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Vang Vieng is a riverside town of limestone karsts, caves and lagoons. It sits in central Laos, 552 kilometres (343 miles) north of Pakse, and kayaking and tubing are the draw. Flying via Vientiane is the quickest option, taking 2h 10m - 4h 40m. The bus costs $36 (793,000 LAK), but it will take a long time, around 13-16h.
Distance from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Pakse and Vang Vieng are about 552 km (343 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 722 km by road. The quickest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng is by taking the flight via vientiane, which takes around 2h 10m - 4h 40m.
2 ways to travel from Pakse to Vang Vieng
There are two ways to travel from Pakse to Vang Vieng. The journey takes 2h 10m–13h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $36 (793,000 LAK).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Pakse→Vientiane1h 20m
- Vientiane→Vang Vieng3h 20m
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Pakse to Vang Vieng by Bus
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 (793,000 LAK), 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.
Sleeper buses from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Most buses on this route are sleeper buses, and it’s worth checking the details before you book. These usually come with flatbeds instead of regular seats. Flatbeds are designed for two people, so if you’re travelling solo, you’ll need to book both spots to have the bed to yourself. Otherwise, expect to share the bed with a stranger.
Bus schedule from Pakse to Vang Vieng
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Departure and arrival stations
Most buses depart from their own headquarters in Pakse.
In Vang Vieng, the last stop is at Vang Vieng Bus Terminal.
Pakse to Vang Vieng by Flight via Vientiane
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 (2,338,000 LAK).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Flight from Pakse to Vientiane
Lao Airlines offers daily flights from Pakse to Vientiane. Prices for a one-way plane ticket start at $89 (1,978,000 LAK). The flight takes about 1 hour.
Lao Skyway is another airline you can check out. It used to offer cheaper rates. But the last time we checked (March 2026), its website was not available for booking.
For more information, read our article on how to get from Pakse to Vientiane.
How to get to Pakse Airport
The best way to travel the 5 km from Pakse city centre to the airport is by taxi. Rates start from $2.70 (60,000 LAK) for the journey that takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk to Pakse International Airport. Fares start from $2.30 (50,000 LAK). Ask the fare beforehand because some drivers try to overcharge.
Step 2: Train from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
From Vientiane, the fastest way to get to Vang Vieng is by train, which takes just about an hour.
Train ticket prices start from $13 (293,000 LAK) when you buy in advance through BookAway. Note that it's almost impossible to buy train tickets on the same day because they sell out fast.
When booking your train ticket, give yourself at least 3 hours between your flight arrival and train departure.
The train station sits about 20 km from the airport, so the transfer alone can take around an hour. On top of that, you’ll need another 30 minutes to clear security at the station.
How to get from Vientiane Airport to Vientiane Railway Station
From Wattay International Airport, the easiest way to reach Vientiane Railway Station is by taxi. You can get an airport taxi or hail one through local apps like Loca and InDrive. Taxi fares start from $6.80 (150,000 LAK).
The taxi journey takes about 50 minutes.
IMPORTANT: Vientiane Train Station looks a lot like an airport, and you can expect the usual security checks. Aerosols and sharp metal objects like army knives will be confiscated. The X-ray and security check take some time, so save yourself the stress and arrive at the station 30 minutes to 1 hour before your trip.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Alternative: Bus or Minivan from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Another option to reach Vang Vieng from Vientiane is to take a bus or a minivan. These take longer, around 4 hours, and are not as comfortable as trains. But they're a bit cheaper with fares from $9.00 (200,000 LAK).
Check out our guide for Vientiane to Vang Vieng to know more.
Our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng
Here are our favourite places to stay in Vang Vieng for every budget.
Vang Vieng Diamond Resort
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.
- Great value for money
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite restaurant
- Mountain views
Private rooms start from $23 per night.
Vang Vieng Champa Hotel
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.
- Modern and clean
- Amazing host
- Free water
- Free delicious breakfast
Private rooms start from $25 per night.
Sunset Nam Ngum Resort
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.
- Unique stay
- Surrounded by water
- Modern and luxury rooms
- Free shuttle to Vang Vieng
King rooms start from $40 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Vang Vieng?
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Pakse to Vang Vieng, roughly 552 kilometres (343 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $36 (793,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 2h 10m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Pakse to Vang Vieng?
The distance from Pakse to Vang Vieng is 552 kilometres (343 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng?
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng is by flight and takes 2h 10m - 4h 40m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vang Vieng is by bus with ticket costs starting from 793,000 LAK.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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