Laos

How to get from Vang Vieng to Pakse

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 780 kilometres (485 miles) from Vang Vieng to Pakse. 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 Writer

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Why visit Pakse?

Pakse is a transport hub and gateway to southern Laos. Its strategic location, comfortable accommodations and tour offerings make it a convenient basecamp for travellers visiting the nearby Bolaven Plateau and Wat Phu.

Admittedly, there is not much to do in this riverside town. But if you’re looking for a relaxing yet strategic place to take some time off, then your best choice in the south is Pakse. Walk around town, visit some temples, explore the local markets, or just sample traditional Lao dishes.

What are the 2 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Pakse?

There are 2 ways to travel the 780 kilometres (485 miles) from Vang Vieng to Pakse. You can choose between the bus and flight. The journey takes 3 hours 45 minutes to 19 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $31.50 (691,000 LAK).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

18h 30m - 19h

From $31.50 (691,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

Flight

3h 45m

From $70 (1,523,000 LAK)

Vang Vieng to Pakse by Bus

Duration: 18h 30m - 19h

Costs: $31.50 (691,000 LAK)

Duration: 18h 30m - 19h

Costs: $31.50 (691,000 LAK)

There are no companies that operate direct buses from Vang Vieng to Pakse. The only option is to travel by bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane and then change to another bus from Vientiane to Pakse.

The good news is, you can do this with just one booking. Your chosen bus company will arrange the transfer for you.

There are two bus companies operating on this route: Family Service and Green Paradise Travel.

Bus fares start from $31.50 (691,000 LAK) and the journey takes around 18 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours, including the 2-hour layover in Vientiane.

Bus schedules from Vang Vieng to Pakse

Vang Vieng - Any hotel

Sleeping

Pakse Bus Stop

13:30

18h 30m

08:00

Family Service

$31.50 (691,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Soutchai Travel

Sleeping

Green Paradise Tour and Travel Pakse office

14:00

19h

09:00

Green Paradise Travel

$49 (1,063,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vang Vieng to Pakse by Flight

Duration: 3h 45m

Costs: $70 (1,523,000 LAK)

Duration: 3h 45m

Costs: $70 (1,523,000 LAK)

Don’t want to be on the bus for more than 15 hours? Then you can head to Vientiane first and then take a flight to Pakse.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Bus

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: $9.90 (216,000 LAK)

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: $9.90 (216,000 LAK)

If you want to travel within the same day from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, your best option is to book a bus ride with Soutchai Travel, which operates two trips daily. For more details, read the article on going from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.

Soutchai Travel

Tourist

Night market (Mekong River Side)

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

13:00

2h 30m

15:30

Soutchai Travel

$9.90 (216,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Step 2: Vientiane to Pakse by Flight

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: $60 (1,307,000 LAK)

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: $60 (1,307,000 LAK)

You can catch a Lao Airlines flight leaving Vientiane several times a day. The only downside with this is that a one-way ticket costs about $60 (1,307,000 LAK). Though more expensive, this option gets you from Vang Vieng to Pakse in one day.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Rounding it up

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Vang Vieng to Pakse

What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Pakse?

The distance from Vang Vieng to Pakse is 780 kilometres (485 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Pakse?

The fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Pakse is by flight and takes 3 hours 45 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Pakse?

The cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Pakse is by bus with ticket costs starting from $31.50 (691,000 LAK).

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.