Overview Compare Bus Minivan Train To Stay
How to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Vientiane is the laidback capital of Laos. It is located northeast of the Mekong River just near the border with Thailand. Life moves slowly here and the city does not quite have the bustle of Hanoi or Bangkok, but it is fitting for travellers who search for a relaxing getaway.
Vientiane is also full of fascinating surprises: from French colonial buildings to Buddhist temples and charming cafes.
Vang Vieng, on the other hand, is a small Laotian town set in the midst of tranquil cliffs and rich green rice fields – exactly like a scene from an Asian painting. It had a reputation for being a party destination until local authorities decided to implement new laws and regulations.
This picturesque town is now quieter but it still offers a few great activities for adrenaline-hungry adventurers. You can enjoy many activities in Vang Vieng from rock-climbing and caving to hiking and river tubing.
3 ways to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
There are 3 ways to travel the 150 km from Vientiane to Vang Vieng: a 2-hour bus, a 1.5-hour minivan, and a 2-hour train (including transfers). Rates range from $10 to $34.
The bus provides a good mix of comfort and budget when travelling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Travel time is around 2 hours when you take the newly-built Vientiane-Boten Expressway. A ticket costs $17.
There are also vans operating from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. In theory, vans are faster at only 1.5 hours. But sometimes, vans take too much time collecting passengers that the journey takes up to 3 hours. A van ticket from Vientiane to Vang Vieng costs $10.
With the newly-launched Laos-China Railway, you can now take a train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Note that train stations in both cities are located outside the town centres so you’ll need additional transfers. Combined fares start from $34 for the 2-hour journey.
Itinerary from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Train
- Vientiane
- 40 minutes
- Vientiane Railway Station
- 55 minutes
- Vang Vieng Railway Station
- 10 minutes
- Vang Vieng
Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Bus
With the opening of the new Vientiane-Boten Expressway, travel time from Vientiane to Vang Vieng has been significantly reduced from 4 hours to 2 hours.
Not all bus companies take the expressway, though. If you want a quick bus ride from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, we recommend travelling with Chitpasong Bus. A ticket costs $17 – more expensive than other companies because of toll fees.
If you prefer budget over speed, you can travel with Thavisouk or Soutchai. They still take the toll-free route. Fares start from $9 for the 4-hour bus ride. Note that these buses pass through some rough roads so the trip can be a bit bumpy.
Departure and arrival station
Chitpasong and Thavisouk buses depart from Vientiane Northern Bus Terminal, located some 9 km northwest of Vientiane city centre. You can get there via tuk-tuk for around $3.
They arrive at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal, some 2 km north of Vang Vieng town centre. A tuk-tuk ride should cost about $1 per person.
As for Soutchai Travel, it departs from its office in Vientiane and parks at its own terminal in Vang Vieng.
Bus schedules from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
You can buy your bus tickets at the bus station. But for guaranteed seats, we recommend booking them online beforehand through the booking links provided above.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Minivan
Vans also operate on the Vientiane to Vang Vieng route. The advertised travel time with a van is a bit faster at around 1.5 hours.
However, vans often don’t leave town until they are full. There have been complaints of travel time taking up to 3 hours because of van drivers making several stops to pick up passengers before going on their way to Vang Vieng.
Also, vans aren’t as spacious as buses. So it can be a bit problematic when you’re carrying a lot of luggage.
Departure and arrival station
Vans depart from Vientiane Northern Bus Stop, located some 9 km north of Vientiane city centre.
They arrive at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal, which you can find some 2 km north of Vang Vieng town centre.
Minivan schedule from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Train
In December 2021, Laos officially opened the Laos-China Railway, which is directly connected with China’s train system. The last time we checked (July 2022), the Laos-China border remains closed. But the new railway system has paved the way for easier travel in northern Laos.
The train is definitely the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. There’s only one tiny issue, train stations in both cities are located well outside the town centre.
Step 1: Vientiane City Centre to Vientiane Railway Station
Vientiane Railway Station is located some 15 km northeast of Vientiane city centre. The most convenient way to get there is via the City Bus with fares from $1.
Take Bus #28 from Vientiane Morning Market. This departs every morning at 06:10. You will arrive at the train station after 40 minutes, with plenty of time to catch the trains going to Vang Vieng.
Alternatively, you can take a 30-minute taxi with fares from $17.
Step 2: Vientiane to Vang Vieng by Train
There are 2 trains operating from Vientiane to Vang Vieng daily. Both depart in the morning, so be ready to make an early start.
A train ride from Vientiane to Vang Vieng can take as fast as 55 minutes. A ticket costs $31.
Departure and arrival station
Trains depart from Vientiane Railway Station. You are to get off at Vang Vieng Train Station.
Train Schedule from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
NOTE: This new train system is very popular with locals so tickets sell out really fast. To ensure a seat, try to book your ticket online via Baolau at least a few days in advance.
Also, even with a ticket on hand, it’s best to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Step 3: Vang Vieng Railway Station to Vang Vieng City Centre
Vang Vieng Railway Station is located about 4 km north of Vang Vieng town centre. From there, the most convenient way to reach your hotel is through a tuk-tuk.
These popular Southeast Asian open-air vehicles are usually parked outside the train station. A tuk-tuk ride to town costs about $2 per person. The trip takes around 10 minutes.
Our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng
Sunset Nam Ngum Tented Resort
This resort offers the perfect mix of luxury and rustic. The tented accommodations are absolutely top of the line, offering private balconies off the tents overlooking the river and modern, comfortable furnishings. This is not like any camping you’ve done before! Within the resort, you’ll find a bar, garden, and restaurant for your convenience and enjoyment. Breakfast is included daily with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Private, modern tents with great views
- Good location along the river
- Bar and restaurant on-site
Private rooms start at $15 per night
Jasmine Vang Vieng Hotel
Excellent location, just 300 meters from the Post office in central Vang Vieng and within walking distance of many sights, restaurants, shops, and amenities. This hotel offers a restaurant, bar, free private parking, and a large outdoor swimming pool. Many rooms offer a private terrace with excellent city views. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. Breakfast included daily with your stay.
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Restaurant and bar
- Ideal location
Private rooms start at $31 per night
Vang Vieng Victory Hotel
Situated in central Vang Vieng, this hotel is just 400 meters from the post office and a short walk to all amenities, shops, restaurants, and many sights. The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a garden area, and a sun terrace for guests’ enjoyment. You can rent bicycles or cars from the hotel and they offer a currency exchange on-site. Breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- Bar, garden, and terrace
- Excellent location
Private rooms start at $38
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About the author(s)
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.
You definitely should update this for 1. the new high speed railway (opened December 2021) going from Vientiane all the way north to the border of China, including stops in vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Cuts the vang Vieng to Luang Prabang journey to 1-1.5 hours. And 2. The new highway they built that runs roughly parallel to the train line, cutting the driving time from Vientiane to Vang Vieng to less than 2 hours Vs 4 previously.
Hi, Stephanie! Thank you so much for your very valuable input. We had made additional research and have now updated this route with the latest details. We’re always grateful for readers like you who help us keep our pages up-to-date. Thanks again and safe travels!