1. Bus/Van to Vang Vieng
2. Train to Vang Vieng
3. Taxi to Vang Vieng
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From Vientiane to Vang Vieng you can travel by bus/van, train, taxi.
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is 130 km by road. There are 3 options how you can get to Vang Vieng from Vientiane in Laos – travel by tourist bus/minivan, modern fast train of Laos-China Railway or private taxi/car. There are no flights from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, because there is no airport in Vang Vieng. The most comfortable option of getting to Vang Vieng is to travel by train of Laos-China Railway. This train is operating from December 2021 and it is a modern fast seat train and train tickets are cheap. Travel by train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes about 1-1.5 hour and train tickets cost about $8-20/pp (1st or 2nd class, business seat). But the train schedule is very limited. You can buy train tickets to Vang Vieng at the railway station in Vientiane.
- Another popular way is to travel by bus or minivan to Vang Vieng. Transfer by bus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes about 1.5-4 hours and bus tickets cost about $7-14/pp. You can use these bus companies: Malany Transport, Soutchai Travel, Naga Travel, Family Service and other companies. The last way of transfer to Vang Vieng from Vientiane is to book a private car/taxi, you can ask for this option at your hotel in Vientiane. From Vang Vieng you can travel to Luang Prabang by train or bus.
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- Vang Vieng is a popular tourist town in Laos, it is located at the Nam Son River at the beautiful mountain part of Laos. There is no airport in Vang Vieng, so it is necessary to get there by bus, car or train. Vang Vieng has a railway station and there is a train to Boten border crossing via Luang Prabang or to Vientiane. Vang Vieng offers various tourist attractions and activities and there is a wide range of cheap accommodation, like small guesthouses or bungalows.
- Originally an inconspicuous village, it has become a popular destination for travelers in a few years and today it is probably the most touristy place in Laos. The locals have quickly adapted to the growing interest, and today there is a flood of restaurants, hotels and travel agencies. The main attractions are trips around the area, many caves and water sports, the most popular of which is the river on the tires. Read the instructions how you can go to Vang Vieng from Vientiane below in this article. You can also book bus tickets to Vang Vieng easily online. Before you arrive to Vang Vieng, read carefully this article: Weather in Vang Vieng.
| Transfer Mode – Vientiane to Vang Vieng: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 1.5-4 hours | $7-14/pp |
| Train by Laos-China Railway | 1-1.5 hour | $8-20/pp |
| Private Transfer | 1.5-2 hours | $50-170/car |
How do I get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
1. BUS / VAN from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
One of the options for a low-cost transfer from Vientiane to Vang Vieng in Laos is a trip by minibus, minivan or possibly a regular larger bus. These minibuses and buses can leave from various places and stops in Vientiane and in Vang Vieng they can arrive at various places or directly to some hotels.
You will see information about departures and arrivals when searching for tickets, so read everything carefully. Smaller minibuses and minivans are mostly on this route, and from Vientiane to Vang Vieng you can use companies such as RG Adventure, Naluang, Family Service, Soutchai Travel, Naga Travel, or others.
Travel time by minibus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is approximately 1.5-4 hours. Please consider that minibuses may sometimes be late, and this time may therefore vary slightly. Bus tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng cost between $7-14/pp, these prices may change or vary slightly throughout the year.
You can easily find and buy minibus or minivan tickets to Vang Vieng from Vientiane online in advance. When making a reservation, always carefully read all conditions and instructions for the transfer to avoid possible misunderstandings.
Transfer minibuses or minivans are mainly used by ordinary solo travelers who have a rather limited budget for their travel. The advantage is that minibuses usually go to the city center, unlike the train, so no additional transfer is necessary, for example from the train station in Vang Vieng.
2. TRAIN from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
A very good, comfortable, fast and cheap transfer option from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is the Laos-China Railway train journey. Trains depart from Vientiane Railway Station and arrive at Vang Vieng Railway Station, see the Lao Railway Map.
The timetable of these trains can be a bit more limited, during each day there are about 5-6 trains to Vang Vieng. The trains will only offer you seats that are comfortable in all classes, the cheapest option in these trains is a hard seat. Travel by train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes approximately 1-1.5 hours, usually the specified journey times are respected.
Even a train transfer can be a cheap option and train tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng in Laos cost between $8-20/pp. The prices of train tickets to Vang Vieng are based on the class you choose, the most expensive option is 1st class Business Seat, then there are also cheap 2nd class seats.
You can easily search and buy these Vientiane to Vang Vieng train tickets in advance online. Tickets can usually be bought up to 3 days before the train departs from Vientiane.
It is not necessary to print the tickets, if you have a mobile phone, you just need to have them saved on your phone and when you board the train you can prove yourself with this e-ticket with a QR code.
Some companies will offer you a combined taxi and train transfer, i.e. that they take you outside the railway station and then you continue by train. Even such a combined ticket to Vang Vieng can be purchased online. The train transfer is a very good and fast transport option to Vang Vieng from Vientiane and is already one of the most used.
3. TAXI / CAR from Vientiane (Thanaleng) to Vang Vieng
Another transfer option is a trip by private car with a driver from Thanaleng to Vang Vieng. Thanaleng is a border crossing, about 15 km from the city center of Vientiane, it is the gateway to Thailand. A private minivan for up to 9 passengers is available on this route from Thanaleng to Vang Vieng.
It is a convenient transportation option for those who want to book an entire vehicle for several people traveling in a group. Private minivan transfer from Thanaleng to Vang Vieng is offered by RG Adventure and the journey time is about 2.5 hours. The minivan leaves from the border crossing on the Lao side.
BOOK TAXI – Thanaleng to Vang Vieng ➜
Private minivan / minibus transportation from Thanaleng border to Vang Vieng will cost you around $170/car in total. You can then calculate this price for individual passengers. You can search, view and reserve your private minivan / minibus for up to 9 passengers online ahead of time.
When booking a private vehicle to Vang Vieng, always read all conditions and instructions for this type of transfer and follow the company’s instructions. This option is mainly suitable for those who arrive in Laos from Thailand via the Thai-Lao Friendship bridge and want to continue to Vang Vieng immediately. For ordinary low-cost travelers, this option is not suitable due to the higher price of the transfer.
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vientiane to Vang Vieng:
1. How to book + buy bus tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- You can book bus tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng online on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- It is also possible to search another travel route, e.g. Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Vientiane to Pakse…
2. What is the travel time from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- Travel by tourist bus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes about 1.5-4 hours.
- Travel by train of Laos-China Railway from Vientiane to Vang Vieng takes about 1-1.5 hour.
3. What is the travel distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- Travel distance from Vientiane to Vang Vieng by bus or minivan is about 130 km by land.
4. How much does it cost to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- Transfer by tourist bus or minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng costs about $7-14/pp.
- Train tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng cost about $8-20/pp (first + second class seat, business seat).
- Trransfer by private taxi from Vientiane to Vang Vieng should cost about $50-170/car.
5. Is there a train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- Yes, you can travel by train of Laos-China Railway to Vang Vieng from December 2021. It is a modern fast set train operating between Vientiane and Boten in northern Laos. You can also check the current Laos Train Map. Vang Vieng Railway Station is about 3 km north from the town center.
6. Is there a flight from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- No, there is no flight from Vientiane to Vang Vieng in Laos, it is not possible to travel by plane between these sites.
7. What is the cheapest option of transfer from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
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- The most cheapest way how you can reach Vang Vieng from Vientiane is to travel by tourist or minivan.
8. Where to travel from Vang Vieng?
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- From Vang Vieng you can travel by train or bus to northern Laos, e.g. to Luang Prabang, or to Boten border crossing via Muong Xay, there is a train between Boten and Vang Vieng.
9. Where you can also travel from Vientiane?
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- From Vientiane you can also travel to southern Laos, e.g. by bus or plane + bus to Don Det. Don Det is a good option for visit if you want to travel to Cambodia, it is close to the border.
10. Where to stay in Vang Vieng?
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- Vang Vieng is fully prepared for tourists and there is a wide range of accommodation facilities. There are various cheap guesthouses or small hotels, villas or private homes. Check this article: 15 Best Cheap Hotels in Vang Vieng.
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 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.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Vang Vieng ➜
🚍 Bus Schedule / Timetable – Vientiane to Vang Vieng + Bus Tickets:
Train Schedule - Vientiane to Vang Vieng | Departs in Vientiane | Arrival in Vang Vieng | Bus ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
RG Adventure | 07:00 | 11:00 | From $8.00 |
RG Adventure | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $8.00 |
RG Adventure | 13:00 | 17:00 | From $8.00 |
RG Adventure | 15:00 | 19:00 | From $8.00 |
Naluang | 07:00 | 08:30 | From $9.00 |
Naluang | 08:30 | 10:00 | From $9.00 |
Family Service | 08:30 | 11:00 | From $7.00 |
Family Service | 11:30 | 14:00 | From $7.00 |
Family Service | 13:30 | 16:00 | From $7.00 |
Soutchai Travel | 09:00 | 11:30 | From $10.00 |
Soutchai Travel | 13:00 | 15:30 | From $10.00 |
🚆 Train Schedule / Timetable – Vientiane to Vang Vieng + Train Tickets:
Train Schedule - Vientiane to Vang Vieng | Departs in Vientiane | Arrival in Vang Vieng | Train ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
Laos - China Railway (C98) | 07:30 | 08:22 | From $8-17/pp |
Laos - China Railway (C82) | 13:30 | 14:23 | From $8-17/pp |
Laos - China Railway (C92) | 09:45 | 10:40 | From $8-17/pp |
Laos - China Railway (K12) | 08:42 | 10:02 | From $6-10/pp |
Laos - China Railway (D88) | 08:08 | 09:00 | From $10-20/pp |
Laos - China Railway (C84) | 15:55 | 17:08 | From $8-17/pp |
BOOK your HOTEL in Vang Vieng ➜
🎫 Book your bus tickets from Vientiane to Vang Vieng + Schedule:
(You can change your travel route, eg. Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng…)