How to Get from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng
Luang Prabang to Pakbeng by slow boat or bus: how the two-day Mekong trip works, where the pier and the bus terminal are, and what it costs.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Contents
Pakbeng is the overnight stop on the Mekong between Luang Prabang and the Thai border. Most travellers reach it by slow boat, which is the first day of the classic two-day river trip to Huay Xai.
Luang Prabang to Pakbeng by Slow Boat
The slow boat to Pakbeng and on to Huay Xai takes 2 days, with the night spent in Pakbeng. The pier lies about 9 kilometres from the town centre, close to Souphanouvong University, and a tuk-tuk there costs about 50,000 kip.[1]
Booking platforms list a shuttle plus slow boat ticket that leaves Luang Prabang at 07:00 and takes from about 9 hours 30 minutes, with prices from about $16 (October 2026).[2]
Pakbeng is a small village, so bring enough kip for your guesthouse and dinner.
Luang Prabang to Pakbeng by Bus
Buses to Pak Bang leave from the Southern Bus Terminal near the Luang Prabang stadium, about 10 minutes southwest of town. The terminal is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00, and tickets are sold there and at travel agencies in town.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle and slow boat | From about $16[2] | From about 9h 30min[2] |
Timetable
| Bus Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang $ 22.06 10h | |
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| Van Luang Prabang - Luang Prabang $ 16.22–21.20 9h 30m – 10h | |
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| Ferry Luang Prabang - Oudomxay $ 21.02 10h | |
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| Van Luang Prabang - Oudomxay $ 15.02 5h | |
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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 Pakbeng, including current prices and schedules.
Booking platforms list a shuttle plus slow boat ticket from about $16 (October 2026).
The boat leg takes from about 9 hours 30 minutes. The full slow boat trip to Huay Xai takes 2 days, with the night in Pakbeng.
The pier is about 9 kilometres from the town centre, close to Souphanouvong University. A tuk-tuk costs about 50,000 kip.
From the Southern Bus Terminal near the Luang Prabang stadium. It is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00.
On the slow boat to Huay Xai, yes. The two-day trip stops for the night in Pakbeng.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Official Website for Tourism Luang Prabang: Access. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Luang Prabang - Pakbeng timetable. Retrieved October 30, 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.