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How to Get from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City

How to Get from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City

Last updated: October 16, 2026
🇱🇦 Laos🇻🇳 Vietnam VientianeHo Chi Minh
Contents

Flying is the practical choice between Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City. The land route crosses the Annamite Range and takes far longer.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City by Flight

Vietjet opened a direct Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane service in February 2024, announced with a flight time of about 1 hour 45 minutes per leg.[1] Lao Airlines also flies between Ho Chi Minh City and Vientiane.[2] Fares change with the date and the airline, so compare current prices on the airlines' sites or on GoAsia.cc. You depart from Wattay International Airport (VTE) and arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

An Airbus A320 of Lao Airlines in flight
An Airbus A320 of Lao Airlines in flightPhoto: Jeffry Surianto / Pexels

Comparing Your Options

ModeDuration
Direct flightAbout 1h 45min[1]

Tips for Traveling from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City

  • Vietnam visa: Vietnam's official e-visa portal states that an e-visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days.[3] Whether you need one depends on your nationality, so check before booking.
  • Lao departure form: Since 1 September 2025, foreign visitors using a passport must register on the Lao Digital Immigration Form before entering or departing at Wattay International Airport, and submit it within 3 days before departure.[4]
  • Check-in: Lao Airlines opens its international check-in counter 2 hours 30 minutes before departure and closes it 60 minutes before.[5] Other airlines set their own cut-offs.

Timetable

Vientiane - Ho Chi Minh City More info / Tickets
Flight Vientiane - Ho Chi Minh City $ 141.96–226.64 2h – 3h 15m
  • →  Economy 11:35, 18:45

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City?

Flying is the practical option. Fares depend on the airline and date, so compare current prices on the airlines' sites or on GoAsia.cc.

What is the fastest way to get from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City?

A direct flight. Vietjet announced a flight time of about 1 hour 45 minutes on its Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane route.

How long does it take to get from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City?

A direct flight takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Connecting itineraries take longer, depending on the layover.

Do I need a visa to fly from Laos to Vietnam?

It depends on your nationality. Vietnam issues e-visas valid for a maximum of 90 days through its official portal, and some nationalities enter without a visa. Check the official rules for your passport before booking.

Which airport should I use in Ho Chi Minh City?

Flights from Vientiane arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN).

Is it better to book flights in advance?

Usually yes, because fares tend to rise close to departure and during holidays such as Lao New Year or Tet.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Vietjet: Vietjet announces the direct route from Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane and establishes the comprehensive partnership with Lao Airlines. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  2. [2] Lao Airlines: Flights to Laos. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  3. [3] Vietnam National Electronic Visa portal: Vietnam National Electronic Visa system. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  4. [4] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: The Department of Immigration of Lao PDR. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  5. [5] Lao Airlines: Check-In Time. Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.