Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng
Vientiane
Sat, Aug 2
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Destination Reviews

VK
Very good impressions from the trip from Vang Vieng. The car left on time and arrived in Vientiane even half an hour earlier. Fast, comfortable and not too expensive.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Jul 25, 2025
NN
The bus was one hour to late, a bith risky to get our flight…
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Bus Tourist AC, Soutchai Travel (ບໍລິສັດ ສຸດໃຈທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຈໍາກັດຜູ້ດຽວ), Jul 22, 2025
CS
Awful seat, terrible driving, but on time
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jul 11, 2025
MH
We were picked up in a tuktuk and not van, which we thought we were going to drive the whole way. Luckily we were transferred to a mini-bus (still not looking like the van in the picture of the ticket at all). We departed 1.5 hours after planned departure and multiple people were very stressed about reaching their flight. It is worth noting that we were at the airport only 30 minutes later than planned so it was okay in the end, but it was just full of stress.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jun 26, 2025
WC
Firstly they said pickup was 1 o’clock however I didn’t get picked up until 2:15. They didn’t drop me off at the location it said. Instead I had to pay for a tuk tuk to take me there. Driver was very rude and not helpful even when I used google translate to make him understand better
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Bus Tourist AC, Soutchai Travel (ບໍລິສັດ ສຸດໃຈທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຈໍາກັດຜູ້ດຽວ), Jun 15, 2025
AW
worked perfectly. had to go pick the ticket up myself but that wasn’t an issue
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train #D887 Second Class Reserved Seats, Laos Railway by Naluang (Laos Railway by Naluang), Jun 4, 2025
T
The car was nice, it was on time, and would have been a goos trip, BUT - the aircon was so poor i was on the verge of fainting. Mind you i do have medical issues that cause intolerance to prolonged heat, and it didn't seem like a problem for others, but AC is why I chose the van instead of the Lao train, which was very poorly airconed too. I would not dare again for this reason.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), May 20, 2025
AL
-Over crammed vehicle which barely fit all passengers luggage. So crammed that you’re wedged in shoulder to shoulder with the passenger next to you. -Vehichle was extremely dated, no air conditioning. -Pick up service was late. Would not use again.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan, Exploring Laos, May 18, 2025
MJ
The info say we depart at 8:30 and we finally departure 9:45, 1 hour and 15 minutes later that the info says. So, i will arrive une our late. I didn't understand why we have to wait one hour in the bus if the departure time said 8:30
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan + Bus, Buasai Travel, May 6, 2025
TN
i’d rather fly any day
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train #C97 First Class Seat, Laos Railway by RG Adventure (RG Adventure ), Apr 24, 2025
4.4
229 customer reviews
5
44%
4
28%
3
12%
2
16%
1
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+2h
$65.02
  5.0
Van
Exploring Laos
Private Minivan 13pax
06:00
08:30
$72.00
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class Seat
07:20
08:20
$14.50
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
08:00
10:00
$6.50
  2.0
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
08:30
10:30
$6.00
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
09:00
11:00
$6.67
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
09:20
11:20
$5.52
  4.1
Train
Laos Group Tour
Second Class Seat
09:45
10:45
$14.50
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Second Class
10:30
13:20
$19.51
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
11:00
13:00
$6.50
  2.0
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
11:30
13:30
$6.00
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
12:00
14:00
$6.67
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
12:20
14:20
$5.52
  4.1
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Second Class
12:50
14:56
$14.30
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
13:30
15:30
$6.00
  3.3
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
13:46
14:56
$13.00
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:30
16:34
$25.33
Van
RG Adventure
Van
15:00
19:00
$13.76
  2.0
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
15:30
17:30
$6.00
  3.3
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
15:52
16:44
$20.68
  4.8

Is Vang Vieng to Vientiane road safe at night?

Traveling from Vang Vieng to Vientiane by road is generally safe, but certain precautions are advisable, especially at night. The road conditions have improved significantly, but visibility can be limited due to minimal street lighting.

It is recommended to use reputable bus or minivan services, which typically cost around 60,000 to 100,000 LAK ($3 to $5). These services are more reliable and have experienced drivers familiar with the route. Avoid self-driving at night if unfamiliar with local traffic norms. Keep valuables secure, and inform someone of your travel plans.

How do people get around in Vientiane?

Public transportation in Vientiane is limited, so most visitors use tuk-tuks or taxis for short distances. Tuk-tuk fares vary, typically around 20,000-30,000 LAK ($1.20-$1.80) for a short ride. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Taxis are less common but can be booked through hotels or ride-hailing apps like Loca.

For more independence, renting a bicycle or motorbike is popular. Bicycle rental costs about 20,000 LAK ($1.20) per day, while motorbikes cost around 100,000 LAK ($6) per day. Always wear a helmet and be cautious of traffic.

Walking is also feasible for exploring the city center, as many attractions are close to each other. Be aware of uneven sidewalks and traffic when walking.

Is Vientiane rich in culture?

Vientiane offers a variety of cultural experiences. The city is home to several significant temples, such as Pha That Luang, an important Buddhist stupa, and Wat Si Saket, known for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images. The Patuxai, a war monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe, provides insight into the city's historical influences.

For local customs, visitors should dress modestly when visiting religious sites and remove shoes before entering. Traditional Lao cuisine, including dishes like larb and sticky rice, can be enjoyed at local eateries and night markets. Transportation options include tuk-tuks and rental bicycles, with fares typically around 20,000 LAK ($1) for short distances.

Tap water is not considered safe to drink, so it is advisable to use bottled water. Visitors should respect local customs and traditions to ensure a positive experience.

Transportation from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Facts about the transport from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport52m
Earliest Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure8:33 PM
Departures per day63
Distance44 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAdisorn Thai Laos Transfer, Buasai Travel, Chanthachone Transportation, Exploring Laos, Family Service, Glassflower, Laos Fast Train, Laos Group Tour, Laos Luxury Travel, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, Naluang, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos

How to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

When you want to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, 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 Van 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 198.73. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus+van as a bus+van ticket costs as low as USD 7.19.

How far is Vang Vieng from Vientiane?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. 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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane?

The travel time from Vang Vieng to Vientiane can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 1 to 6 hours.

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

The cost of the trip from Vang Vieng to Vientiane varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Buasai Travel: travelling by bus+van expect to pay as low as USD 7.19 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 198.73.

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

  • Bus+Van price: USD 7.19. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:30 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Van price : USD 7.99 - USD 89.89;
  • Bus tickets - USD 11.99 to USD 12.67;
  • Train tickets - USD 14.98 to USD 35.37;
  • Train+Van price: USD 18.71 - USD 25.25. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 19:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • taxi+Van price: USD 20.25. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 23.40. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • taxi+Train price: USD 24.36 - USD 34.86. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 13:49 Vang Vieng Railway Station until 20:16 Vang Vieng Railway Station

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 26.24 to USD 198.73.

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

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

  • Vans from Vang Vieng to Vientiane depart during the day - there are approximately 25 departures a day.
  • 7 by taxi+Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 13:49 Vang Vieng Railway Station until 20:16 Vang Vieng Railway Station
  • 5 by taxi+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Buses start plying the route from 08:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 14:00. There are 4 available bus trips every day.
  • 4 by Bus+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:30 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Vang Vieng to Vientiane any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane 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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane. 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 26.24.

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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane. 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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane.

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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane? 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:

  • 32% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 27% opted for a van.
  • 23% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 8% chosen taxi+Train
  • 3% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 3% chosen taxi+Van
  • 2% decided to go for a bus.
  • 1% Other