Pakse to Vientiane
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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.
2 ways to get from Pakse to Vientiane
There are two ways to travel the distance of 670 km (416 miles) from Pakse to Vientiane: by bus (9h 45m - 12h) and flight (1.5 hours). The journey takes between 1h 30m - 12h and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 540,000 LAK ($26) for the bus.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
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 and Naga 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 145,000 LAK ($7), and it takes about 15 minutes to the airport.
A one-way plane ticket to Vientiane starts at 1,329,000 LAK ($64). 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 2,762,000 LAK ($135). To check the schedule and book your flights, click the button below.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pakse to Vientiane
What is the distance from Pakse to Vientiane?
The distance from Pakse to Vientiane is 670 km (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 1.5 hours.
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 540,000 LAK ($26).
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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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.
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