Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Vientiane
Vang Vieng
Sun, May 17
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Vientiane to Vang Vieng Destination Reviews

JE
John E
I received the train tickets after departure
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Feb 25, 2026
GL
Guillaume L
Replaced mini bus by bus and took more than 1 hour to depart
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 16, 2026
CR
Christopher R
Ok. Bus broke down on route but was fixed in an hour
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 14, 2026
B
Bernadette
Great service ,train very comfortable,journey was on time .Everything went smoothly. Thank you
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train #C86 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Feb 6, 2026
MB
Margriet B
I booked in time for a minivan to Vang Vieng, but "they" forgot to pick me up. They brouwt me to al local busstation where I had to wait more than 2 hours before we left. It's a pity. Other transport with 12Go in Laos went well!
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 4, 2026
UW
Ursula W
We booked two trips with Sarah Transport (Vientiane -> Vang Vieng and Vang Vieng -> Pakse via overnight bus). Both times everything worked well. For the night bus trip there were long waiting times at the office of Sarah Transport in Vientiane and again at the bus terminal. But these were communicated clearly beforehand and we knew what we signed up for. We were a bit nervous about the night bus but they did a good job explaining everything. They brought us to the bus station and walked us to the bus we needed to take. The night bus itself was an adventure, for sure. IF YOU ARE A SOLO TRAVELLER be aware that you'll share your bed with another person. The beds are quite small and I doubt it's possible to sleep in there without physical contact. If you don't mind, you're good. In case that's a problem for you, you might want to find yourself a travel companion beforehand that you don't mind spooning for the 10h you'll be on that bus (we arrived at 7:00am, scheduled arrival was at 8:00am). We travelled as a married couple so that was fine.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Minivan, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Feb 1, 2026
MC
Martha C
Overall good. The driver was on time and his driving was very safe and efficient. Only downfall was the van itself was incredibly cramped with the amount of bags, but not an issue for the 2 hour journey, if it was longer it may have been.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 26, 2026
G
Giuseppina
We areived one hour late, but the trip was good
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 24, 2026
PD
Polina D
12go send confirmation after my request
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 19, 2026
TD
Toasty D
Fast ride in a new van. Very nice
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 16, 2026
4.4
584 customer reviews
5
56%
4
22%
3
15%
2
7%
1
0%

Vientiane to Vang Vieng Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+2h
$66.86
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:00
09:16
$15.26
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:30
08:52
$15.26
Van
RG Adventure
Van
07:00
11:00
$6.69
  3.1
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class Seat
07:20
08:20
$14.50
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
07:40
10:02
$18.56
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
08:00
08:52
$17.40
  4.8
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
08:25
09:44
$12.03
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
08:45
10:45
$5.52
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
09:45
10:40
$15.51
  4.8
Van
Sarah Transport Laos
Minivan
10:30
12:30
$8.20
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
11:25
12:17
$17.93
  4.9
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
11:45
13:45
$5.52
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
First Class Seat
12:05
13:58
$24.47
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Taxi + First class train + Taxi
12:30
15:00
$24.47
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
13:00
14:02
$15.51
  4.8
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
13:30
16:00
$6.86
  4.5
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
14:00
16:30
$6.50
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Taxi + First class train + Taxi
14:55
17:45
$24.47
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
15:55
17:02
$15.51
  4.8

What is the food culture of Vang Vieng?

Vang Vieng features a blend of Lao, Thai, and Western cuisine, reflecting its diverse visitor base. Local dishes often include sticky rice, laap (a meat salad), and tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad). Street food is abundant, with options like grilled meats and noodle soups. There are also many cafes and restaurants catering to Western tastes, offering pizzas, burgers, and sandwiches.

Dining options vary from local eateries to more upscale restaurants, with meals typically costing between 30,000 to 100,000 LAK ($2 to $6). For those seeking a unique experience, riverside dining spots provide meals with a view of the Nam Song River.

Vegetarians can find options, though it is advisable to confirm ingredients due to the common use of fish sauce. Vang Vieng's food scene is casual and laid-back, perfectly suited for its backpacker-friendly atmosphere.

Which is the most visited place in Vang Vieng?

The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited places in Vang Vieng. This popular attraction features a natural swimming area with clear waters and a surrounding park ideal for relaxation. Visitors often enjoy activities such as swimming, zip-lining, and exploring nearby caves like the Tham Phu Kham Cave. Entrance fees are typically around 10,000 LAK ($0.50). The area can be quite busy during peak times, so visiting earlier in the day is recommended for a quieter experience.

How to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

When you want to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Bus
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Train. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Train ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 221.50. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 11.18.

How far is Vientiane from Vang Vieng?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Your trip will be a total of 28 miles (44 km). The flying distance is 28 miles (44 km).

How long does it take to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?

The travel time from Vientiane to Vang Vieng can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 5 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?

The cost of the trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Laos China Railways (Guangdong Piaoduoduo): travelling by train expect to pay as low as USD 11.18 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 221.50.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Vientiane to Vang Vieng:

  • taxi+Van price: USD 8.12. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:30 Vientiane Hotel Transfer until 13:30 Vientiane Hotel Transfer
  • Bus tickets - USD 9.89 to USD 9.89;
  • Train tickets - USD 11.18 to USD 34.75;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 15.83. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:00 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • Train+Van price: USD 18.81 - USD 25.41. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 13:30 Vientiane Transfer
  • Bus+Train price: USD 18.83 - USD 25.27. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 13:30 Vientiane Transfer
  • Bus+Van price: USD 18.86. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:00 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • Van price : USD 20.51;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 26.36 - USD 35.85. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 09:00 Vientiane Transfer

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 94.94 to USD 221.50.

How many trips per day are there between Vientiane and Vang Vieng?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 35 trains per day.
  • 6 by taxi+Train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 09:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • Vans from Vientiane to Vang Vieng depart during the day - there are approximately 1 departures a day.
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Vientiane to Vang Vieng any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 94.94.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Trains

Things to remember while choosing a train ticket:
Consider everything carefully while choosing the class of your train travel. In most cases, the second class is comfortable enough – it features 2 or 4 berths in each compartment and is often air-conditioned.

If you’re in for a premium experience, consider getting a first class ticket. The price of first class tickets may include Wifi, and a choice of snacks and drinks.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 29% chosen taxi+Van
  • 26% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 12% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 10% chosen taxi+Train
  • 5% decided to go for a bus.
  • 5% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 5% opted for a van.
  • 4% chosen Bus+Train
  • 3% chosen Train+Van
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Facts about the transport from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Cheapest Transport$9
Fastest Transport52m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure3:40 PM
Departures per day52
Distance44 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAdisorn Thai Laos Transfer, Chanthachone Transportation, Family Service, Glassflower, Laos China Railways, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Vientiane Travel