Family Service
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About Family Service
While some travellers feel skeptical about vans, a good choice of destinations and competitive prices make vans one of the most popular means of transport for others. Vans are always more flexible than big buses. If there is a sudden request for rides to some new destinations, van operators are always the first to offer their service. Indeed, it is easier to launch a new route if you operate a vehicle of 10-15 pax capacity, isn’t it?
Family Service operates van service and offers tickets with easy online booking. Check them if you are looking for options to travel by van.
What are the Main Stations of Family Service?
Family Service’s vans run to and from the following terminals:
- Vang Vieng Transfer
- 4000 islands
- Vientiane Transfer
- Vientiane Southern Bus Station
- Ban Lakkham River View
- Vang Vieng Hotel Transfer
- Vientiane Transfer
- Vientiane Hotel Transfer
- Vang Vieng Transfer
- Ing Ing Mountain View
What are the Most Popular Routes of Family Service?
The most popular trip destinations of Family Service’s timetable are:
- Vientiane - Hanoi
- Vientiane - Pakse
- Vientiane - Khammouan
- Vientiane - Siem Reap
- Vientiane - Savannakhet
- Vientiane - Phnom Penh
- Luang Prabang - Hanoi
- Vientiane - Nakasong
- Luang Prabang - Lao Cai
- Vang Vieng - Nong Khai
- Nakasong - Vientiane
- Nakasong - Pakse
- Vientiane - Nghe An
- Nakasong - Vang Vieng
- Vang Vieng - Nghe An
What are the Vans Classes & Prices of Family Service?
As a rule, it is not possible to choose a ticket class when travelling by van. Yet you can check with the operator and/or choose the type of van which serves your route. Some vans seat only 9-10 passengers, others accommodate up to 15 travellers. The former case means you may have more legroom, wider seats and a more comfortable ride, the latter – be ready for a limited space for your legs, elbows and your luggage. Read reviews on Family Service van service to be sure they meet your expectations.
Pros & Cons of Van Travel
Pros of Van Travel
- Vans often reach the destinations where neither buses nor trains travel. These include secondary towns and smaller villages
- In most cases vans are the fastest way to get to your destination if travelling to relatively short distances overland simply because they are smaller than buses and more maneuverable
- Vans can let you get off at a more convenient point enroute – not necessarily at the terminal, what actually can save you loads of time and money in some cases.
Cons of Van Travel
- Some vans can be quite cramped with limited space for luggage available. Well, actually almost all vans offer limited luggage space and if you have more than one bag, suitcase or backpack, it may be a good idea to buy a separate seat for your luggage – yes, you will pay double for your trip, alas
- It is worth checking if your van runs on schedule or leaves when full – in the latter case you may end up waiting too long as on several routes it can take quite a time for a van to fill up.
- You should know that van drivers are notorious for their speedy driving. Even the most reputable companies sometimes fail to persuade the drivers to respect the speed limits. Even if your van driver does not insist on it, always buckle your seatbelt while travelling by van
- If you easily get seasick and your trip includes winding stretches, chances to feel motion sickness are higher while travelling by van than by bus. Take your medicine half an hour before your trip to be on the safe side.
Family Service Stations
Vang Vieng Hotel TransferVang Vieng TransferIng Ing Mountain ViewVientiane TransferVientiane Hotel TransferVang Vieng Transfer4000 islandsVientiane TransferVientiane Southern Bus StationBan Lakkham River View
Family Service Company Reviews
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Nina MThe only good thing was the transfer from the hotel to the busstation. I got picked up on time and the guy brought me to the right bus. The bus from ride was bad. First of all the bus was completely full, not everyone had a real seat. The bus was suposed to start at 8am put it was 8.40am when we finally startet. The the bus stopped every five minutes, so we literally got nowhere. Suddenly the bus broke down so we stopped again for like an hour an I got no information about what was going on. We arrived in Luang Prabang 4 hours late and the busride was definitely way longer than 7 hours.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Sep 7, 2026
陈
陈晓雨 顺利从万象到达金边了，但是全程一共更换了8次车辆，其中巴色卧铺大巴下次处到巴色小汽车乘车点中间接驳的三轮车还额外收了我10万老挝基普。另外巴色小汽车的驾驶员刚开始并不认可我在网站上购买过车票，让我线下支付车费，我支付了，后面才退换给我，并完成了验票。
I arrived in Phnom Penh from Vientiane without incident, but I changed vehicles a total of 8 times. The first time, the sleeper bus in Pakse, and the rickshaw connecting to the Pakse minibus stop, charged me an extra 100,000 Lao Kip. Also, the driver of the Pakse minibus initially didn't recognize that I had purchased a ticket online and insisted I pay offline. After I paid, he refunded my ticket and verified it.
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Sep 3, 2026
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Ivan CThe van displayed on site is a little bit different , a lot different . It was a scrap van , imagine 2hrs with smell of diesel exhaust .
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Aug 22, 2026
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michael BWaiting too much between connexion between the boundary and the station. Condition where pour.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Aug 12, 2026
C H
CHRISTOPHER HGood service. On time. Driver did a great job - roads were bad!
Plastic covered bus seats are not great - sweaty to sit on for long periods.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Aug 12, 2026
P V
Paul VI am usually not too critical but this one wasn’t good. Booked a transfer from our airport hotel in Vientiane to Vang Vieng and were not picked up without any notice. After a call to the company running the service we were told our hotel was too far and we should report at another hotel for the next bus. Here we were picked up by a TukTuk who took us to a meetingpoint were we stuffed in a very hot bus, certainly not the minibus on the picture and departed 85 minutes late. Three hours after we were due to be picked up we passed our hotel (which was too far) enroute to Vang Vieng. Fortunately despite the temperature in the bus the rest of the trip was uneventful.
Not 12GoAsia to blame but Family Services which was running the service.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Aug 11, 2026
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Jules GThe organization was good and quite clear, they really take care of you, and you cannot loose yourself. The issue is they promise you to get you to Chiang Mai at 6:00 am and they give you bus ticket on which it's written that the bus arrives at 8:40... Just let know customers the real time so they can chose wisely their options! Also mentioning the bus company would be good -
The bus was really late (which is not their fault) and summed up in 4 hours delay which cancel my plans on arrival.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Aug 11, 2026
B R
Brandon RI thought the customer service from this company was great. They called day of to make sure I needed a ride to the pickup point. Every bit was smooth grabbed me from the hotel. They showed up at the bridge once I was done with immigration, and at every point made sure to tell me which bus plus where to get off. Amazing.
The ride on the other hand was terrible the seating was way too cramped, and an uncomfortable ride for more than a stop or two. However, the driver got us there safe and sound.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jul 18, 2026
E R
Emma RI would really recommend this company. The organisation was excellent. I feel like the staff at every point really cared and made sure we were all ok. Everyone had a lovely attitude. The only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5 was it would have been helpful to maybe have an itinerary or have pictures of where to wait or information about who was picking us up and where. It felt like we needed to have a lot of trust buttt! Everyone really did get us where we needed to be. I was wary because of experiences with other companies but I’d trust family service again.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jun 29, 2026
L B
Laura BI was picked up 2 hours late (since the driver did not come and get me, instead he picked up someone else even though I was ready) and piled into a 15 seater car with 18 people. I felt cramped and unsafe.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jun 8, 2026
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Grayson MSadly I was missed in hotel transfer pickup. When I messaged asking what time I would be picked up (20 minutes after specified pickup time), they responded that they are already on their way to the destination and asked if I was picked up. I said no.
They then said they were on their way back, and I was picked up, however that transport operator was not Family Service, so I am not quite sure what happened there...
End of the day I got to where I was going
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jun 7, 2026
J Z
Juergen ZWir haben einen Transfer von Vang Vieng nach Udon Thani gebucht in der Low Season. Pick up sehr pünktlich und Transfer zum Busbahnhof. Von dort fing es nach Vientiane zum HQ des Transporteurs Mit dem Taxi dann zu Busbahnhof und von dort mit dem Bus nach Udon Thani.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jun 6, 2026
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Jerrie SWe were picked up by a tuk-tuk and taken to a “bus station,” where a full bus was already waiting. Some extra chairs were placed in the middle of the bus for us to use. There was very little legroom, especially if you’re taller than 1.85m.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), May 17, 2026
J S
Jonathan SThey picked us up from our hotel and it was a comfortable trip.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), May 7, 2026
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Remy GIt was ok and on time but just for you to know, the bed is not that long, I'm 181cm and it bend a bit the knees. Also, there was no food and stops during the trip. There was small bottes of water.
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 22, 2026
K B
Kevin BWe'd heard horror stories about the sleeper bus, so we're expecting the worst, but in fact it was pretty good. The bus has two decks, an upper and a lower. Each deck has bunks down each side of the isle. Each bunk is low to the floor with a thin mattress about the size of a standard single bed, but they are sold for two people to a bunk, so you will have to get cosy with whoever you're sharing with.
It was, fairly comfortable and we did manage to sleep , so much so that I woke up to find the bus almost empty as most of the passengers had already got off.
The only issue was the inconsiderate passenger on the bunk opposite ours, who thought it OK to play annoying reels on her phone with the volume turned up at 03:20 in the morning.
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 22, 2026
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DAVID MPickup was punctual. Must people were ready at their respective hotels except a group of locals who had not finished breakfast so we had to wait 20 minutes. IMO the driver should not wait - if they're late it's their problem.
Then tanked up.
Then passed out hotel 1 hour after being picked up there
But when we finally got glon the highway to VV it was fast and smooth.
Just too much racing about back lanes in VTN.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 13, 2026
L L
Leo LMy trip from Laos to Vietnam was honestly one of the worst travel experiences I’ve had. To start with, they clearly oversold the journey because there weren’t enough seats for everyone. I ended up sitting on a plastic chair in the aisle for two hours, which was uncomfortable and felt completely unsafe.
What made things worse is that they force you to pay extra fees along the way, even though their website clearly states that you don’t have to. It felt misleading and dishonest, like they know exactly what they’re doing and just expect people to go along with it.
The conditions on board were terrible too. They would consciously turn the air conditioning off, leaving everyone sweating, and you have no control over things like the lights. You’re basically stuck in whatever environment they decide.
The driver didn’t help the situation either—he was extremely rude and rushed us at every point. His attitude was poor throughout the trip and he came across as unnecessarily aggressive and disrespectful.
To top it all off, when they stopped for a “toilet break,” there were no proper facilities—just a bush on the side of the road. Considering this is a 30-hour journey, the fact that there’s no toilet on board is ridiculous.
Overall, the entire experience felt poorly managed, uncomfortable, and unprofessional. I would strongly advise avoiding this service if you have any other option.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 10, 2026
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Tim VHad to sit on the floor half of the journey but at least was able to lay down in the aisle
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 10, 2026
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Alexandre Fold VAN overbooked ( 2 people were asked to leave and take the next one), not head rest, no airco, …
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 5, 2026
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RAZ LI paid for a Van and got a bus..
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 3, 2026
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Roger ECrowded, bags by seats, eisle fold down seats used, over half hour late leaving. Old van.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 1, 2026
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Tessa JIt smelled very, very strongly of pee the whole time on the bus, it was horrible
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 26, 2026
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Laetitia GBus was confortable
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 25, 2026
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Catherine LThe trip to Vientiane went well. The schedule was respected. It's really a shame that the tuk-tuk driver who picked me up at the hotel didn't help load our heavy luggage into the tuk-tuk. As I was the first person to get in, no one could help me, and it was very frustrating. Later, in the minivan, the driver took care of our luggage.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 20, 2026
M S
Maria SThe bed boxes are cramped - and shared - and space for hand luggage at a premium.
My journey was from Vientiane to Siem Reap - 25 hours and a border crossing. This bus only took us to Pakse, Laos. No information about the number of times we’d have to change the bus (5 buses in total).
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 19, 2026
M W
Marc WFast and efficient
taxi Standard 3pax, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 16, 2026
P B
Philippe BWe booked a van.we had first a tuk tuk, who was late. Then instead of a van, we had a bus. The personal was not so friendly.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 11, 2026
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Jann CVan was packed, luggage stored in the aisle, A/C did not work (30 degrees outside), no communication from the driver
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 11, 2026
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Luke AIt's a bit cramped if you're tall but was fine for one night. Arrived early which was nice. Lights go off pretty early which is annoying If you're not tired. No curtains for privacy either
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 25, 2026
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Lisette RIt was okay. It was a sleeper bus and not full at all, so that was quite comfortable. However, we chose the VIP bus because of the shorter time it takes than the regular bus, but it still took around 7-7,5 hours.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 24, 2026
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Guillaume LReplaced mini bus by bus and took more than 1 hour to depart
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 16, 2026
L N
Laura NJust keep attention, as you have to share beds (or buy 2 tickets for yourself!!)
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 15, 2026
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Christopher ROk. Bus broke down on route but was fixed in an hour
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 14, 2026
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Robert IA bit confusing at times, but it all worked and timing was fine.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 11, 2026
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Mina CNothing exceptional but to complain about
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 9, 2026
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Robert EI found the communication to be a series of pre-prepared responses, without addressing my expressed concerns. I find the uncertainty to be very disconcerting.
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 5, 2026
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Margriet BI 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!
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 4, 2026
R S
Remo SJust on time, old bus
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Feb 1, 2026
B E
Ben EDriver didn’t arrive on time ..called the number no one could speak English, got my accomodation host to call.. they said they were coming then didn’t arrive for anther hour (and after another phone call from my accommodation provider) they finally arrived.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 28, 2026
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Martha COverall 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.
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 26, 2026
G B
Giuseppina BWe areived one hour late, but the trip was good
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 24, 2026
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Davide MShared bed for a high price - power socket not working
Bus Sleeper, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 20, 2026
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Janine RWe didn’t get picked up in time then texted no response then called. They said it’s gone then we got on the next one and that worked out quite ok but really cozy haha
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 17, 2026
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Toasty DFast ride in a new van. Very nice
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 16, 2026
Д К
Дарья КIt was not a minivan that we paid for, but a big old bus
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 12, 2026
M G
Marc GOn Time
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 11, 2026
L Y
Lesia YWe booked a bus from Vientiane to Huay Xai and paid 3000 THB online. On the day of departure, when the transfer had already arrived, we were informed that there were no seats on the bus, despite the booking being confirmed and paid. We were offered an alternative route involving a train and an additional bus, with extra charges. The dates were initially booked incorrectly by the operator, and later we were forced to pay even more for a “first class” train ticket.
Upon arrival, we were told that the final bus was NOT included and had to pay again (500,000 LAK), which was never mentioned in advance. When we asked about the original 3000 THB payment, we received contradictory explanations.
This was misleading, stressful, and felt like deliberate overcharging.
I strongly do not recommend this operator
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 4, 2026
W S
Wakako Si had a feeling it would happen, and it did happen. i was waiting for 12 o'clock pick up and no one showed up. good thing was i had the local tour company phone number and i could use my phone to call. i needed to call 5 times till i could get the answer. they hung up in the middle of the conversation. i waited one hour, and yes they forgot to pick me up, that was the reason fo the delay
Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 3, 2026
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Charlotte LWe were left behind as immigration was taking a long time.
We were left with no internet and no idea how to get to our place!
Bus Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 3, 2026