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How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and often used as a hub to transfer to Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang or Pakse.
If you’re travelling the 650 km distance from Bangkok to Vientiane, you can choose from 3 options: you can take a 1-hour flight for $48 or you can save a few dollars on a train or bus for 11 to 12 hours.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Vientiane
Taking a flight from Bangkok to Vientiane is the fastest and easiest option. The flight takes just 1 hour and there will be no need to worry about the hassle of border-crossing.
However, travelling by train or bus is way cheaper and more sustainable. A train ride costs only $37.50 while a bus ride costs $45. If you travel at night, you also won’t lose valuable daytime and you can even save one night on accommodation.
Bangkok to Vientiane by Flight
In a hurry to get to Vientiane? Then you better book a flight. Flying from Bangkok to Vientiane can be quite cheap if you book in advance. However, ticket prices increase quickly closer to the travel date.
AirAsia and Lao Airlines offer the cheapest flights starting at 1,450 THB ($40.50) for a one-way trip. The flight takes a little over 1 hour.
Note that Lao Airlines flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport and AirAsia flights depart from Don Muang Airport. Make sure to check which airport your flight is departing from!
All flights land at Vientiane Airport, which is officially named Wattay International Airport. Read our article about how to go from and to Vientiane Airport to find the best way to get to the city centre.
Bangkok to Vientiane by Train
There are no trains from Bangkok that take you directly to Vientiane.
What you have to do is take a train to Nong Khai and then from there, take another train to Thanaleng, and then finally another transfer to the city centre. We break down the steps below.
Step 1: Bangkok to Thanaleng by Train + Train
Take the train SP25 which leaves Hua Lamphong Railway Station daily at 20:00 and arrives in Nong Khai at 6:25. The cost for a second class berth is 1,000 THB ($27.50). This train takes you to Nong Khai which is right near the border between Thailand and Laos.
Once you get off the train, head to a counter and buy train tickets to go to Thanaleng for 30 THB ($0.80). Then go to the immigration booth on Platform 1 and present your passport for the exit stamp. The next step is to board the train bound for Thanaleng at 7:30. This is only a 15-min train ride.
The perk of taking the train is you get to avoid the chaos at the immigration border where most of the travellers pass through to cross to Laos.
Step 2: Thanaleng to Vientiane by Bus/Van
Upon arrival at Thanaleng, head to the immigration booth to collect your arrival/departure card and duly fill this form. Hand in this document with your passport, a passport-size photo and the fee of 1,500 THB ($41.50) to window #1. Then wait to collect your passport.
As soon as you exit the train station, you’ll find endorsements for transfers going to Vientiane. They charge about 100 THB ($2.70) per person. However, there have been multiple cases wherein drivers ask you to pay more than what was agreed on when you arrive at your destination.
You can avoid this by pre-booking a transfer from the train station to the city centre. Just click the button below.
Bangkok to Vientiane by Bus
Taking the bus is also a good alternative to flying from Bangkok to Vientiane. Like the train, it will require some time to reach Vientiane, but can save you money if you are late with booking your flight.
Naga Travel offers one trip daily for 1,350 THB ($37.50). The bus departs from Mo Chit Bus Terminal at 20:00 and arrives at Vientiane Downtown Area at 8:00. We suggest booking your bus trip with them since they do provide good service and their buses are in good condition.
Transport Co. also offers one trip daily at 20:00. The cost of the bus ticket is a little cheaper than Naga Travel. Its bus also departs from Mo Chit Bus Terminal and arrives at Talat Sao in the city centre.
You can also book with Khao San Tara Tour, but its travel time is 19 hours. Its bus departs from Khao San and parks at Khua Din Bus Station near the city centre.
Bus schedule from Bangkok to Vientiane
If you want to travel with Transport Co., you can book a ticket online via 12go.asia.
Be informed that the buses make a stop at the immigration near the border. You have to present your travel documents and you have to pay the designated processing fee.
Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Mini S Hotel
Set just slightly outside of downtown Vientiane, this hotel offers peace, quiet and a great night’s rest. The hotel is new with clean modern furnishings and extremely comfortable beds. They offer an outdoor swimming pool and bicycle rentals. Breakfast is included daily with your stay. There is a shuttle that runs guests to and from the downtown area.
- New modern hotel
- Breakfast included
- Shuttle service
- Swimming pool
Private rooms start at $21 per night
Atlantic Vientiane Hotel
An excellent location in central Vientiane, just a 5-minute walk from the Mekong River, you will find numerous restaurants, shops, bars, and amenities nearby. The hotel is clean, comfortable and the rooms are very spacious. Each room comes with a TV and refrigerator as well as a private bathroom. Shuttle and laundry services are available upon request and a delicious breakfast is included daily with your stay.
- Great location
- Breakfast included
- Close to shops, restaurants, and sights
- Clean and spacious rooms
Private rooms start at $26 per night
Champa Boutique Hotel
Located in the heart of Vientiane, this hotel is the perfect location. It is within walking distance to many sights, the night market, the Mekong River, and countless restaurants, shops, and amenities. There is an outdoor pool situated in a lovely garden setting which is a great place to cool off after exploring the city. Breakfast is included daily. The rooms are clean and the beds are very comfortable.
- Ideal location
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- Clean and comfortable
Private rooms start at $44 per night
Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Patuxay Place - Budget Friendly
Patuxay Place is great value for money. The rooms are spacious, modern and decorated to a high standard. The hotel has thought of every detail, including free drinking water on every floor of the hotel.
The staff want to make sure you have the best stay possible, offering a helping hand whenever you need it. They’re full of recommendations too! The hotel is situated in a great location in Vientiane.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Free drinking water
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Private rooms start from $29 per night.
S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel - Mid Range
This hotel is beautiful! S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel boasts a modern and simple decor with pops of colour. Every corner of this hotel is aesthetic. There’s also an outdoor swimming pool, onsite gym and delicious restaurant. There’s even a barista.
It’s good to know that it isn’t located directly in the city centre, so you’ll need to grab a taxi to visit popular attractions. Don’t worry though, the friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to help you get somewhere.
- Beautiful hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Delicious restaurant
King rooms start from $39 per night.
Eastin Hotel Vientiane - Treating Yourself
If you want to splash the cash a little, Eastin Hotel is the place to do it. Overlooking the Mekong River, it’s hard to find a better view to wake up to. The hotel was built recently meaning that everything is fresh, clean and very modern.
The hotel is located 10 minutes outside of the city, but there’s a courtesy car to take you there and back. The service here will make your stay an unforgettable one.
- Stunning river views
- Modern and clean hotel
- Recently built
- Courtesy car to city centre
Private rooms start from $66 per night.
Routes from Vientiane
Most popular routes in Laos
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
