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Vientiane is the capital of Laos, a low-key riverside city on the Mekong. Golden stupas, French bakeries and night markets fill an easy day or two. Flying is the quickest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane, taking 1h 55m. The bus costs $26 (573,000 LAK), but it will take a long time, around 10-15h.
Distance from Pakse to Vientiane
Pakse and Vientiane are about 463 km (288 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 598 km by road. The quickest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 55m.
2 ways to travel from Pakse to Vientiane
There are two ways to travel from Pakse to Vientiane. The journey takes 1h 55m–10h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $26 (573,000 LAK).
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- How to get to Pakse Airport20m
- Flight from Pakse to Vientiane1h
- Vientiane Airport to city centre35m
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Pakse to Vientiane by Bus
It’s a long bus ride from Pakse to Vientiane, taking around 10-15h. But if you’re travelling on a budget, this is your cheapest option, with tickets starting from just $26 (573,000 LAK).
We recommend booking an overnight sleeper bus. You’ll save valuable travel time and skip paying for a night’s accommodation.
A quick heads-up on travel time: some companies claim they can complete the journey in under 8 hours. In reality, it’s closer to 10 hours, sometimes more. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to sleep through most of it and arrive feeling (somewhat) refreshed.
Sleeper buses from Pakse to Vientiane
Most buses on this route are sleeper buses, but it’s worth checking the details before you book. Many come with flatbeds instead of regular seats. These 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, you might end up sharing with a stranger.
Not keen on that setup? Some buses offer standard seats or solo reclining beds. Always check the bus features before booking so you know what to expect.
You’ll find five bus companies running this route: KriangKai Transport, Green Paradise Travel, Chanthachone Transportation, RG Adventure and Sanga Hostels.
Bus schedule from Pakse to Vientiane
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Tourist or local bus?
Buses on BookAway are usually tourist (VIP) buses. Don’t expect luxury, though. They’re quite basic compared to VIP buses in other countries. Still, they’re your best option if you want a smoother ride and a chance to sleep on the long journey from Pakse to Vientiane.
Local buses are cheaper, with fares from around $11 (240,000 LAK). They have daytime departures if you don't want to travel overnight. You also don’t need to book in advance. But honestly, we wouldn’t recommend local buses for this route.
They’re often packed and tend to stop frequently to pick up more passengers, even when there are no seats left. On top of that, air conditioning isn’t always available. Also, these are often sleeper buses with flatbeds, even when you're travelling during the day.
If you’re looking for a middle ground, check out the local express buses from Vientiane Southern Bus Terminal. These usually have standard seats (no sleepers), but they’re faster and make fewer stops than local buses. Fares start from around $13 (290,000 LAK), though it’s best to confirm the latest price at the station.
Pakse to Vientiane by Flight
Flying is the fastest way you can get from Pakse to Vientiane, with a travel time of just 1h 55m, including airport transfers.
Combined rates start from $93 (2,058,000 LAK), also making it the most expensive option for this route.
We think the price is worth it, though! The flight gives you not just speed, but also comfort. You can save money with the bus, but it's at least a 10-hour journey, and can be very uncomfortable.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: 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.
Visit our guide for Pakse Airport for more info.
Step 2: Flight from Pakse to Vientiane
Prices for a one-way plane ticket from Pakse to Vientiane start at $88 (1,956,000 LAK).
Lao Airlines operates several flights on this route daily. Flight time is 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.
Step 3: Vientiane Airport to city centre
There are 2 ways to travel the 8 km from Vientiane Airport to the city centre: by bus for $1.80 (40,000 LAK) and by taxi with rates from $3.20 (70,000 LAK). Both options take about 35 minutes.
The Vientiane Airport Bus Line is a convenient choice for solo travellers. It takes a clockwise route from Wattay International Airport to Central Bus Station, and then back to the airport — passing through most hotels and hostels in the city.
If you're travelling with at least one other person, it might be cheaper to take a taxi. The cheapest way to do that would be to book one via local taxi-hailing apps like Loca and InDrive. Airport taxis are also readily available at the airport, but are more expensive.
For more details, visit our guide for Vientiane Airport.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Our favourite places to stay in Vientiane
Here are our favourite places to stay in Vientiane for every budget.
Patuxay Place
Patuxay Place is great value for money. The rooms are spacious, modern and decorated to a high standard. The hotel has thought of every detail, including free drinking water on every floor of the hotel.
The staff want to make sure you have the best stay possible, offering a helping hand whenever you need it. They're full of recommendations too! The hotel is situated in a great location in Vientiane.
- Spacious and modern rooms
- Free drinking water
- Amazing staff
- Perfect location
Private rooms start from $29 per night.
S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel
This hotel is beautiful! S 2 Modern Boutique Hotel boasts a modern and simple decor with pops of colour. Every corner of this hotel is aesthetic. There's also an outdoor swimming pool, onsite gym and delicious restaurant. There's even a barista.
It's good to know that it isn't located directly in the city centre, so you'll need to grab a taxi to visit popular attractions. Don't worry though, the friendly and helpful staff are always on hand to help you get somewhere.
- Beautiful hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Delicious restaurant
King rooms start from $39 per night.
Eastin Hotel Vientiane
If you want to splash the cash a little, Eastin Hotel is the place to do it. Overlooking the Mekong River, it's hard to find a better view to wake up to. The hotel was built recently meaning that everything is fresh, clean and very modern.
The hotel is located 10 minutes outside of the city, but there's a courtesy car to take you there and back. The service here will make your stay an unforgettable one.
- Stunning river views
- Modern and clean hotel
- Recently built
- Courtesy car to city centre
Private rooms start from $66 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Vientiane?
Vientiane is Laos’ fascinating capital city sitting on the banks of the Mekong River. A former French trading post, the city has kept many of its historical influences and original architecture undamaged.
True, there is not much to do in this sleepy city — and that’s exactly what sets Vientiane apart from other capital cities in Southeast Asia. It is a hub for temples, markets, spas and cafes. Our favourite spot is the riverside, where you can relax with a cold Beer Lao and just watch the sunset over the Mekong.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Pakse to Vientiane, roughly 463 kilometres (288 miles) apart. In all, there are 2 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $26 (573,000 LAK). The quickest trip takes 1h 55m.
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 Vientiane?
The distance from Pakse to Vientiane is 463 kilometres (288 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane?
The fastest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane is by flight and takes 1h 55m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane?
The cheapest way to get from Pakse to Vientiane is by bus with ticket costs starting from 573,000 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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