Contents
Overview | Flight | Train | Bus | Secret Escapes
How to get from Vientiane to Bangkok?
Upon arrival in the Capital City of Thailand, you will be greeted with busy streets, tuk-tuks and delicious street food on every corner. Bangkok is famous for its excellent shopping with huge malls such as MBK, Platinum Fashion Mall and IconSiam.
The two most visited areas for travellers are Sukhumvit and Khao San Road. Both are exciting and full of life, truly representing what Bangkok is all about. We suggest visiting the Grand Palace and Golden Mountain temple to take in some of Thailand’s rich history and culture.
When travelling the 650kms from Vientiane to Bangkok, you have 3 options: you can hop on a flight (1 hour), board a train (11.5 hours), or take a bus (12 hours). All 3 options will require you to go through immigration so be sure to have your documents ready.
Flight, Train or Bus?
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1h 10min | 1,250 THB ($41) | Check flights |
| Train | 11.5 hours | 1,350 THB ($44.50) | Check train tickets |
| Bus | 12 hours | 1,450 THB ($48) | Check bus tickets |
Taking a flight is the fastest and cheapest option to reach Bangkok from Vientiane. However, ticket prices may go up nearer to the travel date, so we recommend to book flight tickets in advance.
When travelling by train, you will first have to take a bus transfer to Nong Khai. The train ride takes about 10.5 hours, but you will travel by night so you won’t lose valuable daytime. Also, you will be able to save a night on accommodation.
Travelling by bus takes at least 12 hours. The bus is a good alternative to the train if you prefer a direct transfer to Bangkok.
Itinerary from Vientiane to Bangkok
Vientiane to Bangkok by Flight
Duration: 1h 05min
Cost: 1,250 THB ($41)
For the cheapest flights from Vientiane to Bangkok, check out AirAsia or Lao Airlines.
All AirAsia flights land at Don Muang Airport (DMK), while Lao Airlines flights land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Occasionally, Thai Airways provides cheap flights for this route, they also land at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
We suggest booking your flight well in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get the cheapest tickets.
Vientiane to Bangkok by Train
Duration: 11.5 hours excl. transfer time
Cost: 1,350 THB ($44.50)
To take the train from Vientiane to Bangkok, you will first need to travel to Nong Khai.
Here’s how to complete the full journey:
Step 1: Vientiane to Nong Khai by Bus
Duration: 50min
Cost: 305 THB ($10)
We suggest booking with PTS Transit to travel from Vientiane to Nong Khai Train Station. This trip leaves at 15:00 from the city center in Vientiane. The price is 305 THB ($10) and includes pick-up service from your hotel.
You may have to wait for a few hours at the train station as the train to Bangkok doesn’t depart until 19:50. This wait time gives you an opportunity to grab something to eat and load up on snacks for the 10.5-hour train journey.
Another option is to custom-arrange a transport service with your hotel to arrive at the train station closer to the departure time.
Be sure to have all your documents for immigration prepared in advance.
Step 2: Nong Khai to Bangkok by Train
Duration: 10.5 hours
Cost: 1,050 THB ($34.50)
There are 4 trains operating on this route daily, but only SP26 offers sleeper berths. We don’t recommend booking with the other options as sitting on a train for 10.5 hours can be very uncomfortable.
SP26 departs from Nong Khai at 19:40 and arrives at Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 06:00 the following day.
A second class berth costs 1,050 THB ($34.50).
Vientiane to Bangkok by Bus
Duration: 12 hours
Cost: 1,250 THB ($41)
Naga Travel is a reputable bus company along this route. They are a little bit more expensive than the others. However, they provide good service and operate buses that are in good condition. We recommend spending a few extra dollars and booking with Naga Travel.
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naga Travel | 17:30-05:30 | 12h | 1,450 THB ($48) |
| Soutchai Travel | 15:00-07:30 | 16h 30m | 970 THB ($32) + free pick-up |
You can also book with Soutchai Travel, but this ride takes an additional 4.5 hours. The advantage is that they offer pick-up service within the city center.
Both Naga Travel and Soutchai Travel complete their journeys at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
Upon arrival at the border, you will need to get off the bus and go through Laos immigration to receive your exit stamp. Once complete, you will board your bus and continue on to the Thailand border immigration.
At the Thailand border, you will need to get off the bus again and go through immigration to receive your visa and have your passport stamped. Be sure to have all your documents prepared in advance.
My favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travelers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night's rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 per night
