How to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is known for its colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and relaxed riverside vibe. Located 150 km (93 miles) south of Vang Vieng, Vientiane is accessible by train, bus, private car, or minivan. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.

Overview of Travel Options

Here are the main ways to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane:

• By Train: The fastest and most comfortable option.
• By Bus: The cheapest and most flexible choice.
• By Minivan: The most convenient door-to-door service.
• By Private Car or Taxi: The most flexible but expensive choice.

Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane.

Timetable

By Train: The Fastest and Most Comfortable Option

Taking a train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel, thanks to the new China-Laos High-Speed Railway.

Key Details:

• Departure Station: Vang Vieng Railway Station (Located 10 km from town center).
• Arrival Station: Vientiane Railway Station (15 km from city center).
• Duration: 1 hour, non-stop high-speed train.
• Price: 95,000–150,000 LAK (~$6–$10 USD), depending on class.
• Train Types:
  • CR200J High-Speed Train (Fastest and most comfortable).
• Seating Options:
  • First Class (A/C, reclining seats, spacious legroom).
  • Second Class (A/C, standard seating, budget-friendly).
• Departure Frequency: 2–3 daily departures (morning and afternoon).

Pros:

• Fastest travel time (~1 hour).
• Comfortable seating with A/C and spacious legroom.
• No traffic delays.
• Scenic views of Laos’ countryside and mountains.

Cons:

• Vang Vieng Railway Station is 10 km from town center (Tuk-tuk required).
• Vientiane Railway Station is 15 km from city center (Taxi or shuttle needed).
• Limited departures per day.

Booking Tip:

For better comfort, book a First Class seat. Use our online search form to check train schedules and secure your ticket.

By Bus: The Cheapest and Most Flexible Choice

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a direct bus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is the cheapest way to travel, with frequent departures throughout the day.

Key Details:

• Departure Point: Vang Vieng Bus Terminal (Near town center).
• Arrival Point: Vientiane Bus Station (Near Talat Sao Mall).
• Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
• Price: 70,000–120,000 LAK (~$4–$8 USD), depending on bus type.
• Bus Operators:
  • Naga Travel (Popular with tourists).
  • Vieng Chaleune (Budget option).
• Bus Types:
  • Standard Bus (A/C, reclining seats, basic amenities).
  • VIP Bus (More legroom, A/C, blankets, snacks).
• Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from morning to evening.

Pros:

• Cheapest travel option (~70,000 LAK for standard buses).
• Direct travel without transfers.
• Multiple departures throughout the day.
• Comfortable seating with A/C.

Cons:

• Takes longer than the train (~4+ hours).
• Traffic delays are possible.
• Limited luggage space on some buses.

Booking Tip:

For better comfort, choose a VIP Bus with more legroom and reclining seats. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.

By Minivan: The Most Convenient Door-to-Door Service

For travelers who prefer door-to-door service, taking a minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is a convenient and affordable option, especially for smaller groups.

Key Details:

• Departure Point: Hotel pickup in Vang Vieng.
• Arrival Point: Hotel drop-off in Vientiane.
• Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
• Price: 90,000–150,000 LAK (~$6–$10 USD).
• Minivan Operators:
  • Naga Travel (Popular with tourists).
  • Green Travel (Comfortable and reliable).
• Minivan Type:
  • Travel Minivan (A/C, reclining seats, door-to-door service).
• Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from morning to evening.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service, no need for transfers.
• Comfortable seating with A/C and more legroom.
• Affordable prices for a convenient journey.

Cons:

• Traffic delays are possible.
• Limited luggage space.

Booking Tip:

For better comfort, choose a VIP Minivan with fewer seats and more legroom. Use our online search form to check schedules and book your ticket.

By Private Car or Taxi: The Most Flexible but Expensive Choice

For travelers who prefer privacy, comfort, and flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is the most convenient choice, especially for families and groups.

Key Details:

• Departure Point: Pickup from your hotel in Vang Vieng.
• Arrival Point: Drop-off at your hotel in Vientiane.
• Duration: 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
• Price: 1,500,000–2,500,000 LAK (~$80–$150 USD), depending on car type and operator.
• Car Types:
  • Sedan (Up to 3 passengers, more affordable).
  • SUV or Van (Up to 6 passengers, more spacious).

Pros:

• Fastest land travel option (~3 hours).
• Door-to-door service, no need for transfers.
• Comfortable for families and groups.
• Flexible travel schedule and scenic stops along the way.

Cons:

• More expensive than buses and minivans.
• Traffic delays are possible.

Booking Tip:

For the best rates, book your private car in advance using our online search form.