In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 780 kilometre distance from Pakse to Vang Vieng. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 2 ways to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng. You can choose between the bus, flight via vientiane. The most affordable option is by bus, starting from $36. The fastest route is by flight via vientiane (2h 10m).
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2h 10m
$105
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16h
$36
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Travelling by bus from Pakse to Vang Vieng takes a while, with journeys lasting around 13-16h. The good news? It’s an overnight trip, so you can (hopefully) get some sleep and wake up closer to your destination.
With tickets from $36, the bus is the cheapest way to travel this route.
All buses heading to Vang Vieng from Pakse stop in Vientiane. But these days, you can book a direct ticket, which makes things easier. Your bus company will sort out the transfer in Vientiane, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Just keep in mind that sometimes you’ll switch to a minivan instead of another bus for the Vientiane to Vang Vieng leg.
Some companies offering direct bus tickets from Pakse to Vang Vieng include Chanthachone Transportation, Green Paradise Travel and Sanga Hostels.
Flying is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng. It's not a direct flight, though.
Vang Vieng doesn't have its own airport, so you will have to fly to the nearest one, in Vientiane. From here, you can take a train or bus to Vang Vieng.
Travel time with a combined flight and train from Pakse to Vang Vieng takes about 2h 10m - 4h 40m. Prices start from $105.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Vang Vieng is a small Laotian town set in the midst of tranquil cliffs and rich green rice fields — just like a scene from an Asian painting. Formerly a party destination, the picturesque town reinvented itself to become Laos' adventure capital.
Adrenaline-hungry travellers can enjoy many exciting activities in Vang Vieng — from rock climbing and caving to hiking and river tubing. When you want to relax, take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoons or just ride a motorbike across Vang Vieng's rugged roads and lush green fields.
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Carbon Footprint
This 780 km journey produces approximately 69 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
It's not easy to find a resort for $23 a night, so when you find one like Vang Vieng Diamond Resort, you should snap it up! This place has a huge outdoor swimming pool, an onsite restaurant that serves a range of cuisines and nice areas to relax in.
The rooms are clean and spacious, offering great views of the mountain and surrounding areas. The resort is slightly out from the city centre, adding a bit of piece to your stay in Vang Vieng.
Vang Vieng Champa Hotel recently opened, so everything feels clean and modern. Plus, they're cleaned every day with fresh water provided every day. The host, Ben, goes out of his way to make sure you have a fabulous stay. He's so incredible, many people have ended up extending their stay.
He wants to make you feel at home which includes providing a free breakfast every morning! The location is great, within walking distance of most attractions.
Sunset Nam Ngum Resort is situated 50 minutes south of Vang Vieng, but it offers a unique and unforgettable stay. You'll be staying on one of the islets in Nam Ngum Reservoir, surrounded by water.
The place has just been renovated offering stunning and modern rooms that overlook the water. This is the perfect escape from the world. And don't worry about the distance to Vang Vieng, the resort offers a free shuttle.
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