Vang Vieng to Pakse in 2.5-16 hours (2026)

2 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Pakse

There are two ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Pakse. The journey takes 2h 40m–16h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $36 (790,000 LAK).

TransportDurationPrice

Travelling by bus from Vang Vieng to Pakse takes some time, with journeys lasting around 16h - 23h 30m. It’s divided into 2 parts: a 2.5-hour bus or minivan ride to Vientiane and then 13-14 hours of bus ride to Pakse.

The second leg of the journey runs overnight, giving you the chance to get some sleep and arrive at your destination feeling (somewhat) refreshed.

Ticket prices start from $36 (790,000 LAK), making the bus the cheapest way to travel this route.

All buses heading to Pakse from Vang Vieng stop in Vientiane. We recommend booking a direct ticket, which makes the trip much easier. Your chosen bus company handles the transfer in Vientiane, so you don’t have to stress about changing vehicles or finding your next ride.

That said, keep in mind that part of the journey — especially from Vang Vieng to Vientiane — may be done by minivan instead of a bus.

Sleeper buses from Vang Vieng to Pakse

Most buses on this route are sleeper buses. Instead of regular seats, you’ll get flatbeds designed for two people.

If you’re travelling solo, you’ll need to book both spots to have the bed to yourself. Otherwise, you’ll likely share the space with another passenger.

Some companies offering direct bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Pakse include Chanthachone Transportation, Green Paradise Travel, Family Service and Sarah Transport Laos.

Bus schedule from Vang Vieng to Pakse

16hChanthachone TransportationSleeperVang Vieng Soutchai OfficePakse14:00$36790,000 LAKTickets

19hGreen Paradise TravelSleepingStar Oil StationGreen Paradise Tour and Travel Pakse office14:00$39860,000 LAKTickets

18h30mFamily ServiceStandardVang Vieng TransferPakse09:0012:0014:00$43960,000 LAKTickets

18hSarah Transport LaosSleeperSarah TransportPakse14:00$591,320,000 LAKTickets

Available atBookaway

Booking Tip

The stopover and bus transfer in Vientiane usually takes around 1–2 hours, sometimes longer. It’s a good idea to confirm the timing with your driver in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

You can use this break to grab a quick bite, stretch your legs, or just recharge before the next part of your journey.

Pakse

If you're looking for speed and comfort, it's best to take a flight from Vang Vieng to Pakse.

Combined fares are a bit expensive at about $110 (2,440,000 LAK), but you can complete the journey in just 2h 40m - 4h 35m.

Keep in mind that Vang Vieng doesn't have its own airport, so this will not be a direct flight. You will first take a train from Vang Vieng to the nearest airport in Vientiane. From the country's capital, you can take a short 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: Train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

50m - 2h 45m$15 (335,000 LAK)

The fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by train, which takes just about an hour.

Train ticket prices start from $15 (335,000 LAK) when you buy in advance through BookAway. Note that it's almost impossible to buy train tickets on the same day because they sell out fast.

How to get to Vang Vieng Railway Station

Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 4 km away from the town centre. The easiest way to get there is by tuk-tuk, for around $2 (44,500 LAK).

The tuk-tuk ride takes about 10 minutes.

We recommend arriving at the station at least 30 minutes before your train's departure, to allow time for security checks.

1h15mLaos Group TourStandardVang Vieng Train StationVientiane Train Station18:02$15335,000 LAKTickets

53mLaos Railway by Family ServiceSecond Class SeatVang Vieng Railway StationVientiane Railway Station13:3215:5218:0219:4020:24From $15335,000 LAKTickets

1hLaos Group TourSecond Class SeatVang Vieng Train StationVientiane Train Station13:5715:5219:0619:4020:03$18400,000 LAKTickets

1h55mLaos Railway by Family ServiceSecond Class SeatVang Vieng TransferVientiane Railway Station13:3218:0219:0620:24$19410,000 LAKTickets

53mLaos Railway by Family ServiceFirst ClassVang Vieng Railway StationVientiane Railway Station13:3219:4020:24$21470,000 LAKTickets

Show all 7 companies

1h55mLaos Railway by Family ServiceFirst ClassVang Vieng TransferVientiane Railway Station12:3013:3218:30$25560,000 LAKTickets

50mLaos Group TourFirst ClassVang Vieng Train StationVientiane Train Station13:5715:5219:0619:4020:03$28610,000 LAKTickets

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Alternative: Bus or Minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Another option to reach Vientiane from Vang Vieng is to take a bus or a minivan. These take longer, around 3-4 hours, and are not as comfortable as trains. But they're a bit cheaper with fares from $9 (200,000 LAK).

For more details, visit our guide for Vang Vieng to Vientiane.

Step 2: Flight from Vientiane to Pakse

1h 50m$95 (2,120,000 LAK)

Lao Airlines offers daily flights from Vientiane to Pakse. Prices for a one-way plane ticket start at $88 (1,960,000 LAK). The flight takes about 1 hour.

Lao Skyway is another airline you can check out. It used to offer cheaper rates. But the last time we checked (March 2026), its website was not available for booking.

How to get from Vientiane Railway Station to Vientiane Airport

Flights from Vientiane to Pakse depart from Wattay International Airport. The easiest way to get here from Vientiane Railway Station is by taxi. Drivers at the train station often try to overcharge, so it's best to hail one through local apps like Loca and InDrive.

Taxi fares start from $6.80 (150,000 LAK), and the ride takes about 50 minutes.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Pakse

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.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Vang Vieng to Pakse, roughly 552 kilometres (343 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $36 (790,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 2h 40m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Pakse?

The distance from Vang Vieng to Pakse is 552 kilometres (343 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 2h 40m - 4h 35m.

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 790,000 LAK.

About the Authors

Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

How to Get From Vang Vieng to Pakse

Distance from Vang Vieng to Pakse