How To Get From Vientiane To Vang Vieng?
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Wondering how to get from Vientiane to Vang Vieng? The best and cheapest way is included in this post.
An unforgettable and worthwhile experience in Laos entails a visit to its capital city Vientiane. Why? It’s because other than its beauty, you’ll come to see and be in the midst of an outstanding and quaint location. In Vientiane, you’ll find numerous Buddhist temples that are blended with charming French colonial architecture.
The atmosphere in this city is somewhat quieter, being a place that is not as busy as the other ones in Southeast Asia. It feels rather more open and bright. Indeed, Vientiane it is, if you want to obtain a lovely experience when visiting Laos, or any of the Southeast Asian cities for that matter.
Here’s a Google map of the route. Tip – you may want to travel by motorbike;
How Far is Vang Vieng From Vientiane to?
The town of Vang Vieng is located on the north of Vientiane city. Measured in a straight line, the distance between these two places equates to only 68 miles or 110 kilometers.
But the trip from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is full of twists and turns instead of being in a straight route. The road that links is laden with bends and curves and thus entails a longer journey of 100 miles or 160 kilometers. The paths that you’ll be travelling in are neither main highways, too. In some places, there are narrow ones, or some may be full of potholes. There are mountains to pass through at the same time. You can therefore expect your trip to be slower rather than speedy.
Not that you have other options, because travelling from to Vang Vieng is only possible by road. Vang Vieng, being a smaller town does not contain an airport. Thus, your two options to get to the capital city of Vientiane to the town of Vang Vieng is to take the bus, or a van.
Check out the best things to do in Vang Vieng guide!
How To Travel From Vientiane To Vang Vieng by Bus
This is the cheapest way to get to Vang Vieng. It only costs $7 or so.
A few and different bus companies travel the route from Vientiane to Vang Vieng, but at this time, not all of them may be operating. There are, however, online travel agencies for these locations that can provide up-to-date information. Look for a reputable travelling website that has connections with all of the bus companies in these places that can assist you with booking your tickets online. Make sure that the information you are being given is updated. This way, you’ll have peace of mind when it comes to your travel plans and itinerary, and would be able to find an alternative if necessary.
How long does the bus take?
There generally are two bus departures per day from these two locations. The first is scheduled on 9:30am, and the next one is set for 1:30pm. The approximate travel time by bus is 5 hours. The bus can make it quicker to 4 hours, nonetheless, but you can count 5 hours in case you have subsequent travel plans. The vehicle is usually air-conditioned, so you can expect to be somewhat comfortable on your trip to the north.
Check bus tickets: Here
Check out this Google map for the location of the Vientiane bus stations;
Travelling From Vientiane To Vang Vieng By Van
Your other option to get to Vang Vieng from Vientiane is to travel by van. A smaller vehicle may be preferable for many tourists, but there aren’t a lot of advantages if you take the van to travel to these two points. If you’re willing to spend extra, then you can go by van, primarily because it is more expensive. It wouldn’t be able to help you save some money. Nor is there enough space for comfort in this smaller vehicle. Leg room is limited, and the same goes for the space to store your luggage.
If travelling by van from Vientiane to Vang Vieng interests you in any way, consider that it can be a nicer experience. Particularly if you’re travelling with a group, you’ll feel a more personal space because you and your company will take up most of the vehicle. The vans for the trip are air-conditioned, too.
How long does the van take?
Choose a credible and updated travel website to book a van for your trip. There is normally one van departure per day for this route. The van usually leaves Vientiane from the Thanaleng Railway Station at 8:30am. The scheduled arrival to the town of Vang Vieng is at 2pm, or 5.5 hours later. This basically means that travelling by van is slower than doing so by bus.
Whatever you decide to take for your van to Vang Vieng- whether you’ll ride by bus or van, choose a reputable travel website to book your tickets in advance. You’ll want to be confident when it comes to the necessary details of your trip so that you’ll be free of worries and focus on having a good time.
Check van tickets: Here
Getting a taxi to Vang Vieng
You can arrange a private car and hire taxi from Vientiane to vang vieng. Your driver can pick up at your hotel in Vientian, airport, or bus station. The taxi journey takes around 4-5 hours driving to vang vieng.
How much is a taxi?
The taxi costs anything from 350,000 KIP ($39) to 500,000 KIP ($56). This is one of the best ways to get there.
Is it worth doing a tour to Vang Vieng?
There’s not much point in doing a tour. I mean, if you short on time, then it may be your only option. However, if you time to spare, I would skip a one day tout to Vang Vieng from Vientiane.
What Is The Most Practical Way To Travel From Vientiane To Vang Vieng?
These said, it can be concluded that travelling by bus from Vientiane to Vang Vieng is more practical. However, there are certain advantages of taking the van as well. By bus and by van are your two main options to travel from and to these locations, especially as there have been almost no railways on this side of Laos as of 2018.
Can you fly to Vang Vieng from Vientiane?
Vang Vieng is built on an old airbase. However, you can’t actually fly to Vang Vieng as there’s no airpot. You will have to fly into Vietiane’s airport, and get a taxi from there.
How long should I stay in Vang Vieng?
You only need to stay 3-4 days. This is enough time to do all the actives. We stayed for 3 days and this gave us plenty of time to do everything. If you’re stuck for time. Then you could fit everything into 2 days.
Where to stay in Vang Vieng
Here is a list of hotels and homestays in Vang Vieng;
Boutique Hotel
This hotel itself is located on Main Street and you can choose a balcony room on the top floor which has a mega mountain view. The rooms and hotel very kept very clean despite Vang Vieng is a very dusty place and the breakfasts were a combination of something of your choice cooked i.e. pancakes, scrambled eggs etc plus toast, cereal, fruits etc.
Book Room: Vang Vieng Boutique Hotel
Amari Vang Vieng
Expect an amazing stay at Amari Vang Vieng. There is superior river rooms and the rooms are undeniably mesmerizing. There is also a sweet swimming pool with a mega view. Amari Vang Vieng is perfectly located in the middle of Vang Vieng. If you are into partying in Vang Vieng, Sakura Bar is just a walk away from the hotel. There are plenty of places to eat nearby.
Book Room: Amari Vang Vieng
Final thoughts
There we have it; a full guide on how to travel to Vang Vieng. One of the best places to visit in Laos by far!
Check out this guide;