Soutchai Travel

3.7
217 customer reviews
  • About
  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
  • Reviews
  • Schedule and Timetable

About Soutchai Travel

Buses are the most affordable means of transport with a large number of terminals across the country and convenient timetables to help you plan your trip. Buses is a convenient option both for those who travel on a shoestring budget and those who do not want to compromise on comfort. Soutchai Travel offers bus service with an online reservation available. Before booking your ticket, read other travellers’ reviews to choose the best option.

What are the Main Stations of Soutchai Travel?

Soutchai Travel operates buses to and from the following stations:

  • Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Vientiane Soutchai Travel
  • Vientiane Transfer
  • Luang Prabang Hotel Transfer
  • Vang Vieng Railway Station
  • Vang Vieng
  • Pakse Hotel Transfer
  • Vang Vieng
  • Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Vientiane Railway Station
  • Vientiane Transfer
  • Vientiane Transfer
  • Luang Prabang Railway Station
  • Luang Prabang Transfer
  • Vang Vieng Soutchai Travel

What are the Bus Classes & Prices of Soutchai Travel?

The price of your bus trip will depend both on the destination and the class of your ticket. Note that not all ticket classes are available on certain routes yet for longer trips there is almost always a good choice of options. Opt for a sleeper coach for the most convenient overnight trip. Sleeper buses are usually equipped with berths or soft reclining seats, feature an onboard toilet and your ticket may also include other perks like snacks or even a lunch. Taking a night bus is also a good idea if you want to save on your hotel room. During the day an express service is often the best value for money as it makes less stops than an ordinary or standard class bus and travels faster. On some routes it may be crucial to choose the right class as, say, an ordinary or second class bus may need some 6 hours to cover the distance the first class or express bus travels in two hours!

Pros & Cons of Bus Travel

Pros of Bus Travel

  • Buses usually boast the widest network of destinations covered. They travel to the places you cannot get to by plane or even by train

  • Travelling by bus is easy – there is no need to arrive to the bus terminal much in advance, and the check-in is usually a very fast formality opposite to air travel

  • Bus tickets are very affordable. Yes, there are costly first class or VIP options but is you are on a budget, bus is the first means of transportation you have to think about

  • At the same time, there are different classes of service to suit any budget. If you are after a higher level of comfort, buses get you covered, too.

Cons of Bus Travel

  • Intercity bus terminals can be located outside the city centre in the outskirts. It means you will need to calculate extra time and money to get there. In certain destinations getting from the bus terminal can cost you more than you would expect because only a limited number of transportation companies is allowed to serve the route – and prices may be inflated.

  • During busy weekends or high season buses serving some tourist destinations may run out of schedule and require advanced booking.

  • While buses are not as weather dependent as ferries, bus trips can also be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or road conditions – keep it in mind if travelling during certain seasons or to certain destinations.

Read more

Soutchai Travel Popular Routes

Vientiane - Ban Gnang
09:00
Vang Vieng - Don Det
13:00
Pakse - Siem Reap
08:00
Vientiane - Bangkok
16:00
Pakse - Phnom Penh
08:00
Vientiane - Khammouan
Bus Local
11:30
Bus Sleeper
18:00
Vang Vieng - Pakse
13:00
Vientiane - Udon Thani
07:00, 10:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:30
Vientiane - Savannakhet
18:00
Vientiane - Vang Vieng
09:00, 13:00
Vientiane - Nong Khai
06:30, 09:00, 14:30, 17:00
Vang Vieng - Savannakhet
13:00
Vang Vieng - Khammouan
Bus Sleeper
13:00
Bus Local
09:00
Vang Vieng - Vientiane
09:00, 13:00
Vientiane - Don Det
18:00
Vientiane - Pakse
18:00
Vang Vieng - Ban Gnang
09:00
NaN Passengers

Soutchai Travel Schedule & Timetable

ClassDeparture StationArrival StationDepartureArrivalTravel time
Regional 14paxVang Vieng TransferVientiane Soutchai Travel09:0011:302h 30m
Regional 14paxVang Vieng TransferVientiane Soutchai Travel13:0015:302h 30m
Regional 14paxVientiane TransferVang Vieng Soutchai Travel09:0011:302h 30m
Regional 14paxVientiane TransferVang Vieng Soutchai Travel13:0015:302h 30m
Super AC DeluxeVientiane TransferMochit16:0007:0015h 0m
LocalVang Vieng TransferThakhek09:0017:008h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferNong Khai Bus Station17:0019:002h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferNong Khai Bus Station06:3008:302h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferNong Khai Bus Station09:0011:002h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferNong Khai Bus Station14:3016:302h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferUdon Thani Bus Station 214:0017:003h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferUdon Thani Bus Station 213:0016:003h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferUdon Thani Bus Station 210:0013:003h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferUdon Thani Bus Station 216:3019:303h 0m
Regular InternationalVientiane TransferUdon Thani Bus Station 207:0010:003h 0m
SleeperVientiane TransferPakse Soutchai Travel18:0007:0013h 0m
SleeperVientiane Transfer4000 Islands18:0011:0017h 0m
SleeperPakse Hotel TransferSiem Reap08:0017:009h 0m
LocalVientiane TransferKong Lor Cave09:0018:309h 30m
SleeperVang Vieng TransferPakse Soutchai Travel13:0008:0019h 0m
LocalVientiane TransferThakhek11:3020:309h 0m
SleeperVang Vieng Transfer4000 Islands13:0012:0023h 0m
SleeperPakse Hotel TransferPhnom Penh08:0019:0011h 0m
SleeperVientiane TransferThakhek18:0005:0011h 0m
SleeperVang Vieng TransferThakhek13:0006:0017h 0m
SleeperVientiane TransferSavannakhet Bus Station18:0006:0012h 0m
LocalVang Vieng TransferKong Lor Cave09:0018:3033h 30m
SleeperVang Vieng TransferSavannakhet Bus Station13:0006:0017h 0m

Soutchai Travel Stations

Vang Vieng TransferVientiane Soutchai TravelVientiane TransferLuang Prabang Hotel TransferVang Vieng Railway StationVang ViengPakse Hotel TransferVang ViengVang Vieng TransferVang Vieng TransferVientiane Railway StationVientiane TransferVientiane TransferLuang Prabang Railway StationLuang Prabang TransferVang Vieng Soutchai Travel

Soutchai Travel Company Reviews

J A
Would not recommend this trip. The journey took 5 hours longer than suggested, we arrived at 12pm instead of 7am. Beds were extremely uncomfortable. Bus broke down on the side of the road at 2am for at least an hour. Very dirty
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Apr 20, 2024
A B
We were picked up on time from our pick up point and taken to the bus station. We then got on the sleeper bus which stopped at Pakse station, the drivers were rude waved us away to the incorrect bus, whereby the driver of said bus also waved us away. Felt quite stranded for some time until a nice gentleman who didn’t even work for the station communicated on our behalf and we eventually got picked up. Just felt like a unnecessarily complicated journey that needed some more communication or instruction from the transport team.
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Mar 11, 2024
R M
I think he'd forgotten about us. We were helped by the hotel staff to get the bus.
This review was autotranslated
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Mar 10, 2024
R M
After transfer from vang vieng had to contact operator as it was unclear where we needed to be picked up for the next bus, beds small but expected
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Feb 26, 2024
L B
Easy ride, picked up from location and taken to a bus station for a overnight journey.
Bus Super AC Deluxe, Soutchai Travel, Jan 11, 2024
S W
Good communication, Soutchai emailed to say when the taxi bus would arrive. They took us to the bus station where we boarded the bus - the overnight double bed is small. Hubby is over 6 ft and it was really made for a 5ft person. The people guided us through the whole journey, bus, minibus and ferry - there was always someone making sure we were on the right transport, so all good. Not sure we'd do the overnight bus again but it was all a good experience. Toilet on the bus was basic but clean. Everyone was very kind and friendly. There were no food stops so bring your snacks - there was food at the first bus station though.
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Dec 29, 2023
G S
Overall a comfortable ride. Blanket, snacks and drinks provided. I would suggest having your own pillow and eye mask for extra comfort. Staff do not speak English.
Bus Super AC Deluxe, Soutchai Travel, Oct 29, 2023
W V
The pickup did not show up. After waiting 2 hours I got a tuktuk paid by the company because I would miss the big bus. That’s quiet stressfull. The whole bus had to wait for me and I had the last free chair. Did not like this for sure.
Bus Local, Soutchai Travel, Oct 28, 2023
C Z
the bus left late, lost my airpods on the bus - i knew i had dropped them under the seat but was basically dragged off the bus and not given the chance to look under seat for them- the driver literally started driving away. the operators were rude
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Jul 5, 2023
D V
Great flexibility. I originally had booked for 13:00, but was very early in Vientiane. They gave me the possibility to get on the 9:00 bus.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Jun 5, 2023
P B
Bus left two hours later than was promised. We had to wait two hours at the busstation and employees told is multiple times the bus would leave shortly, but it didn’t. Eventually two busses left. One fully packed with people (we we’re in this one) and one with just three people in it. The A/C in the bus didn’t work, so it was so warm.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, May 24, 2023
S V
Very smooth trip! On time!
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, May 17, 2023
K S
Easy and efficient
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, May 8, 2023
B O
Tuk tuk arrived on time at our hotel to take us to the bus station. From there it was one bus to Udon Thani with stops at the border crossings. Fast and efficient. Would recommend.
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Apr 20, 2023
F B
A very pleasant and easy journey. Had to swap 30 minutes outside Savannakhet to a minivan which was safe and easy. The beds are for 6ft tall or less, but comfortable
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Apr 3, 2023
D K
Went with a bus with almost no air-conditioning (which was especially noticeable in 37C) and the departure was pushed back without advance warning from 1pm by an hour presumably so we could all get a nice tan under the midday sun. But that's Laos! Apart from the above everything went smoothly
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Apr 3, 2023
J S
On time, really fast, nice driver:) 8.45am pick up from hotel, around 12am in vangvieng.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 25, 2023
J I
I had a bad experiece using Soutchai Travel. I thought I was paying a premium to travel in a nice shuttle van (as pictured on their webpage), but instead it was just a tuk-tuk that took me to the Central Station, then a dirty, old bus. But this bothered me less than the way time was managed. I was ready 30 minutes before the pick-up time as instructed. The tuk-tuk driver showed up about 40 minutes later. Fine, whatever. Then we drove across town to another hotel for another pick-up. The other passenger wasn't there. I sat there for another 25 minutes before the driver finally gave up and we went to the Central Station. He bought my ticket at the station, just as I could have; the station is only 10 minute walk from where I was staying. And I really wish I'd done just that. Leaving Vientiane later than expected - for no reason - made me stress about making my Udon Thani flight. TL;DR - I paid a premium for Soutchai to waste my time and stress me out.
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Feb 27, 2023
L W
The places are to small- I had not enough place for my legs. We need 3,5 hours more for the journey. But the driver looked for a safe journey!
Bus Local, Soutchai Travel, Feb 23, 2023
F C
Picked up on time at the hotel, transferred to the bus pick up point and had a seamless trip to Vang Vieng.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Feb 19, 2023
R C
Super impressed with this travel company ! My hostel was not on the list for pick up so ended up going to their office, despite not having booked it direct with them they still changed my pick up for me to my hostel. Super smooth. Good minivan made it to Vang Viengbin about 2 hours !
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Feb 17, 2023
B R
The coach was two hours late and the communication was terrible.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Feb 12, 2023
J H
Did not get the minibus I booked but an old big bus. Had to wait for 1,5 hour after arriving at the station. Arrived 45 minutes late. Well, this is Laos.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Feb 2, 2023
B B
The driver who did the transfer from the accommodation came looking like he walked out of his living room, coughed without covering his mouth and spit through the window. The trip was fine. It was 9.5 h long (for 300 km) because the road going south from Vientiane is horrible, but that's not the carrier's fault. The driver and the ticket seller didn't know a word of English and acted as if there were no foreigners in the van. They didn't understand when I was trying to ask them how long the break is going to be (not even in broken Lao).
Bus Local, Soutchai Travel, Jan 21, 2023
S S
Good just only vehicle condition but service was bad and not on time (2 hour late)
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Dec 25, 2022
C M
Very crowded, very late, not much space for legs. friendly people and driver. Good driver.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Dec 18, 2022
R M
This was suppose to be a 4 hour journey but we were only half way through at this point. It ended being a 7 and a half hour journey without any communication
Bus Local, Soutchai Travel, Dec 15, 2022
T B
According to the TOS they can change the vehicle type. I booked a minivan with 5.5h travel time and ended up in a bus with nearly 8h travel time. The problem was not the changed vehicle, it was the changed schedule. I booked 11.30am - 5pm. The new schedule was 1pm - 8.30pm. So the day was ruined because I had to wait from 10.30am in the lobby for the pickup. The pickup I got was later than they told me. I tried to call the buscompany but the number on the voucher doesn't work. The number which I found on google worked but no one answered my calls.
Bus Local, Soutchai Travel, Dec 15, 2022
D J
Driver die not find me at first to bring me to the busstation, but did not give up. Good service.
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Dec 12, 2022
B G
The taxi never turned up to our hostel to pick us up. We had to repay for another form of transport to the train station and then had to pay for another ticket for the train. We are yet to be refunded!
Train Second Class Seat, Soutchai Travel, Dec 10, 2022
D R
English* / German English // We booked for 9am and had to call the hotline 1.5 hours later to ask why we weren't picked up. Apparently the time was wrong and the shuttle wouldn't leave until 12:00. After calling, we were picked up very quickly by a private car and then had to spend another hour in the vicinity of the shuttle before we could start. The shuttle itself was perfectly fine and we arrived at our destination quickly. Watch your stuff! My hat was kindly put on my seat, but unfortunately the shuttle was not taken, but another one. So my hat is gone now. German // We booked for 9am and had to call the hotline 1.5 hours later to ask why we were not picked up. Apparently the time wasn't right and the shuttle wouldn't leave until 12. So after calling we were picked up very quickly by a private car and then had to spend another hour in the vicinity of the shuttle until it left. The shuttle itself was perfectly fine and we also arrived quickly at our destination. Watch your stuff! My hat was kindly put on my seat, but unfortunately they didn't take the shuttle but another one. Accordingly, my hat is now gone. *translated by Google
This review was autotranslated
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Dec 9, 2022
M D
They yelled to wake us up for the check point Yelled at us because we wanted to change seats Favorite Lao people over us Didn’t speak English and just tapped on our shoulder and walked so we had to follow them..
Bus Sleeper, Soutchai Travel, Dec 9, 2022
F F
The car was really good and the road too Unfortunately, the driver put a children bench between two of the seats and since I was the last to be picked, I was the one that had to be seated 2 hours on it, without a place to rest my back.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Dec 3, 2022
S K
The driver came far too early, the open vehicle was okay but I was in constant fear our luggage would drop off. In hindsight I should simply have bought the ticket myself and take a grab taxi to the bus station. More comfortable, less waiting time, much cheaper.
Bus Regular International, Soutchai Travel, Nov 28, 2022
J S
Waiting so long time and size of van very small with all passenger with our bags. No good
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Nov 25, 2022
A J
On time pick up at hotel although rushed demeanour which became confusing when the tuk tuk then dropped us off at the van to only be told come back in 50mins and we will be departing. We had left bags on the van and then had to switch vans at that point meaning people had lost their seats they were saving. A bit of a shambles start. Proceeded to stop at an autorepair place for a car part before driving out of town about 20mins to only return back the same way and head in the right direction. Once on the road surprisingly good although a little hot (weak air con), but the 1hr40min delay to actually hitting the right direction was a little frustrating. Somehow arrived on time though. Wouldn't highly recommend but we got from A to B.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Nov 14, 2022
I T
On time, pick up from the hotel, comfortable trip
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Nov 9, 2022
T H
I booked the transfer for 1pm, was told to be ready for 1230, got picked up at 120pm, then told the actual bus wouldn't leave until 2pm. It is only a short journey but I wasted a huge part of the day waiting and being "ready' . Then my bag was stuffed under someone's seat and I couldn't find it for a long time before I got on the bus. The driver assured me it was there but there was barely enough room for all the passengers and all the bags. The company should not overbook if they don't vehicles large enough for all passengers and all luggage.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Nov 6, 2022
M A
Bus had no oficial stop, it had mosquitoes and flies inside. Seats did not give much leg room. Only good thing: air conditioning.
This review was autotranslated
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 24, 2020
Y W
Friendly staff made the bus ride fun
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 19, 2020
L W
Operator was on time and stopped so we could get snacks along the way! I was unable to find the print out of the ticket I had and he was able to let me in using just the email pdf, definitely will be using again!
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 15, 2020
C K
Would get a five star rating if the AC in the bus was better.
This review was autotranslated
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 13, 2020
K R
Please update your hotel listing. The hotel we were in had a name change and was not on your pick up listing. Laotel Vientiane used to be Mercure Hotel.
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 9, 2020
D A
Road over mountains was treacherous.
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 8, 2020
D A
Took a while to pick everyone up.
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 8, 2020
M M
Large and comfortable bus. The trip was easy. Not like the vans that the company puts out between Van Vieng and Luang Prabang.... They are a suffocating sardine can with broken suspension.
This review was autotranslated
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 6, 2020
S M
Jam packed bus! Had our bags at our feet. A bit of confusion leaving Vang Vieng but still arrived in time. Super windy roads and some rough bits of road but the driver handled it well.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 5, 2020
T H
The fart from Vientiane to Vang Vieng took place in an omnibus and ran smoothly. However, the bus stopped after 20 minutes, because the driver received a call that two passengers, who appeared too late for departure, will be brought to the bus with an extra vehicle. As a result, about 30 passengers, who all showed up on time, had to wait almost half an hour in the middle of the route. This is absolutely unacceptable and unfair to the paying customers. Especially since there would have been a second trip on the same day, in which these two people could have ridden.
This review was autotranslated
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 5, 2020
A K
Were not informed coach terminates at Veng Viang and change to minibus.. 5 others in same position. Language problem but okay in end. Glad I went by road - great experience
Van Van or Bus, Soutchai Travel, Mar 4, 2020
S M
The bus left late but otherwise the trip was good.
Van Regional 14pax, Soutchai Travel, Mar 3, 2020
3.7
217 customer reviews
5
28%
4
33%
3
24%
2
15%
1
0%
85.3% of 217 travelers were presumably happy with Soutchai Travel as they left good or no review