What to expect when visiting Vientiane
Vientiane is Laos’ fascinating capital city sitting on the banks of the Mekong River. A former French trading post, the city has kept many of its historical influences and original architecture undamaged.
True, there is not much to do in this sleepy city — and that’s exactly what sets Vientiane apart from other capital cities in Southeast Asia. It is a hub for temples, markets, spas and cafes. Our favourite spot is the riverside, where you can relax with a cold Beer Lao and just watch the sunset over the Mekong.
4 ways to get from Bangkok to Vientiane
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 650 kilometers (404 miles) from Bangkok to Vientiane by bus (15 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours), train (11 hours 30 minutes), flight (1 hour 10 minutes) and train + van (11 hours). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 10 minutes to 19 hours and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from $10.10 (222,000 LAK) for the train.Where to stay in Vientiane?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Vientiane at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok to Vientiane by Train
A direct train from Bangkok to Vientiane started operating in July 2024. The journey is long, lasting about 11 hours 30 minutes, but it runs overnight, allowing you to rest during the trip.
There are several seating options from 3rd class fan seats to first-class beds, with prices starting at $10.10 (222,000 LAK).
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, some 9 km north of the tourist centre.
The arrival point in Vientiane is at the newly-built Vientiane Railway Station in Khamsavath, 6 km from the city centre.
Train options from Bangkok to Vientiane
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.
Transport Co. offers one trip daily at 20:00. The cost of the bus ticket is 986 THB ($30). Its bus 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. For Khao San Tara, you can book through BookAway.
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.
Bangkok to Vientiane by Train + Van
If you don’t want to sit on the same train for 12 hours straight, you have the option to take a combined train and bus from Bangkok to Vientiane. Prices start at 1,130 THB ($34), and the journey takes around 11 hours.
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 ($30). 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 ($0.90). 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 that 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 ($45) 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 ($3) 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 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 ($44) for a one-way trip. The flight takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Best 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Vientiane
What is the distance from Bangkok to Vientiane?
The distance from Bangkok to Vientiane is 650 kilometers (404 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Vientiane is by flight and takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Vientiane is by train with ticket costs starting from $10.10 (222,000 LAK).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Vientiane. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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.
