Overview Compare Bus Flight To Stay
How to get from Pakse to Vientiane
Pakse is the capital of Champasak province and a city in Southern Laos. Its name means mouth of the river as it is situated right next to Mekong and Xe Don rivers. Most backpackers use Pakse as a transit hub before heading off to different places such as Bolaven Plateau and 4000 islands. However, it is more than just a jumping-off point; Pakse is charming and serene, and if you want to enjoy laid back Lao culture, then it is the ideal place.
Vientiane is Laos’ fascinating capital situated on the banks of the Mekong River. It used to be a French trading post and many of the city’s historical influences has kept its original architecture undamaged. At present, Vientiane is a hub for temples, markets, spas and cafes. One of the best things to do here is walk along the riverside, relax with a cold Beer Lao and witness the sunset over the Mekong.
2 ways to get from Pakse to Vientiane
There are 2 options to travel the 670 km journey from Pakse to Vientiane: by bus and by flight. Taking a bus is cheaper as it costs at least $26 compared to taking a flight which will cost you at least $57. However, a flight to Vientiane takes just under 2 hours while the bus takes between 9-12 hours.
Itinerary from Pakse to Vientiane
Pakse to Vientiane by Bus
If you opt for a bus, sleeper buses are the best option for going from Pakse to Vientiane. Traveling at night allows you to cross this distance while being asleep. However, overnight trips are less safe than day trips as roads are not well lit in Laos.
Naga Travel and Soutchai Travel offer good options for travelling through this route. See below their schedules.
Bus schedules from Pakse to Vientiane
Naga Travel
- Departs from Lankham Hotel in the city centre
- Arrives at Haysoke Guesthouse in the city centre
Naga Travel generally has higher fares, but their buses are big and clean. One disadvantage of their schedule is the late departures and arrivals.
Soutchai Travel
- Departs from Chitpasong Bus Station within Pakse city centre
- Arrives at the Soutchai Vientiane Office in the city centre
Soutchai Travel generally provides good service despite the occasional complaints of drivers driving too fast and departing late.
Note: Flatbeds are meant to fit two people, so if you are not a fan of sharing the space with a stranger, you can always book two tickets for the trip. Otherwise, prepare to make a new friend.
Pakse to Vientiane by Flight
From Pakse city centre, you’ll need to catch a taxi to the airport. This journey should cost about $7, and it takes about 15 minutes to the airport.
A one-way plane ticket to Vientiane starts at $57. Lao Skyway offers the cheapest fares, and they operate 1 flight per day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. The plane departs Pakse at 17:15 and will arrive in Vientiane at 18:30. You can check the latest flight schedules of Lao Skyway through their website.
Lao Airlines offers more flights but they are more expensive and usually starts at $133. To check the schedule and book your flights, click the button below.
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
More routes to Vientiane
More routes from Pakse
Most popular routes in Laos
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.
