Laos

How to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Travel the 160 kilometers (99 miles) distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane with the best available transport option. We provide you with the details on duration, cost, and comfort — and where to get your tickets.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel Writer

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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.

How to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?

The bus is the only suitable way for travelers to cross the distance of 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. The journey takes around 3 to 4 hours, and ticket prices start from $9 (196,000 LAK).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

3-4h

From $9 (196,000 LAK)

Book Tickets

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

Duration: 3h-4h

Costs: $9 (196,000 LAK)

Duration: 3h-4h

Costs: $9 (196,000 LAK)

Thavisouk and Soutchai Travel are the two bus companies operating on the route between Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Expect to pay around $9 (196,000 LAK) 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 3 to 4 hours.

Bus schedule from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vang Vieng

Vientiane

10:00

14:00

18:00

Thavisouk

$9 (196,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

Vang Vieng

Vientiane

09:30

12:30

14:00

17:00

Soutchai Travel

$11 (240,000 LAK)

Get Your Tickets

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.

Best 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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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 kilometers (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 3 hours.

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 $9 (196,000 LAK).

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!

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.

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