How many ways to get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane? Let Indochina Voyages share the real experiences of each transportation option to help you choose the perfect way to travel. Are you ready?
How Far from Vientiane to Vang Vieng?
The journey covers 129 kilometers (80 miles) through the heart of Laos, typically taking around 2 hours by car. Before diving into transportation options, let’s understand what makes each destination special.
What to expect in Vang Vieng?
- Wake up to misty mountains and limestone karsts, with hot air balloons dotting the sunrise sky
- Spend your days tubing down the Nam Song River, stopping at riverside bars and making friends with fellow travelers
- Discover hidden caves and crystal-clear blue lagoons perfect for afternoon swims and Instagram-worthy photos
What to expect in Vientiane?
- Start your morning with fresh croissants at French-style cafes along tree-lined boulevards
- Wander through golden temples where monks in orange robes perform daily rituals
- End your day watching the sun set over the Mekong River while sampling local Beer Lao and street food at the night market
How to Get from Vang Vieng to Vientiane?
There are no flights available for this short distance, to travel from Vang Vieng to Vientiane, you can choose between the modern bullet train or various road transport options such as by bus or by car or by motorbike. Each offers a unique perspective of Laotian life.
By Train – The Fastest Way
- Time: Around 1 hour if by high-speed train, 1 hour and 20 minutes if by ordinary train.
- Price: $6-20 depending on class
Stepping onto the sleek Laos-China Railway feels like being transported into the future, especially in contrast to Laos’s traditional countryside. In first class ($15-20), you’ll enjoy wide, reclining seats and large windows perfect for photographing the dramatic landscape. Second class ($6-10) still offers comfortable seating but in a more social atmosphere.
The experience is smooth and quiet – perfect if you’re prone to motion sickness. You’ll glide past rice paddies and small villages, occasionally catching glimpses of traditional life as farmers tend their fields. The modern stations, while far from city centers, are air-conditioned havens from the tropical heat.
Travel Tip: Download offline maps for both cities since you’ll need to arrange transportation to and from the stations. Local tuk-tuk drivers are familiar with train schedules and typically gather at both stations.
By Bus – The Cheapest Way
- Time: 3-5 hours
- Price: $9 for regular service
Taking the local bus offers the most authentic glimpse into Laotian travel life. You’ll share the journey with locals carrying everything from fresh market goods to small livestock. The bus makes several stops in small villages, where local vendors sell traditional snacks and drinks through the windows.
The seats are basic but adequate, and the breeze through open windows brings in the scents of rural Laos – sometimes fragrant frangipani, sometimes farm life. It’s bumpy and slower than other options, but you’ll experience the real rhythm of Laotian travel.
Travel Tip: Sit on the left side of the bus for the best mountain views, and bring motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive to winding roads.
Rent a Motorbike to Travel on Your Own – An Adventure Way
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Price: $10-20 per day rental
Nothing beats the freedom of exploring on two wheels. You’ll feel every curve of the road and change in temperature as you wind through mountain passes and valleys. Stop at small roadside stands for fresh coconuts or local coffee, chat with curious villagers, and discover hidden viewpoints that tour buses speed past.
The route is well-marked but offers plenty of opportunities for detours through small villages where children wave excitedly at passing travelers. You might find yourself invited to join a local family for lunch or discover a temple that isn’t in any guidebook.
Travel Tip: Take a photo of your rental bike and mark down phone numbers for your accommodation in both cities in case you need assistance. The local community is incredibly helpful to travelers in need.
By Private Car – A Flexible Way
- Time: 2-4 hours
- Price: $90-130 per car
Hiring a private car feels like having a local friend show you around. Many drivers are happy to share stories about life in Laos and can stop at scenic spots you’d otherwise miss. The cars are typically modern and air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable even in the hottest months.
You can request stops at local markets, interesting temples, or particularly beautiful viewpoints. Some drivers even know the best local restaurants along the way where you can sample authentic Laotian cuisine.
Travel Tip: Ask your driver about local customs and life in Laos – many are excellent sources of cultural insights and travel tips for the rest of your journey.
>> Finding also the way from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang? Here for you: How to get from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang? The Newest Updated Travel Guide
FAQs
Is Vientiane worth visiting for tourists?
Yes, Vientiane offers a unique blend of traditional Laotian culture, French colonial influence, and modern Asian city life. The city’s temples, markets, and riverside restaurants make it worth at least 2-3 days of exploration.
Where is Vang Vieng station?
The Vang Vieng railway station is located at XF34+4F, Vang Vieng, Laos, which is approximately 4 minutes if drive from the town center. The open time are: 7:30 AM–11:40 AM, 12:50 PM–5:15 PM, 5:50 PM–8:20 PM every day. Regular shuttle services and tuk-tuks operate between the town and the station.
How many days do I need in Vang Vieng?
Most travelers spend 2-4 days in Vang Vieng to fully enjoy the outdoor activities and natural attractions.
>> Read more about Vang Vieng for off-beat experiences: Top 07 Vang Vieng Things To Do You Can Not Missed
Whether you choose the modern efficiency of the train, the cultural immersion of the bus, the adventure of motorbiking, or the comfort of a private car, the journey between Vang Vieng and Vientiane offers a unique window into Laotian life. Each option writes its own story – choose the one that matches your ideal travel tale.
At Indochina Voyages, we specialize in crafting seamless journeys through Laos and Southeast Asia. Our expert travel consultants can help integrate your Vang Vieng to Vientiane trip into a larger adventure, whether you’re heading to the temples of Cambodia, the beaches of Thailand, or the cultural sites of Vietnam.
From securing the best transportation options to discovering hidden gems along the way, we’ll tailor every detail to your preferences. Contact us to create your perfect Indochina adventure – let’s make your travel dreams a reality.
Safe travels, and see you in Laos tour!
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages Team
