Laos

How to get from Pakse to Vientiane

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 670 kilometers (416 miles) from Pakse to Vientiane. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel WriterLast updated: November 27, 2024

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Why visit 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.

What are the 2 ways to travel from Pakse to Vientiane?

There are 2 ways to travel the 670 kilometers (416 miles) from Pakse to Vientiane. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 15 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $19.10 (416,000 LAK).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

10-15h

From $19.10 (416,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Flight

1h 30m

From $64 (1,394,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

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.

Pakse to Vientiane by Bus

Duration: 10-15h

Costs: $19.10 (416,000 LAK)

Duration: 10-15h

Costs: $19.10 (416,000 LAK)

If you opt for a bus, sleeper buses are the best option for going from Pakse to Vientiane. Travelling 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.

Soutchai Travel, Chanthachone Transportation, KriangKai Transport, Green Paradise Travel and RG Adventure offer good options for travelling through this route. Naga Travel used to operate on this route, but they have stopped operations.

Bus schedules from Pakse to Vientiane

Chitpasong Bus Station

Sleeping

Vientiane Southern Bus Terminal

18:00

15h

09:00

Soutchai Travel

$19.10 (416,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Chanthachone Transportation - Pakse

Sleeping

Vientiane Southern Bus Station

20:00

10h

06:00

Chanthachone Transportation

$22 (481,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Pakse

Sleeping

Vientiane Southern Bus Station

20:00

14h

10:00

KriangKai Transport

$25.50 (555,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Green Paradise Tour and Travel Pakse office

Sleeping

Vientiane Southern Bus Terminal

20:00

10h

06:00

Green Paradise Travel

$28.50 (616,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Pakse SCL Bus Station

Sleeping

Vientiane Southern Bus Station

19:00

15h

10:00

RG Adventure

$32.50 (708,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Soutchai Travel

Departs from Chitpasong Bus Station within Pakse city centre
Arrives at Vientiane Southern Bus Station

Soutchai Travel generally provides good service despite the occasional complaints of drivers driving too fast and departing late.

Chanthachone Transportation

Departs from Chitpasong Bus Station within Pakse city centre
Arrives at Vientiane Southern Bus Station

For this particular operator, you’ll need to swap your Bookaway voucher for a physical ticket directly from the supplier. Look for counters 21-22 in Pakse’s bus station.

Want a more convenient pick-up? Chanthachone Transportation offers pick-up directly from your hotel in Pakse’s city center, though there might be an additional charge. If this interests you, it is important to add your hotel details during checkout. Keep in mind that pick-up typically occurs 2 hours before the scheduled bus departure time.

Green Paradise Travel

Departs from Green Paradise Pakse
Arrives at the Soutchai Vientiane Office in the city centre

Green Paradise Travel has only one departure per day at 20:00.

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

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: $64 (1,394,000 LAK)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: $64 (1,394,000 LAK)

From Pakse city centre, you’ll need to catch a taxi to the airport. This journey should cost about $7 (152,000 LAK), and it takes about 15 minutes to the airport.

A one-way plane ticket to Vientiane starts at $64 (1,394,000 LAK). 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 start at $135 (2,897,000 LAK). To check the schedule and book your flights, click the button below.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse to Vientiane

What is the distance from Pakse to Vientiane?

The distance from Pakse to Vientiane is 670 kilometers (416 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane?

The fastest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane is by flight and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane?

The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from $19.10 (416,000 LAK).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pakse 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!

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About the author(s)

Maarten

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

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.