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How to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Pakse is a small city in Southern Laos located near the border with Thailand and Cambodia. As far as cities go, the vibe in this city is pretty chill. With its relaxing atmosphere, friendly locals, cheap restaurants, and several massage clinics, Pakse is the ideal spot for travellers to take a few days to relax before heading off to other Southeast Asian countries.
Situated halfway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang is Vang Vieng, a backpacker hotspot well known for river-tubing. If you are into outdoor adventure, there are tons to do here: explore the caves, go kayaking, climb a mountain, or drive an ATV. When you want to relax, take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon.
2 ways to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng
The fastest way to travel the 780 km journey from Pakse to Vang Vieng is by booking a flight from Pakse to Vientiane (1 hour, 15 minutes) and continuing by bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (4 hours). Another option is by bus from Pakse to Vientiane and then another bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng (16 hours).
Itinerary from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Pakse to Vang Vieng by Bus
Vang Vieng is not only for party people who want to get drunk, tubing the river. This scenic town is surrounded by a great landscape of limestone rocks and has several viewpoints and caves to visit
To get from Pakse to Vang Vieng by land, the only option is to travel to Vientiane first before heading to Vang Vieng.
Bus schedules from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Naga Travel + Soutchai Travel
- Naga Travel departs from Naga Travel Pakse Office near Alisa Guesthouse and arrives at Vientiane Southern Bus Station
- Soutchai Travel departs from Soutchai Travel Office and arrives at the city centre
Champasak Bus + Malany Bus
- Champasak Bus departs from 13 Street crossing 24 Street, Pakse and arrives at Vientiane Southern Bus Station
- Malany Bus departs from Phanthavong Tour Office and arrives at Malany villa 1, Savang Village, Vang Vieng
Kriangkai Transport + Soutchai Travel
- Kriangkai Transport departs from No.11 Road and arrives at
- Vientiane Southern Bus Station
- Soutchai Travel departs from Soutchai Travel Office and arrives at city centre
Pakse to Vang Vieng via Vientiane by Flight
Step 1: Pakse to Vientiane by Flight
From the city centre, you need to hire a taxi to get to the airport. The taxi ride costs $7.
Lao Airlines offers the fastest and cheapest flight straight to Vientiane. A one-way plane ticket to Vientiane starts at $95 and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. For more information about booking your flight, read our article on how to go from Pakse to Vientiane.
Step 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Bus
It takes about 4 hours to go from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. You can either book a bus or ride a van for this route. However, we prefer taking the bus because it has more legroom. Expect to pay about $6 for a bus ticket.
The first trip departs at 9:00 and the last trip departs Vientiane at 14:00. Make sure that your flight from Pake to Vientiane is scheduled accordingly so you can travel on the same day. Read Vientiane to Vang Vieng to know more.
Our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng
Sunset Nam Ngum Tented Resort
This resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and rustic. The tented accommodations are absolutely top of the line, offering private balconies off the tents overlooking the river and modern, comfortable furnishings. This is not like any camping you’ve done before! Within the resort, you’ll find a bar, garden, and restaurant for your convenience and enjoyment. Breakfast is included daily with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Private, modern tents with great views
- Good location along the river
- Bar and restaurant on-site
Private rooms start at $15 per night
Jasmine Vang Vieng Hotel
Excellent location, just 300 meters from the Post office in central Vang Vieng and within walking distance of many sights, restaurants, shops, and amenities. This hotel offers a restaurant, bar, free private parking, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Many rooms offer a private terrace with excellent city views. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Breakfast included daily with your stay.
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant and bar
- Ideal location
Private rooms start at $31 per night
Vang Vieng Victory Hotel
Situated in central Vang Vieng, this hotel is just 400 meters from the post office and a short walk to all amenities, shops, restaurants, and many sights. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a garden area, and a sun terrace for guests’ enjoyment. You can rent bicycles or cars from the hotel and they offer a currency exchange on-site. Breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- Bar, garden, and terrace
- Excellent location
Private rooms start at $38
More routes to Vang Vieng
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About the author(s)
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.
