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Luang Prabang and Loei lie on opposite sides of the Mekong border, so this trip is an international journey from northern Laos into the highlands of Loei province in north-eastern Thailand. Travelers use it to reach places such as Phu Kradueng and Phu Ruea national parks or the town of Dan Sai, home of the Phi Ta Khon festival.
Luang Prabang to Loei by Bus
The bus is the only way to make this trip that booking platforms list. They show one bus a day from Luang Prabang to Loei, leaving at 08:00, with a journey time of 8 to 11 hours and fares from about $28 to $33 (October 2026).[1] The listing offers an Express and a Local service at the same departure time and gives one fare range for both. How long the trip takes depends mostly on the border crossing and the mountain roads in northern Laos.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus (Express or Local) | $28 - $33 | 8-11h | 08:00[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Luang Prabang to Loei
- Prepare for the Border: This journey crosses from Laos into Thailand, so you pass Lao exit and Thai entry immigration. Check Thailand's current entry requirements for your nationality before you travel.
- Currency Matters: Carry some Lao kip and some Thai baht. Having baht ready for Loei makes the transition to local transport or guesthouses smoother.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Stops can be far apart on mountain roads, so bring your own water and light snacks.
- Motion Sickness: The road from Luang Prabang toward the Thai border has many curves. If you are prone to motion sickness, take preventative medication before the bus departs.
- Plan for One Departure: Only one daily departure is listed, so keep some flexibility in your schedule and book your seat ahead.
Timetable
| Bus Luang Prabang - Loei $ 27.88–33.27 8h – 11h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Luang Prabang to Loei, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list only the bus on this route, with fares from about $28 to $33. The listing offers an Express and a Local service at the same price range.
The bus is the only listed option. Its journey time is 8 to 11 hours, depending mostly on the border crossing and road conditions.
The journey typically takes between 8 and 11 hours. This includes the drive through the mountains of northern Laos and the time for immigration at the Laos-Thailand border.
As this is an international route, you pass Lao exit immigration and Thai entry immigration. Entry rules for Thailand depend on your nationality, so check them before heading to the station.
Booking platforms list one departure a day, at 08:00 (October 2026). Check the schedule when you book, because timetables can change.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Luang Prabang - Loei timetable. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.