Overview Compare Flight Train + Bus Bus To Stay
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 in Bangkok 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.
3 ways to get from Vientiane to Bangkok
The distance from Vientiane to Bangkok is 650 km (405 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Vientiane to Bangkok: by flight (1-1.5 hours), by train + bus (11.5 hours), or by bus (12-16.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 1 THB ($31.50) to 2 THB ($67.00).
Taking a flight is the fastest option to reach Bangkok from Vientiane. Airfares start from 2 THB ($67.00) for the 1-1.5 hours of flight. We recommend booking your flight well in advance because airfares increase closer to the travel dates.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
When travelling by train, you will first have to take a bus transfer to Nong Khai, where trains to Bangkok are available. The whole journey takes about 11.5 hours from Vientiane to Bangkok, so we suggest taking a night train. This way, you won’t lose valuable daytime and even save a night on accommodation.
The bus was a good alternative if you preferred a direct transfer to Bangkok. Before the pandemic, it was possible to travel by bus, which took about 12-16.5 hours. However, the last time we checked (October 2022), buses from Vientiane to Bangkok have not resumed operations yet.
Note that all 3 options will require you to go through immigration, so be sure to have your documents ready.
Vientiane to Bangkok by Flight
Taking a flight from Vientiane to Bangkok is the fastest option for this route. Travel time takes only 1-1.5 hours. However, this option is also the most expensive, with fares from 2 THB ($67.00).
AirAsia usually offers the cheapest flights on this route. Other airlines that operate flights from Vientiane to Bangkok are Thai Smiles, Thai Airways, and Lao Airlines, which are more expensive flights.
All flights depart from Vientiane Airport (VTE). You can reach the airport by shuttle bus or by taxi, which takes 15-35 minutes from the Vientiane city centre.
AirAsia flights land at Don Muang Airport (DMK). Meanwhile Thai Smiles, Thai Airways, and Lao Airlines land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Both airports are located around 1 hour from the Bangkok city centre.
We suggest booking your flight in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure you get the cheapest tickets.
Vientiane to Bangkok by Train + Bus
It is also possible to travel from Vientiane to Bangkok overland. This option involves a city bus ride from Vientiane to Nong Khai, followed by a train ride to Bangkok.
Here’s how to complete the journey:
Step 1: Vientiane to Nong Khai by Bus
One of the main operators on the Vientiane to Nong Khai route was PTS Transit. However, they haven’t resumed their trips on this route since the pandemic.
Vientiane City 2 Bus Service offers 4 daily trips from Vientiane to Nong Khai. The trip takes about an hour and costs 30 LAK ($1.70). When taking the bus, make sure to have all your documents for immigration prepared in advance.
The bus departs from Central Bus Station, located near Morning Market and just 5-10 minutes away from the Vientiane city centre.
Bus Schedule from Nong Khai to Bangkok
You can buy the tickets at the bus station. Ticket counters are open from 06:00 until 18:00 in the evening.
The last stop for the bus is Nong Khai Bus Terminal. From here, you can take a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to Nong Khai Train Station for 60 THB ($1.70).
Note that you may have to wait for a few hours at the train station because the train to Bangkok doesn’t depart until 19:40. This waiting time gives you an opportunity to grab something to eat and load up on snacks for the 10.5-hour train journey.
Step 2: Nong Khai to Bangkok by Train
The next part of the journey is a long train ride from Nong Khai to Bangkok. We recommend taking the night train with second-class berths and an air conditioning unit so that you can rest comfortably. You will also save a night on accommodation with this night train.
Train SP26 is the only night train offering 2nd-class berths. The train leaves Nong Khai Railway Station at 19:40 daily. The journey takes about 10.5 hours to reach Bangkok, and ticket fares start from 1 THB ($29.50).
Train Schedule from Nong Khai to Bangkok
The train arrives at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in the early morning the following day.
Aside from second-class sleeper berths, you can also book 2nd class seats for 500 THB ($14.50) and 1 THB ($46.00) for first-class berths.
Make sure that all bookings that you made for your Vientiane to Bangkok are all aligned so that you won’t miss a trip or wait too long for the next transport.
Vientiane to Bangkok by Bus*
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (October 2022), the cross-border bus route from Laos to Thailand has not yet resumed. Please check the provided links to see if anything has changed.
The bus was another option you can take if you wanted a direct transfer from Vientiane to Bangkok. The journey took about 12-16.5 hours and the fare started from Origin currency no defined. Naga Travel and Soutchai Travel were the 2 bus companies that operated from Vientiane to Bangkok.
Naga Travel is a reputable bus company and a little bit more expensive than Soutchai Travel. This operator provides good service and operates buses that are in good condition. We recommend spending a few extra dollars and booking with Naga Travel.
On the other hand, Soutchai Travel offers cheaper fares but takes a longer travel time from Vientiane to Bangkok. But the good part is that you don’t have to worry about going to the bus station because they offer a free hotel pick-up service within the city centre.
Both Naga Travel and Soutchai Travel complete their journeys at the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok. If you will ride a taxi, it will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre from the bus stations.
Bus Schedule from Vientiane to 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.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel - Budget Friendly
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 travellers 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 - Budget Friendly
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 - Budget Friendly
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 - Mid Range
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 - Mid Range
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
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
