Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Leaving from...
Going to...
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.
1 way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
The bus is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 160 km (99 miles) from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. The journey takes around 3h - 4h and costs start from 188,000 LAK ($9).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.
Vang Vieng to Vientiane by Bus
Thavisouk and Soutchai Travel are the 2 bus companies operating on the route between Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Expect to pay around 188,000 LAK ($9) for a single journey trip. The two bus companies offer only 2 trips daily and you should consider this when making your travel plan through this route.
Also, keep in mind that the roads are not in great condition which means you can expect a slightly bumpy ride for this trip that takes 3h-4h.
Bus schedule from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Thavisouk
- Departs from any hotel
- Arrives at Northern Bus Terminal
Soutchai Travel
- Departs from Soutchai Vang Vieng Station
- Arrives at Soutchai Vientiane Office along Rue Nokeokoummane Rd. in the city centre
Overall, travellers seem to provide satisfactory reviews about Soutchai Travel aside from the occasional complaints of drivers driving too fast and late departures.
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 438,000 LAK ($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 542,000 LAK ($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 918,000 LAK ($44) per night
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 Vang Vieng to Vientiane
What is the distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 160 km (99 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by bus and takes 3h-4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from 188,000 LAK ($9).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Vang Vieng 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!
Routes from Vientiane
Most popular routes in Laos
Was this post helpful?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 4
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
We are sorry that this post didn't meet your expectations.
Your feedback is very valueable to us
What was missing in this post? (TIP: If you want us to reply to your feedback, you can leave your email in this text box.)
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.
- Explore more
- Vientiane travel guides
- Routes from Vientiane
- Most popular routes in Laos
Very helpful! Thanks.
Thanks Max! Have a wonderful trip in Laos!