But I`ll be straight with you…

If you want action, this is not the place to go!

I met many backpackers who just came in from Vang Vieng, and they only stayed for a day or two. I think the city is (too) quiet and has this awfully relaxing atmosphere. I personally didn`t do that much in Vientiane, besides eating and sampling great food and getting my Cambodian visa.

So, why Vientiane?

Well, backpackers usually stop by Vientiane to cross into the Eastern Thai border, or to take the bus to Savannakhet, Champasak, Pakse or Vang Vieng…

How to Get to Vientiane

By air: International flights land at Wattay International Airport, which is about 3,5 km west of town.

By bus: Buses leave for Vientiane from major towns/cities like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Friendship Bridge (if crossing the border from Thailand), Savannakhet, Pakse, Phonosavan, Luang Namtha etc.

I can personally tell you that the bus rides in Laos are in general safe, but the local buses are slow.

If you're in a hurry, I suggest you take a VIP- or minibus, arranged by your guesthouse or a travel agency.

By train: There's a overnight sleeper train from Bangkok, Thailand to Vientiane.

For more information, click here! (opens in a new window -- you'll be redirected to seat61.com)

From Vientiane to other cities/towns in Laos

Going North: Buses for Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Phonosavan, Udomxai etc leave the Khoua Louang Bus Station.

Going South: Buses for Lak Xao, Savannakhet, Pakse, Thakek etc leave the Southern bus station.

Traveling within the region of Vientiane: Buses for Vang Vieng, and Friendship Bridge leave the Talat Sao central bus station.

The buses to Vang Vieng leave between 7 am and 2 pm, and takes about 4-5 hours.

By air: If you're on a short journey, and want to visit the 4000 islands, you can take a domestic flight (like, Lao Airlines) from Vientiane to Pakse.

Lao Airlines also flies to Luang Prabang, Huay Xai (if crossing the border to Northern Thailand), Savannakhet, and Udomxai.

Visit Lao Airlines (opens in a new window)

Vientiane Articles

Are you looking for a cheap place to sleep?

-- Then you`ve come to the right place!

Here are a few options!

CLICK for Vientiane Accommodation!

Check out mouthrunning Laotian food at the cheap restaurants and food stalls!

Come here and find a good Vientiane Restaurant!

Buying gifts?

Find out where the good shopping is in this town! (not that many options though)

Get over here to Vientiane Shopping!

Ready for some sightseeing?

Here's my round trip in Vientiane!

You won't believe what I stumbled upon! ;-)

What are you waiting for?! Vientiane Attractions

You`re done with Vientiane, so where do you want to go next?

Click here to read about Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau.

Heading North? Stop by charming Luang Prabang.

Tubing in Vang Vieng?

Leave Vientiane and Return to Backpacking Tips Asia Homepage.