Has anyone tried the new bus service from Nan to Luang Prabang that was supposed to start service in July 2016? As described in this news release:

 

http://www.thailandlife.info/new-government-bus-service-between-nan-in-thailand-and-luang-prabang-in-laos/

 

Wondering if it's really in service, and how long it takes. Supposed to be six hours.

Thanks.

Sounds interesting.

Would they do visa on arrival at Muang Ngeun?

 

Apparently so.

I understand that right now, this is not a preferred option.  The trip is long and arduous.

 

When the new road from Hongsa Laos to just outside Luang Prabang is completed (scheduled for 2018), Nan to Luang Prabang will become the best route from Thailand to Luang Prabang.

 

I quote from http://www.mekongtourism.org/:

 

" Construction of highway 4B from Hongsa to Ban Chiang Man (Chom Phet, Luang Prabang sub-district) in Lao PDR, is a project undertaken by the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).

 

NEDA provided technical assistance to carry out the feasibility study and preliminary design and engineering data.

Once opened, the road will facilitate the shortest route from Nan province in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos, which will position Nan into a practical gateway for overland travel to Laos’ famous world heritage town."

 

The only problem then will be getting to Nan as the present road from Chiang Rai to Nan is not exactly wonderful.