1. Bus/Van to Vientiane
2. Train to Vientiane
3. Taxi to Vientiane
4. Tour in Vientiane
5. FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book Ticket Online
From Vang Vieng to Vientiane you can travel by bus, van, train or 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 2.5-4 hours and bus tickets cost about $8-12/pp. Another option is to travel by private taxi/car, travel by private taxi costs about $100-150/vehicle. 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 $16-30/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 in Thailand 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 border crossing. 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 | 2.5-4 hours | $8-12/pp |
| Train | 1-1.5 hour | $16-31/pp |
| Private Transfer | 1.5-2 hours | $50-90/car |
How do I get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
1. BUS/VAN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
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- travel by bus/van/minibus from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 2.5-4 hours
- seats and comfortable buses or minivans, minibuses to Vientiane in Laos
- bus companies to Vientiane: Malany Transport, Naga Travel, Soutchai Travel (and other local bus companies)
- one-way bus ticket from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs about $8-12/pp
- Book and buy bus e-tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
- secured payment, read the all information before you book your bus tickets
- you will receive your e-ticket to Vientiane by email, ready to print or carry in your mobile phone or tablet and present before boarding the bus in Vang Vieng, come to the bus station at least 30 minutes before departure
2. TRAIN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
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- On 3 December 2021 there was opened a new railway route from Vang Vieng to Vientiane
- this is the new project – The Laos-China Railway Company limited (train from Vientiane to Kunming)
- you can also travel by this train to Kunming in China via Boten in northern Laos
- train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane cost about $16-30/pp (1st, 2nd class, business seat)
- train arrives to Vientiane Railway Station
- train tickets can be purchased three days before the departure of the train from Vang Vieng
- transfer by train from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 1-1.5 hour
- you can check Laos Railway Map + Transport in Laos
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS to Vientiane ➜
3. TAXI / CAR from Vang Vieng to Vientiane (Thanaleng)
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- from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng Bordger Crossing you can also travel by private taxi/car
- private taxi/car is the most expensive option of transfer to Vientiane
- transfer by private car/taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng costs about $170/car
- you can book your private car – minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng easily online
- transfer by private car/taxi from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng takes about 2.5 hours
BOOK TAXI from Vang Vieng to Thanaleng ➜
4. Book a Tour + Tickets in Vientiane
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- you can also search and book various private tours + tickets for attractions in Vientiane online
- e.g. half day city tour, shared transfers in Laos, to and from the airport and other activities
- these private tours in Vientiane offer mainly local tour guides
- with Klook ➜ you can also book various tickets, private tours and other activities
What is Baolau? Book tickets + flights easily online.
– Baolau sells train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Vietnam but also for Laos and Cambodia
– you can buy also a bus tickets of well known bus companies – Mai Linh, Hoang Long, Futabus, Sapa Express…
– tickets for the ferries in Vietnam (eg. ferry to Cat Ba, ferry to Quan Lan, ferry to Phnom Penh, ferry to Phu Quoc…)
– tickets for travel routes in Vietnam (eg. Mui Ne to Hanoi, Hoi An to Nha Trang, Da Lat to Hoi An…)
– you can select a seat or berth in the train but also in some buses
– flights of Vietnamese Airlines, VietJet Air, JetStar Pacific, Air Asia as well as flights to neighbouring countries
– the price of tickets depends on the official price of transport company, you will see the final price before you make a payment transaction
– acceptable online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
What is 12go.asia? Book tickets + flights easily online.
– 12go sells train, bus, ferry tickets and flights mainly for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia
– from 2018 you can book train tickets for China online (Shanghai to Nanjing, Shenzhen to Guangzhou, Beijing to Xian…)
– ferry/boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Rong, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Chang…
– tickets for the main routes in Thailand, eg: Bangkok to Surat Thani, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Bangkok to Phuket
– you can use an online train e-ticket in your mobile phone in Vietnam + Thailand
– more information about train tickets and trains in Thailand
– if you buy a ticket of private trains in Vietnam to Lao Cai on 12go.asia or Baolau (Fansipan Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane:
1. How to book + buy bus tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
2. How long does it take to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
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- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vang Vieng to Vientiane takes about 2.5-4 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 $8-12/pp.
- Train tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane cost about $16-30/pp.
- Transfer by taxi/car from Vang Vieng to Vientiane – Thanaleng cost about $170/car.
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 are the most interesting things and facts about Laos?
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- Laos is a cultural tapestry enriched by Luang Prabang’s UNESCO charm, the vital Mekong River, and the enigmatic Plain of Jars. Traditional Lao cuisine tantalizes taste buds, the Baci ceremony weaves spiritual ties, and Vieng Xai Caves harbor hidden histories. Bolaven Plateau is a coffee paradise, while Wat Phou echoes ancient spirituality, Pak Ou Caves cradle abundant Buddhas. Read also this full article: 15 Interesting Things of Laos.
13. 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.
14. 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?
15. 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.
16. What is the official currency of Laos and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK). Travelers can exchange money at various locations, including banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. While banks might offer better exchange rates, they often have more restricted operating hours. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the current exchange rates and, if possible, conduct larger transactions at banks for potential cost savings. Additionally, some establishments may accept U.S. dollars or Thai baht, especially in larger cities, but it’s generally recommended to have the local currency.
17. What is the food and cuisine in Laos, what to expect?
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- In conclusion, Laotian cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and cultural diversity. With rice as a staple, the dishes reflect a harmonious balance of flavors, influenced by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai culinary elements. From the iconic sticky rice to flavorful salads, grilled meats, and aromatic soups, Laos offers a unique gastronomic journey. The use of local herbs, spices, and the mysterious Padaek sauce adds depth to the culinary experience.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vientiane ➜
🚆 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) | 14:45 | 15:45 | From $27-30 |
Laos - China Railway (C83) | 19:12 | 20:13 | From $27-30 |
Laos - China Railway (K11) | 17:44 | 19:10 | From $24-27 |
3 Ways of Transfer from Vang Vieng to Vientiane:
| 1. BUS/VAN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane | |
|---|---|
| Transport Option | Bus / Van / Minibus |
| Description | Travel by comfortable buses takes about 2.5-4 hours. |
| Bus Companies | Malany Transport, Naga Travel, Soutchai Travel (and other local bus companies) |
| One-way Ticket Price | $8-12/pp | 2. TRAIN from Vang Vieng to Vientiane |
| Transport Option | Train |
| Train Ticket Price | $16-30/pp (1st, 2nd class, business seat) |
| Train Arrival | Vientiane Railway Station | 3. TAXI / CAR from Vang Vieng to Vientiane (Thanaleng) |
| Transport Option | Private Taxi / Car |
| Description | Most expensive option for transfer to Vientiane. Takes about 2.5 hours. |
| Price | $170/car |
🎫 Book your tickets from Vang Vieng to Vientiane + Schedule:
Vientiane｜Hanoi｜Chiang Mai｜Da Nang｜Sapa to Ha Long Bay｜Hue to Phong Nha｜Saigon to Nha Trang｜Phan Thiet to Saigon｜Hanoi to Cat Ba