How to get from Vientiane to 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.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Vientiane to Pakse?
There are 3 ways to travel the 670 kilometre (416 miles) distance from Vientiane to Pakse. You can choose between the bus, minivan* and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 13 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 556,000 LAK ($26).
Vientiane to Pakse by Bus
It’s a long journey by bus from Vientiane to Pakse — about 7 hours 45 minutes to 13 hours. But if you must really take a bus for this route, we recommend an overnight sleeper. This will save you time as well as a night of hotel costs.
Several buses are labeled “sleeping buses,” which are the most luxurious and expensive options in Laos. These buses feature double beds instead of standard reclining seats, and some also provide water and snacks.
If you book online via BookAway, you can secure a spot on these sleeper buses and enjoy their amenities, which are unavailable on local standard buses.
You can choose from four bus companies operating on this route: Family Service, Green Paradise Travel, Chanthachone Transportation and Sarah Transport Laos.
IMPORTANT: Sleeper buses feature double beds meant to fit two people. If you don’t feel like sharing the space with a stranger, you must book two tickets for the trip. Otherwise, prepare to make a new friend.
Bus schedules from Vientiane to Pakse
Chanthachone Transportation
Offers pickup from your hotel in Vientiane before departing from the Southern Bus Station. They arrive at their own station within Pakse city centre.
Soutchai Travel
Offers convenient pickup from your hotel within Vientiane city centre and arrives at the Chitpasong Bus Station within Pakse city centre.
Chit Prasong Travel
Departs from the Southern Bus Station and arrives at the Chitpasong Bus Station within Pakse city centre.
Green Paradise Travel
Departs from the Southern Bus Station, north of the city centre and arrives at the Green Paradise Tour and Travel office in Pakse.
Local buses are cheaper but less convenient
Travelling on a tight budget? There are also local and express buses that provide frequent trips to Pakse.
Local buses offer trips for as low as 240,000 LAK ($11.10), but be prepared for a longer journey on a bus with less comfortable seating and likely no air conditioning.
If a quicker trip is a priority, consider express buses. While they typically only provide standard seats, they get you there faster than local buses. Expect to pay around 290,000 LAK ($13.50), but confirm at the station for the latest fares.
All buses depart from the Southern Bus Station in Vientiane.
Vientiane to Pakse by Minivan*
*Important update: The last time we checked (October 2024), minivans operated by Sarah Transport were not available for the route between Vientiane and Pakse. Please check the provided link to see if anything has changed.
You can travel to Pakse from Vientiane with a minivan. But unlike buses with frequent schedules, minivans have fewer departures throughout the day.
Keep in mind that minivans offer limited legroom compared to buses, offering less comfort for long journeys. They are also not suitable for travellers with bulky suitcases.
A minivan ride from Vientiane to Pakse costs around 593,000 LAK ($27.50) and takes about 13 hours, depending on traffic. Be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak travel seasons.
Vientiane to Pakse by Minivan
Departure and Arrival Stations
Sarah Transport departs from their office in Vientiane and arrives at Pakse Green Adventure Travel.
Vientiane to Pakse by Flight
Looking to reach Pakse quickly? Flying is the fastest way to travel between the two cities, taking only about 1 hour 30 minutes. However, it’s also the most expensive option.
Lao Skyway offers the most budget-friendly option, with one-way fares starting at 862,000 LAK ($40). They have a daily flight departing from Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport and use propeller planes for their Laos destinations. Check their website for the latest schedule.
Lao Airlines provides more flight options, but their fares are generally higher, starting at 1,725,000 LAK ($80) one-way.
Transportation at Pakse Airport
For a convenient and affordable way to reach the city centre from Pakse Airport, consider taking a taxi. The fare starts at around 151,000 LAK ($7) and the ride takes approximately 15 minutes.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Vientiane 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 Vientiane to Pakse
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What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Pakse?
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.
