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Vientiane is the laid-back capital of Laos, sitting on the Mekong. It's a low-rise city of riverside restaurants, gilded stupas and French-era coffee shops. The cheapest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is the bus at $12 (265,000 LAK). A shared minivan costs a little more at $13 (280,000 LAK) and does the run in 1h 45m - 2h 30m. The train and a private transfer both cost more again.
Distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Vang Vieng and Vientiane are about 107 km (66 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 128 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 45m and 14h 30m.
4 ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
There are four ways to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. You can choose between the shared minivan, bus, train, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 45m–2h 30m and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $12 (265,000 LAK).
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Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Here are our favourite places to stay in Vientiane for every budget.
Patuxay Place
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 (640,000 LAK) per night.
S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel
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 (870,000 LAK) per night.
Eastin Hotel Vientiane
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 (1,460,000 LAK) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, roughly 107 kilometres (66 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $12 (265,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 1h 45m.
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 Vientiane?
The distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 107 kilometres (66 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
Journey times from Vang Vieng to Vientiane overlap: shared minivan 1h 45m - 2h 30m, bus 2h - 14h 30m, train 2h - 3h 55m, private transport 2h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
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 265,000 LAK.
About the Authors
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.
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.
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