1. Bus/Van to Vientiane
2. Train to Vientiane
3. Taxi to Thanaleng
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From Vang Vieng to Vientiane you can travel by bus, van, train, taxi.
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- There are 2 most popular options of transfer to Vientiane from Vang Vieng. From Vang Vieng to Vientiane you can travel by tourist bus/van or minibus of the private bus operators or some small local bus companies. Travel by bus/minivan takes about 2.5-5 hours and bus tickets cost about $7-12/pp. Another option is to travel by private taxi/car, travel by private taxi costs about $170/minivan. There are no flights from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. From December 2021 you can also travel by train to Vientiane from Vang Vieng. Transfer by train by Lao-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 1-1.5 hour and train tickets cost about $6-25/pp.
- You can also continue to travel to Thailand from Vientiane, because Vientiane is only about 15 km from the crossing border in Nong Khai (Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge). You can travel to Nong Khai or to Udon Thani and continue to Bangkok – the capital of Thailand, via Bangkok you can also go to Siem Reap in Cambodia, there are tourist buses, private minivans or train + bus via Poipet. Book your bus/ train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane easily online.
Vientiane – the capital of Laos and the gateway to Thailand.
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- Vientiane is the capital of Laos and the most visited and biggest city of Laos. If you will be traveling in Laos, you can not miss this place, because Vientiane is also one of the most important transport hub in Laos. There is an international airport, but there is no railway in Vientiane. One of the busiest route is from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. Vang Vieng is a big tourist site in Laos, overcrowded by tourists and offers various tourist attractions for visitors. There are 3 ways how it is possible to travel to Vientiane from Vang Vieng – by tourist bus or minivan, train or private taxi/car.
- There is also a new railway in Laos between Boten and Vientiane. Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is 160 km by road. Read the instructions how you can reach Vientiane from Vang Vieng below in this article. From Vientiane you can also travel to Don Det by tourist bus / minivan or plane + bus via Pakse in southern Laos. Before you arrive to Vientiane – the capital of Laos, read also carefully this article: Weather in Vientiane.
| Transfer Mode – Vang Vieng to Vientiane: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 2.5-5 hours | $7-12/pp |
| Train by Laos-China Railway | 1-1.5 hour | $6-25/pp |
| Private Car / Taxi to Thanaleng | 2.5 hours | $170/minivan |
How do I get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
1. BUS / VAN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
One of the options for land transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is by minibus or minivan, or by bus. On this route between Vang Vieng and Vientiane, you can use mainly minibuses or minivans of companies such as RG Adventure, Family Service, Naluang, Soutchai Travel (and other companies).
Minibuses and minivans are smaller vehicles and are for a limited number of passengers. Minibuses can depart from various stops or hotels in Vang Vieng and arrive at various locations in Vientiane as well, you will always see this information when booking tickets on online platforms.
So read everything carefully to avoid any misunderstandings. The travel time of minibuses or minivans from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is about 2.5-5 hours, depending on the company and the route operated. This time may vary slightly, it should also be taken into account that there may be delays at departure and therefore also after arrival in Vientiane.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
A minibus / minivan transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs around $7-12/pp and together with the train connection on this route, is the cheapest option to travel between these cities.
Bus timetables from Vang Vieng to Vientiane can be a bit more limited, but there are always several minibuses going to the capital throughout the day, so you’ll be sure to pick your suitable connection.
You can easily search and buy minibus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online and advance. Always read all transfer conditions when booking and follow the company’s instructions. Transfer by minibus can be advantageous if you are traveling from a specific hotel to another specific place, the tickets are cheap and the comfort in the form of seats in minibuses is fully sufficient.
2. TRAIN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
Another interesting and fast way to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is by train. Modern and fast Laos-China Railway trains run on this route, and some journeys are also a relatively cheap option. The Laos-China Railway train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane offers you trains with seats and even with several classes.
The prices of train tickets also differ according to the train classes, which can be different. However, the cheapest option will be enough for most travelers on this route, it is a shorter route and the driving time from Vang Vieng to Vientiane is only about 1-1.5 hours. The Laos-China Railway train departs from Vang Vieng Railway Station and arrives at Vientiane Railway Station, see Lao Railway Map.
Train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane cost between $6-25/pp (1st, 2nd class, business seat, hard seat…), the cheapest option is the hard seat option. You can search and buy tickets for these trains from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online and as e-tickets on your mobile phone.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
Always search for tickets a few days before departure, if the sale is not yet open, try to search for tickets later. For trains operated by Laos-China Railway, you will receive the e-ticket when the booking is confirmed. The e-ticket is a valid boarding pass and you can scan the QR code at the ticket gates or you can pick up the physical ticket at the station.
Always read the current transfer conditions after booking. Train transfer in Laos is a very good and fast transport option and some trains are relatively cheap and comparable in price to cheaper minibuses. It is also suitable for low-cost travelers, who can choose the cheapest form on trains, namely the hard seat.
3. TAXI / CAR from Vang Vieng to Vientiane (Thanaleng)
If you would like to travel from Vang Vieng to the Thanaleng border crossing, which is the gateway to Thailand, you can use a private minivan transfer with a driver. This transport option will be suitable mainly for groups of travelers who can reserve a modern and comfortable minivan for up to 9 passengers.
This transport option from Vang Vieng to Thanaleng is offered by RG Adventure and the journey time can be about 2.5 hours. A private minivan transfer from Vang Vieng to Thanaleng costs around $170/car, you can then convert this fare to individual passengers. You can choose your departure point in Vang Vieng according to your own preferences.
BOOK PRIVATE CAR to Thanaleng ➜
You can view and book your private car/minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online even in advance. After booking, you will receive your order as an e-ticket to your email, the company also accepts this e-ticket. Arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
Also, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the company’s instructions to avoid misunderstandings or other problems. A private transfer to the Thanaleng border crossing, which is approximately 17 km from downtown Vientiane, is the most expensive transportation option between these locations.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane:
1. How to book + buy bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- You can book+buy bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
2. What is the travel time from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 2.5-5 hours.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 1-1.5 hour.
- Travel by taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng takes about 2.5 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- Travel distance from Vang Vieng to Vientiane by bus or minivan is about 160 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs about $7-12/pp.
- Train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane cost about $6-25/pp.
- Transfer by taxi/car from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng cost about $170/minivan.
5. Is there a train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- Yes, there is a modern, fast and comfortable train to Vientiane from Vang Vieng from December 2021. This train goes between Boten border crossing and Vientiane, this is the first project of railway network in Laos.
6. Is there a flight from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- No, there is no flight from Vang Vieng to Vientiane in Laos, it is not possible to travel by plane. Vang Vieng has no airport, there are some plans to build a new airport in the future in this town.
7. Is there a private taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- If you want to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane by private taxi/car, you have to ask for this option at your hotel in Vang Vieng. They can arrange some local company for your trip.
8. Is there an airport in Vientiane?
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- Yes, there is an airport in Vientiane, you can travel by plane e.g. to Vietnam (Hanoi).
9. Why to travel and visit Vientiane?
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- Vientiane is the capital of Laos, it is also the most important transport hub in Laos because it is only a few kilometres from the border with Thailand. You can go to Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and travel to Thailand, e.g. to Udon Thani, Nong Khai or Bangkok. Vientiane has also various historical sites and temples.
10. Where to travel from Vientiane?
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- From Vientiane you can travel to various places in Thailand or Laos, e.g. to Bangkok (Thailand), Luang Prabang, Pakse or Savannakhet (Laos). There are also some direct flights from Vientiane to Hanoi (check Baolau + 12go.asia).
11. How to travel solo in Laos?
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- Embark on a solo journey through Laos by navigating diverse transportation options, opting for budget-friendly lodgings, and delving into local markets, all while fostering cultural connections and respecting the traditions of this enchanting destination. Laos has a lot of activities also for solo travelers.
12. What is the weather and climate in Laos?
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- Weather in Laos varies between distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, prevailing from May to October, brings heavy rainfall and heightened humidity, contributing to lush landscapes and abundant rivers. In contrast, the dry season, spanning from November to April, features lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for travel with clear skies and enjoyable outdoor activities.
13. What you can buy and bring home from Laos?
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- Laos presents a diverse range of souvenirs and original gifts or toys that capture its cultural richness. Traditional clay jars, silk scarves, woven baskets, silver jewelry, coffee, and a coffee maker offer a blend of artistry and functionality. Traditional fabrics, rice papers, embroidered book covers, and ceramics reflect the country’s storytelling heritage and artistic traditions. Toys, puppets, and essential oils contribute to a varied collection that echoes the cultural tapestry of Laos. Read more: What to bring from Laos?
14. Is traveling in Laos cheap or expensive?
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- In summary, traveling in Laos is a cost-effective and budget-friendly experience. From affordable accommodations, local street food, and transportation to reasonably priced cultural and adventure activities, Laos caters to the needs of budget-conscious travelers. Entrance fees to historical sites and healthcare services are generally economical. While Laos provides an inexpensive travel environment, it’s advisable to allocate a contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. Read this article: Prices in Laos.
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🚆 Train Schedule / Timetable – Vang Vieng to Vientiane + Train Tickets:
FULL UPDATED SCHEDULE – CLICK HERE
Train Schedule - Vang Vieng to Vientiane | Departs in Vang Vieng | Arrival in Vientiane | Train ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Laos - China Railway (C81) | 20:16 | 21:08 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (C83) | 19:36 | 20:31 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (C97) | 11:38 | 12:38 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (K11) | 18:43 | 20:04 | From $6-12 |
Laos - China Railway (C91) | 13:49 | 14:56 | From $8-15 |
Laos - China Railway (D87) | 15:41 | 16:34 | From $10-18 |
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