Vientiane Transportation

• By Air

You can take a direct flight from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to Vientiane city. The flight time is about 1 hour and there are several airlines that operate this route, including Thai Airways, Lao Airlines, and AirAsia.

• By Train

You can take a train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, which is the last station on the Thai side of the border. From there, you can take the Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River to the Laos side and then take a train to Thanaleng station, which is about 20 kilometers from Vientiane city. This train journey takes about 45 minutes.

• By Bus

There are several bus services that operate between Bangkok and Vientiane city. The journey takes about 11-12 hours and the buses usually depart from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) in Bangkok.

• By Car or Motorbike

You can rent a car or motorbike in Thailand and drive to Vientiane city. However, you should be aware that driving in Laos can be challenging due to the poor road conditions and traffic congestion.

• By Boat

You can also take a boat down the Mekong River from Chiang Mai in Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos and then take a bus or fly to Vientiane city. However, this option takes longer and may not be as convenient as the other options.

From China

• By Air

You can take a direct flight from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Kunming to Vientiane city. The flight time is about 3-5 hours depending on the departure city. There are several airlines that operate this route, including China Eastern, China Southern, and Lao Airlines.

• By Train

The Boten–Vientiane railway is the Lao section of the Lao–China Railway (LCR), running between the capital Vientiane and the northern town of Boten on the border with  Yunnan, China. The line was officially opened on 3 December 2021. You can take a train from Kunming in Yunnan province to the Laos border town of Boten. Then take the Lao-China Railway in Boten to the major cities in Laos, such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Now, taking trains from China to Laos is convenient and fast!

Train Schedule (Vientiane – Luang Prabang – Boten)

Train Schedule(Boten – Luang Prabang – Vientiane)

Keep Reading

China-Laos Railway

Railway Stations of China-Laos Railway

Kunming-Vientiane Train Schedule

Kunming-Mohan Train Schedule

Boten-Luang Prabang-Vientiane Train Schedule

• By Bus

You can take a long-distance bus from cities in southern China, such as Kunming or Jinghong, to Vientiane city. The journey takes about 20-30 hours depending on the departure city.

• By Car

You can also drive from China to Vientiane city, but you should be aware that the roads in Laos can be challenging due to the poor conditions and traffic congestion.

• By Boat

There is a boat service that operates from Jinghong in Yunnan province to Luang Prabang in Laos. From there, you can take a bus or fly to Vientiane city. However, this option takes longer and may not be as convenient as the other options.

From Other Countries in the World

• By Air

You can take a direct flight to Vientiane city from several major cities in Asia, such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Taipei. There are also some airlines that operate direct flights from cities in Europe, such as Paris and Moscow. Alternatively, you can take a connecting flight via a major hub such as Bangkok, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.

• By Bus

You can travel overland from neighboring countries, such as Cambodia, or Vietnam, and then take a bus to Vientiane city. However, the border crossings can be time-consuming and the road conditions can be challenging in some areas.

• By Boat

You can take a boat along the Mekong River from other cities in Laos or neighboring countries, such as Cambodia or Vietnam, to Vientiane city. However, this option can be time-consuming and the boats can be crowded and uncomfortable.

• By Car

You can rent a car and drive from neighboring countries, such as Vietnam or Cambodia, to Vientiane city. However, you should be aware that the road conditions in Laos can be challenging due to the poor conditions and traffic congestion.

How to Get Around Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a relatively small city, and getting around is quite easy. Here are some ways to get around Vientiane:

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are small, open-air, three-wheeled vehicles that can seat up to three passengers. They are a common sight in Vientiane, and you can flag them down on the street or ask your hotel to arrange one for you. Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting in as there are no meters, and prices can vary. Tuk-tuks are best for short distances or when you are in a hurry.

Taxis

Taxis are more expensive than tuk-tuks, but they offer a more comfortable and air-conditioned ride. You can find taxis parked at the airport, near hotels, or at taxi stands around the city. Most taxis have meters, but it's best to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Bicycle

Cycling is a popular way to explore Vientiane, and there are several shops that rent bicycles. The rental fee is usually around 20,000 to 30,000 kip per day, and some shops may require a deposit or a copy of your passport. Vientiane has several bike lanes, and it's a great way to explore the city's quieter streets and alleyways.

Motorbike

Renting a motorbike is another option for getting around Vientiane, but it requires an international driver's license and a certain level of skill and experience. The rental fee is around 100,000 kip per day, and you will need to provide a deposit and a copy of your passport. Riding a motorbike can be risky as the traffic in Vientiane can be chaotic and unpredictable.

Walking

Walking is a great way to explore Vientiane, and many of the city's attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking is also a good option for short distances, and it's a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and see the city at a more relaxed pace.

Public Transportation

Vientiane has a limited bus system, but it's a cheap option for getting around the city. The buses are old and crowded, but they cover several routes around the city. The fare is usually around 5,000 kip per trip, and you can buy tickets on board. However, the schedules and routes can be confusing, so it's best to ask locals for advice.

Keep Reading

• Vientiane Transportation
• Luang Prabang Transportation
• Vang Vieng Transportation
• Pakse Transportation
• Savannakhet Transportation
• How to Get Around Laos