The present invention is directed to the process for the preparation of 2null-deoxy-2null-halo-null-L-arabinofuranosyl nucleosides, and in particular, 2null-deoxy-2null-fluoro-null-L-arabinofuranosyl thymine (L-FMAU), from L-arabinose, which is commercially available and less expensive than L-ribose or L-xylose, in ten steps. All of the reagents and starting materials are inexpensive and no special equipment is required to carry out the reactions.