Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng
Vientiane
Wed, Feb 4
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Destination Reviews

ML
So badly managed by 12GoAsia. Tickets were verified about 2 hours before train departure, and others wouldn't even have their tickets confirmed. Customer service was horrible
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 31, 2026
HB
My pick up didn’t arrive. I called an hour past pick up and was told the driver came but didn’t see me - I’d been sat in reception the whole time like the ticket requested. I was told the next pick up was in an hour so they would come then. The exact same thing happened and the exact same reason was given, that the driver came but I wasn’t there despite the fact I hadn’t moved from reception in 3 hours waiting for them. The woman/women I spoke to on the helpline were dismissive, hung up on me and were clearly annoyed that I was having to keep calling back. I was finally picked up 3.5 hours after I was told to be ready - only because I decided to go and wait on the main road so that there was no excuse that the driver ‘didn’t see me’. I was then taken to a weird holding room at a gas station and told that the pick up would be in 30 mins. An hour later the pick up arrived. No communication about where we were actually being dropped off and a couple of stops were made along the way so it was very confusing who was meant to be getting off when. What was advertised as a 12pm-2pm journey ended up with me waiting for 3.5 hours and from being picked up outside my hostel it was then 3 hours, so I didn’t arrive in Vientiane until 6pm. Just really really poor service.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 31, 2026
AR
The tickets were only booked when I had to enquire about it and hence a later train can only be booked. The expectation is the tickets should be booked whenever the booking window opens,
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Group Tour, Jan 29, 2026
CN
Was such an easy process
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train #C91 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Jan 29, 2026
BE
Driver 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.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 28, 2026
P
Not seated with partner verything went to plan.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train First Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 23, 2026
KS
Everything was smooth and easy
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 21, 2026
J
Everything went okay thank you
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Jan 19, 2026
JR
We 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
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Jan 17, 2026
LK
Everything well organised
Vang Vieng to Vientiane, Train #C91 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Jan 17, 2026
4.4
385 customer reviews
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49%
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Vang Vieng to Vientiane Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+2h
€56.80
  5.0
Van
Exploring Laos
Private Minivan 13pax
06:00
08:30
€60.74
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
08:00
10:00
€5.48
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
08:30
10:30
€5.06
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
09:00
11:00
€5.83
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
09:20
11:20
€4.66
  4.0
Train
Laos Group Tour
First Class
09:50
10:50
€18.56
Bus
Soutchai Travel
Tourist AC
11:00
13:00
€5.48
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
11:30
13:30
€5.06
  3.3
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
12:00
14:00
€5.83
  4.1
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
12:20
14:20
€4.66
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Second Class
12:50
14:56
€12.50
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
13:30
15:30
€5.06
  3.3
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
13:46
14:56
€11.36
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Second Class Seat
14:30
16:34
€22.13
Van
RG Adventure
Van
15:00
19:00
€12.02
  2.0
Van
Buasai Travel
Minivan + Bus
15:30
17:30
€5.06
  3.3
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
15:52
16:44
€18.07
  4.8
Van
Laos Luxury Travel
Minivan
16:20
18:20
€4.66
  4.0
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Truck Taxi + Soft Sleeper Class
17:00
19:17
€17.04

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 Taxi+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 EUR 171.49. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as EUR 7.99.

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 4 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 Laos China Railways (Guangdong Piaoduoduo): travelling by train expect to pay as low as EUR 7.99 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 EUR 171.49.

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

  • Train tickets - EUR 7.99 to EUR 23.61;
  • Bus+Van price: EUR 10.13. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 13:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Bus tickets - EUR 11.00 to EUR 11.00;
  • Train+Van price: EUR 15.71 - EUR 21.22. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 20:24 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • taxi+Train price: EUR 16.17 - EUR 30.08. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 20:16 Vang Vieng Railway Station
  • Van price : EUR 17.47;
  • taxi+Van price: EUR 17.63. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 09:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 15:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Bus+taxi price: EUR 20.40. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 10:00 Vang Vieng Transfer

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from EUR 22.64 to EUR 171.49.

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

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

  • Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 41 trains per day.
  • 17 by taxi+Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 20:16 Vang Vieng Railway Station
  • 6 by Train+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 12:30 Vang Vieng Transfer until 20:24 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • 3 by Bus+Van from Vang Vieng to Vientiane starting from 08:00 Vang Vieng Transfer until 13:00 Vang Vieng Transfer
  • Vans from Vang Vieng to Vientiane 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 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 EUR 22.64.

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:

  • 44% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 31% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 9% chosen taxi+Train
  • 5% chosen Bus+Van
  • 3% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 3% chosen taxi+Van
  • 2% chosen Train+Van
  • 2% opted for a van.
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Facts about the transport from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Cheapest Transport€8
Fastest Transport52m
Earliest Departure8:00 AM
Latest Departure8:24 PM
Departures per day87
Distance44 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAdisorn Thai Laos Transfer, Chanthachone Transportation, Family Service, Glassflower, Laos China Railways, Laos Group Tour, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Soutchai Travel, Vientiane Travel