way. Compare operators, seat layouts, and departure points on 12Go. Some services drop at Hanoi’s My Dinh/Gia Lam stations; some continue to the Old Quarter—check the listing.
- Pros: Cheapest door-to-city option; generous luggage. Cons: 20–26 hours; rough stretches; border waits; limited English on board.
Step-by-step: Direct/Through Bus
- Choose a departure (morning/afternoon) on 12Go; note the bus station or guesthouse pickup in Luang Prabang.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early; pack snacks, water, warm layer, earplugs, and power bank.
- At the border, follow staff instructions; keep passport, visa/approval letter (if required), and spare photos handy.
- On arrival in Hanoi (My Dinh/Gia Lam/Old Quarter), take a short taxi/ride-hail to your hotel or prebook a transfer for late-night arrivals.
Getting to the main embarking points (Luang Prabang Station / Hanoi Bus Terminals)
- Luang Prabang boarding: Many operators use Naluang Bus Station or central pickup—confirm on your voucher.
- Hanoi arrival: My Dinh (west) and Gia Lam (east) are common; both connect quickly to the Old Quarter by taxi.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🛫 Option #3 — Flight via Vientiane (More Daily Choices)
Reliable Single ticket Connection time
- Overview: If nonstop LPQ→HAN isn’t available on your date, connect via Vientiane (LPQ→VTE→HAN) on one itinerary to protect your connection.
- How to book (with price): US$120–260 total. Search multi-segment tickets on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Pros: More schedule options; airport comfort vs. bus. Cons: Longer than a nonstop; beware tight connections.
Step-by-step: Flight via Vientiane
- Head to LPQ and fly the short sector to VTE (Vientiane).
- Transit at VTE; follow connection signs and check your boarding pass for the HAN gate.
- Arrive HAN; transfer downtown by prebooked car or taxi/ride-hail.
- Check in at your Hanoi hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (LPQ/VTE/HAN)
- LPQ: 10–20 min from town; easy tuk-tuk/taxi access.
- VTE transfer: Most itineraries keep you airside; follow FIDS and allow buffer time.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🧭 Option #4 — Scenic Northern Loop via Dien Bien Phu (Slow & Beautiful)
Scenery Break the trip Extra steps
- Overview: Travel LPQ→Muang Khua/Nong Khiaw, cross at Tay Trang, overnight in Dien Bien Phu, then bus (or regional flight when available) to Hanoi. Great for mountain views and a less-traveled border.
- How to book (with price): Stitch tickets as you go or book segments on 12Go (LPQ→DBP) and 12Go (DBP→Hanoi). Budget US$60–140 total depending on stops and class.
- Pros: Memorable landscapes; flexible pacing. Cons: More connections; border opening hours matter.
Step-by-step: Northern Loop
- From Luang Prabang, take a morning bus/minivan toward Nong Khiaw or Muang Khua (ask your guesthouse or check 12Go).
- Continue to the Tay Trang border; clear exit/entry formalities (carry passport photos & cash for fees).
- Reach Dien Bien Phu; overnight and book next-day bus (or local flight when operating) to Hanoi on 12Go.
- Arrive in Hanoi (My Dinh/Gia Lam/Old Quarter) and transfer to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (LPQ / Tay Trang / Dien Bien Phu)
- LPQ depots: Ask for current departure stand (central minivan stands or Naluang).
- Dien Bien Phu: Buses to Hanoi leave early; buy your seat the evening before.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Luang Prabang to Hanoi)
Is there a train between Luang Prabang and Hanoi?
No direct train. Most travelers fly or take buses; some combine Laos transport with Vietnam trains after arrival.
Which Hanoi station/terminal will my bus use?
Commonly My Dinh (west) or Gia Lam (east). Check your ticket; both are a short taxi ride to the Old Quarter.
How long does the border take on buses?
Typically 1–3 hours depending on queues, paperwork, and inspections. Keep passports/visas handy and stay with your group.
Is the bus safe/comfortable?
Sleeper buses are basic but workable; bring a warm layer, earplugs, snacks, and keep valuables on you.
Where should I stay on arrival?
Hanoi’s Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem offers the easiest arrivals; compare options on Booking.com (Hanoi).
Can I rent a motorbike for parts of the route?
In Vietnam you’ll find rentals easily; compare models/insurance on BikesBooking (Hanoi). In Laos, ask your guesthouse for reputable shops and check cross-border restrictions (most rentals can’t cross borders).