Some time ago, there was some information floating around about the "new" bus service from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. I have been unable to find it.

Does anyone have a (working) telephone number for them (the bus company)? None of the posted number appear still valid.

I've seen the bus at the bus station, probably quicker to just hit arcade.

Need a visa in advance as far as I know.

Enjoy the tuk tuk driver touts all over town in LP if on foot

Thanks for the advise and information. We've been in Luang Prabang a number of times - flying. Wanted to try the direct bus service.

Reason for my request is - we live way out of Muang and don't get into the City often, so hoped someone would have a number for the Bus Company.

Google Ayaservice.com.

I might need to go in a few weeks and this thread caught my attention, but I really can't stand another place with tuk tuk touts.

I believe you can get the luxury green bus to Chiang KHONG.They have a web site ,and then either another bus from over the bridge in Lao or take the slow boat down to L.P. Lao offers a visa on arrival for around B1,500 or less if US dollar at 35 USD

Chiang Mai -> Chiang Rai -> Chiang Khong :: 4+ hours.

Huay Xai -> ... northern Laos ... -> Luang Prabang :: 14+ hours

Travel time is around 18 hours.

You must really like travelling by bus.

Google Ayaservice.com.

I might need to go in a few weeks and this thread caught my attention, but I really can't stand another place with tuk tuk touts.

Rent a bicycle. Problem solved.

It gets a bit wearing after a week, it is the same rap they all do in LP....descending down their list of services to vice offers of 'S+D'.

I'd personally just get green bus to border at Chiang Kong then down to LP by boat.

Google maps shows the Chiang Khong border check point 'closed'. What's the deal? Any recent info?

It may refer to the old rickety border/shed/shaky rowing boat upstream.

I doubt google maps is up to the minute of Thai border status ;-)

Chiang Khong is definately not closed. Crossed there 6 days ago.

And... found the telephone number of the direct Chiang Mai - Luang Prabang bus company fron another forum.

For anyone interested, it is:

053-241 449

Google maps shows the Chiang Khong border check point 'closed'. What's the deal? Any recent info?

The 'old' border checkpoint at the north-end of Chiang Khong, where all travelers crossed over from Thailand to Laos by longtail boat, is closed to 'foreigners' (non Thai/Laos).

The 'new' border checkpoint is the "4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge" located 5km south of Chiang Khong, opened 2013 Dec 11.

Water border crossing now closed to non-Thai-Laos people.

Say, anto. Is the green lux bus to CK the same as the one Rotweiler (OP) wants? If green lux bus in CM, where to board it?

Say, anto. Is the green lux bus to CK the same as the one Rotweiler (OP) wants? If green lux bus in CM, where to board it?

You get the Chiang Kong bus at the Arcade Bus Terminal about 3-5km east of old city.

The OP wants the bus that goes all the way to LP. A different bus.