Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng
Vientiane
Mon, May 25
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Destination Reviews

JS
Jerrie S
We 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.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), May 17, 2026
OA
Ori A
Pickup was 25 minutes late. Arrival at destination was 70 minutes later than stated, causing me to nearly miss an important meeting. Completely unreliable.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan + Bus, Buasai Travel, Apr 21, 2026
AF
Alexandre F
old VAN overbooked ( 2 people were asked to leave and take the next one), not head rest, no airco, …
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 5, 2026
RL
Raz L
I paid for a Van and got a bus..
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 3, 2026
RE
Roger E
Crowded, bags by seats, eisle fold down seats used, over half hour late leaving. Old van.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 1, 2026
LG
Laetitia G
Bus was confortable
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 25, 2026
AS
Anne S
Information was clear. Tour operator office was easy to find, there was a waiting area, toilet, and the woman running it spoke good English. Left and arrived on time. The minivan was comfortable enough, although not a lot of leg room. One toilet stop just before arriving in Vientiane.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Mar 22, 2026
RE
Roger E
On time, smooth road, good trip, in town to in tow n.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Minivan, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Mar 22, 2026
CL
Catherine L
The 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.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Mar 20, 2026
PK
Pawanrat K
.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train #K11 Hard Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Mar 19, 2026
4.4
472 customer reviews
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+2h
$65.33
  5.0
Van
Exploring Laos
Private Minivan 13pax
06:00
08:30
$72.00
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
08:00
10:00
$6.50
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
08:30
10:30
$6.00
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
09:00
11:00
$6.70
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
09:20
11:20
$5.52
  4.0
Train
Laos Group Tour
First Class
09:50
10:50
$22.00
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
11:00
13:00
$6.50
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
11:30
13:30
$6.00
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
12:00
14:00
$6.70
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
12:20
14:20
$5.52
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Second Class
12:50
14:56
$14.37
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
$13.07
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:30
16:34
$25.45
Van
RG Adventure
Van
15:00
19:00
$13.82
  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
$20.78
  4.8
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
16:20
18:20
$5.52
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Soft Sleeper Class
17:00
19:17
$19.60

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.

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 Bus 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 200.22. 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 10.81.

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 15 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 10.81 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 200.22.

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

  • Bus+Van price: USD 10.81 - USD 15.02. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:30 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Train tickets - USD 11.25 to USD 32.63;
  • Van price : USD 13.08 - USD 90.10;
  • Bus tickets - USD 14.02 to USD 19.90;
  • Train+Van price: USD 15.41 - USD 24.41. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 20:07 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • taxi+Van price: USD 17.36. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 14:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 23.23. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • taxi+Train price: USD 28.94 - USD 41.40. 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 31.16 to USD 200.22.

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 17 departures a day.
  • 9 by taxi+Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 13:49 Vang Vieng Railway Station until 20:16 Vang Vieng Railway Station
  • 7 by Bus+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:30 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Buses start plying the route from 09:00 - you can also take a bus as late as 15:45. There are 5 available bus trips every day.
  • 4 by taxi+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 14:00 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 31.16.

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:

Transportation from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Facts about the transport from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Cheapest Transport$11
Fastest Transport52m
Earliest Departure6:00 AM
Latest Departure8:16 PM
Departures per day65
Distance44 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAdisorn Thai Laos Transfer, Buasai Travel, Chanthachone Transportation, Exploring Laos, Family Service, Glassflower, Laos China Railways, Laos Easy Go Travel, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, Naluang, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Soutchai Travel, Vientiane Travel