Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Vientiane
Vang Vieng
Tue, Jun 2
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2 Passengers
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Vientiane to Vang Vieng Destination Reviews

JG
Jake G
Pick up was early, aircon, good seats for the 1h 40m journey we did and we also arrived early to our drop off. Would use again
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train #D88 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), May 30, 2026
MD
Milan D
Terrible operator. We booked a transfer and specifically asked to be picked up at the airport. Then uppon arrival were told they do not go near to the airoprt and had to take a last minute taxi to their office in the city center. We were then delayed roughly an hour "waiting for more people". All of these people then did not fit in the original vehicle and we were downgraded to an old crappy bus. Finally once we set off, we passed litteraly right in front of the airport, maybe 50 meters from where we had taken the taxi. Uppon arrival we were not dropped off anywhere near the city center and had to walk / take a ride from the already waiting tuktuk drivers. Would rate 0 stars if possible.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), May 28, 2026
MG
Mitchell G
Four times the actual cost of buying tickets at the station.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train #D88 Second Class Seat, China Railway (中国铁路), Apr 25, 2026
DM
David M
Pickup 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.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Standard, Family Service (Family Service), Apr 13, 2026
AO
Alelie O
Excellent. Vientiene to Viang viene. on time, driver was nice
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Minivan, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Apr 4, 2026
CC
Consuelo C
He didn’t take me to the drop off choose
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Minivan, Yortdoy Travel (ยอดดอย ทราเวล), Mar 10, 2026
LF
Luise F
To late. Minivan changed into a Bus. Bus needed even more time.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Van Minivan + Bus, Buasai Travel, Mar 8, 2026
SA
Simon A
Comfortable train. 20 minutes late on 45 minute journey. The wonder of high speed rail.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng, Train Second Class Seat, Laos Railway by Family Service, Mar 6, 2026
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
4.4
622 customer reviews
5
57%
4
22%
3
14%
2
7%
1
0%

Vientiane to Vang Vieng Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
RG Adventure
SUV 4pax
Any time
+2h
$65.39
  4.7
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:00
09:16
$14.93
Train
Laos Railway by Family Service
Second Class Seat
06:30
08:52
$14.93
Van
RG Adventure
Van
07:00
11:00
$6.54
  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
$18.15
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
08:00
08:52
$17.02
  4.8
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Hard Seat
08:25
09:44
$11.77
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
$15.17
  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
$17.54
  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
$23.93
Train
Laos Railway by RG Adventure
Taxi + First class train + Taxi
12:30
15:00
$23.93
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
13:00
14:02
$15.17
  4.8
Van
Family Service
Taxi + Minivan
13:30
16:00
$6.71
  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
$23.93
  5.0
Train
Laos Railway by Naluang
Second Class Reserved Seats
15:55
17:02
$15.17
  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 199.65. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as USD 14.11.

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 14.11 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 199.65.

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

  • taxi+Van price: USD 7.92. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:30 Vientiane Hotel Transfer until 13:30 Vientiane Hotel Transfer
  • Train tickets - USD 14.11 to USD 40.62;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 15.44. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:00 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • Bus tickets - USD 17.38 to USD 17.38;
  • Train+Van price: USD 17.46 - USD 26.59. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 14:00 Vientiane Transfer
  • Bus+Train price: USD 18.36 - USD 24.64. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 06:30 Vientiane Transfer until 13:30 Vientiane Transfer
  • Van price : USD 19.98;
  • taxi+Train price: USD 24.46 - USD 41.91. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 12:05 Vientiane Transfer
  • Bus+Van price: USD 25.45. From Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 08:00 Vientiane Transfer until 08:00 Vientiane Transfer

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 110.99 to USD 199.65.

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 38 trains per day.
  • 10 by taxi+Train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng starting from 07:08 Vientiane Transfer until 12:05 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 110.99.

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
  • 28% users enjoyed a train ride.
  • 11% decided to catch a taxi.
  • 9% chosen taxi+Train
  • 5% decided to go for a bus.
  • 5% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 5% opted for a van.
  • 4% chosen Train+Van
  • 3% chosen Bus+Train
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Facts about the transport from Vientiane to Vang Vieng

Cheapest Transport$8
Fastest Transport52m
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure3:40 PM
Departures per day61
Distance44 kilometers
Transport CompaniesAdisorn Thai Laos Transfer, Chanthachone Transportation, Family Service, Glassflower, Lao Vangvieng Travel, Laos China Railways, Laos Railway by Family Service, Laos Railway by Naluang, Laos Railway by RG Adventure, RG Adventure, Sarah Transport Laos, Vientiane Travel