How to Get from Vang Vieng to Savannakhet

Leaving behind the jagged limestone karsts and turquoise lagoons of Vang Vieng for the colonial architecture and quiet riverside charm of Savannakhet takes you from the heart of the Laos adventure scene to its southern trading history. Vang Vieng is all tubing and hiking; Savannakhet is slower, with French-influenced streets and Buddhist temples along the Mekong.

The route crosses much of the country from north to south, and there is no direct train or flight, so plan a long day or a night on the road. You trade the mountains of central Laos for the flat, sun-drenched plains of the south.

Vang Vieng to Savannakhet by Bus

The usual way is a combined ticket: a taxi or minivan transfer, then a long-distance sleeping bus. On booking platforms it starts at about $33 (October 2026), and the trip takes between about 15 and 20 hours, depending on road conditions and rest stops.^[1] Because the journey runs through the night, it also saves you a night's accommodation. Tickets for this route can be booked on GoAsia.cc.

The Sleeping Bus Experience

Sleeping buses have berths instead of seats, so you can lie down for the long haul. The air conditioning can run cold, so keep a light blanket or hoodie handy. The journey starts with a taxi or minivan pickup in Vang Vieng, which takes you to the bus before it heads south. Roadside stops for food and toilets are basic, so carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Vang Vieng to Savannakhet by Train and Bus via Vientiane

Vang Vieng and Vientiane are both stops on the Lao-China Railway intercity trains.^[2] From Vientiane's Southern Long-Distance Bus Station, buses to the southern provinces leave from 04:00 until around 21:00 to 22:00. In April 2025 a regular seat to Savannakhet cost 200,000 LAK, VIP2 230,000 LAK and VIP1 250,000 LAK.^[3] Lao Airlines also flies from Vientiane to Savannakhet.^[4]

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Vang Vieng to Savannakhet

• Book in Advance: During the peak dry season, these buses can fill up quickly with backpackers moving south toward the 4,000 Islands or Pakse. Secure your spot a few days early.
• Pack a Day Bag: Keep your valuables, snacks, and a power bank in a small bag that stays with you at your seat. Your main luggage is stored in the compartment underneath the bus and is not accessible until you arrive in Savannakhet.
• Prepare for the Roads: The road from Vang Vieng toward Vientiane and then south can be bumpy in sections. If you are prone to motion sickness, read the medicine leaflet or ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine; the suitable product and timing depend on the preparation. Some medicines can cause drowsiness or impair driving, and certain conditions or other medicines may make them unsuitable.
• Snacks and Water: The bus stops at local eateries, but the timing can be unpredictable. Bring enough water and some dry snacks like nuts or fruit to keep you going through the night.
• Arrival in Savannakhet: From the bus terminal you can take a tuk-tuk to the historic center or the riverfront, where most guesthouses are located. Negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in.

The journey is long, but Savannakhet rewards it: a city that feels worlds away from the tourist hubs, with colonial shophouses, quiet temples and the Mekong at the end of the street.