This distance is about 342 kilometers (215 miles), depending on the road taken. The bus services from Hanoi to Luang Prabang operate every day of the year and vary in availability depending on the type of bus.
Ordinary bus: Tickets for a regular bus cost about 4-9 hours for the journey. This option may end up cheaper than a private car or taxi, but it surely isn't going to turn on the charms of luxury or comfort.
Luxury bus: Be ready to sit back and luxuriate in luxury in a bus set up with ergonomically designed reclining chairs, frills such as individual climate control, gourmet meals, entertainment systems, and priority boarding areas. Prices vary from luxury tier to luxury tier, but on average a luxury bus will cost anywhere from US$100-$200 per person and high end might be even more.
When compared to regular buses fare tickets extended to normal buses, these high-speed express buses are much more comfortable to ride that will leave the port of Hanoi on the evening journey bound for Luang Prabang, covering heights at a speed of about 7-8 hours. Generally, these buses provide larger seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Well, if a bus is any reflection of lagging behind to a prestigious form of travel-yes, to probably take the latter will cost quite a little more than these common buses.
To help plan your bus trip from Hanoi to Luang Prabang, you may check the official website of Vietnam's National Railways Company (VNRT), which has up-to-the-minute information on bus schedules and availability. You can also check Viptra, Google Maps, or MapMyTrip for some popular transportation apps to check for buses, routes, and estimated times. Do keep in mind that various factors will affect the actual travel duration, such as weather conditions, traffic jams, and so on. Thus, do allow yourself extra time to accommodate delays or unplanned detours. |