Contents
From the relaxed riverside capital of Laos to Preah Vihear, the province in northern Cambodia that is home to one of the great mountain temples of the Khmer Empire: this is a true overland expedition. You ride through the night across southern Laos, cross the border and carry on into Cambodia's forested north.
Vientiane to Preah Vihear by sleeper bus and minivan
One combined ticket covers the trip, with a sleeper bus for the long stretch through Laos and a minivan for the rest. The journey takes from about 21 hours 30 minutes, longer with border queues, traffic or delays.[1]
On booking platforms, tickets cost about $82 (November 2026).[1]
The road crossing is Nong Nokkhian in Laos and Trapeang Kriel in Cambodia. The Lao checkpoint is open from 06:00 to 18:00.[2] Cambodia's e-visa works only at some checkpoints, and visa on arrival covers the rest, so check the list before you apply online.[3]
Comparing your options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeper bus + minivan | About $82[1] | From about 21h 30m[1] |
Tips for traveling from Vientiane to Preah Vihear
- Keep documents handy: Carry your passport, visa and a pen in your daypack, not in the luggage hold, so the border goes smoothly.
- Pack water and snacks: Roadside stops have limited choice, so bring enough for the whole trip.
- Dress in layers: Air conditioning on night buses is strong. A hoodie or a light blanket helps.
- Plan the temple visit: Prasat Preah Vihear is a separate trip from the town by car or motorbike, so arrange your transport before you go.
Timetable
| Bus Vientiane - Preah Vihear $ 81.14 21h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Vientiane to Preah Vihear, including current prices and schedules.
The combined sleeper bus and minivan ticket is the standard way to do the trip, at about $82 on booking platforms.
Plan for at least 21 hours 30 minutes, including the overnight leg through Laos, the border crossing and the minivan transfer. Traffic and border queues can add to that.
No. The trip goes overland by sleeper bus and minivan.
Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia. The e-visa is not valid at every border checkpoint, and visa on arrival is available at the others. Check the rules for your passport before you leave Vientiane.
A light jacket or blanket for the air conditioning, snacks, water and a power bank.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Vientiane to Preah Vihear timetable. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
- [2] Department of Immigration of Lao PDR: Nongnokkheane International Border Checkpoint. Retrieved October 26, 2026.
- [3] Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia: eVisa Kingdom of Cambodia: Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved November 2, 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.