They still fly daily out of Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Having taken the bus both ways between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, we will be driving up to Nong Khai and crossing over in December to catch a flight. The bus leaves around 7:30 A.M. so taking the bus would require an overnight. You arrive in Luang Prabang around 9:00 P.M.- losing one whole day to travel in addition to your overnight in Vientiane.