A beautiful view from within central Vientiane-mobile

How to get from
4 to Vientiane

4 to Vientiane Trip Overview

Distance568 km (355.0 miles)
Price$41
Ride Duration13h
Earliest Departure09:00
Latest Departure09:00

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from 4 to Vientiane



























































































Taking a bus from 4 to Vientiane

Fastest bus: 13h

Cheapest bus: $41

The fastest: 13h

The cheapest: $41

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

A beautiful view from within central Vientiane

About the ride from 4000 Islands to Vientiane

No doubt, the river archipelago of the 4000 Islands presents the natural beauty of Laos in its rawest form. Vientiane, the capital city, on the other hand, still retains a village-like atmosphere. So traveling between the two gives you a very different insight into all that Laos has to offer.

You can either travel by bus or flight to cover the 800 km (500 miles) distance from 4000 Islands to Vientiane.

Buses are, by far, the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel. 

You can choose day or night buses, sleeper buses or buses with regular seats, VIP or local buses, and even a bus ferry.

You can take a direct bus to Vientiane, a 14-hour journey, or take a bus to Pakse, spend a day or two there and then get on a bus from Pakse to Vientiane. Pakse is a charming riverside town. You can spend a day or two visiting the Buddhist temples and traveling to the Bolaven Plateau. 

Flights, while not direct, are also available and are the quickest way to get to Vientiane. This is, of course, also the most expensive choice. 

If you are sightseeing in Vientiane, head to the Patuxai Victory Monument, modeled after the Arc de Triomphe and the most well-recognized landmark in Vientiane. Another iconic structure is That Luang, the most sacred building in Laos. 

The Xieng Khuan, also known as Buddha Park, is located 15 miles away and makes for a good Vientiane day trip.

 

What to see when traveling from 4000 Islands to Vientiane

Your bus journey will take you on Route 13, a major highway in Laos. The long overland journey gives you plenty of time to take in the landscape of Laos, read a book or catch a nap. 

Relax as you pass by quiet villages and small towns and watch locals going about their daily lives. 

If you are traveling by overnight sleeper bus, it’s best to try and get some sleep so that you can wake up refreshed when you reach Vientiane. 

 

How to get from 4000 Islands to Vientiane

Taking a bus 

Ticket prices for sleeping buses start from US$36 per passenger, so this is the best way to get from 4000 Islands to Vientiane for budget travelers.

Travel time is around 14 hours which makes the ride a fairly long one. However, since most buses have bed-type seating, you can sleep your way through most of the journey. 

Most buses come with flatbeds—double beds the majority of the time. A double-bed arrangement means you will have to share the bed space with another traveler. If this is something that you want to avoid, you can purchase two tickets and have the space all to yourself.

Depending on the operator, blankets and pillows are provided. However, it is advisable to keep something warm, such as a cardigan or jacket ready if the air-conditioning is cranked up. 

Most buses have air-conditioning and, depending on the type of vehicle, even have attached bathrooms. Regardless, the bus makes stops for restroom breaks. So it’s a good chance to get down and stretch your legs.

Do note that buses depart from Nakasong village. So, you’ll have to take a boat from Don Det or Don Khon islands (part of 4000 Islands and where most of the accommodations are located) to reach Nakasong. 

There are VIP and local bus options available to cover the 4000 Islands to Vientiane distance. Sure, the local buses are cheaper than the VIP option, but they’re also low on the comfort factor. 

Some of the well-known bus operators on this route are the Sleeping Bus by Sengchaleun and Soutchai Travel. 

Beware of bus scammers in Don Det and Nakasong. It is best to book through reputed booking agencies or websites. 

 

Taking a bus + ferry

Another option for transport from 4000 Islands to Vientiane is a bus ferry. 

A standard bus service only includes the bus ticket, while a bus ferry combo ticket consists of a bus + boat ticket. Ticket prices start from US$37 per person, making this also a good value for money. Also, it saves you the hassle of buying a separate boat ticket from your island to Nakasong. 

Travel time varies, anywhere from 12-18 hours, depending on the type of bus and operator.

The journey will include taking a boat ride from Don Det or Don Khon island to Nakasong village. At the Nakasong bus stop, you will transfer to a bus headed toward Vientiane. 

You can choose a sleeping bus or a bus with regular, upright seats based on your preference. If you choose a bus with an evening departure, you can sleep through most of the journey. This also helps in saving hotel costs. 

Pillows and blankets are provided on the sleeping bus. Some buses have attached washrooms, but irrespective of that, the driver does stop to give passengers restroom breaks. 

A few popular operators on this route are Southchai Travel and Chanthachone Transportation. 

 

Taking a flight

If you are looking to minimize travel time, the best way to travel from 4000 Islands to Vientiane is to catch a flight.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights. Instead, you’ll have to take a minivan or bus from Nakasong to Pakse, the nearest airport town. From there, you can take a flight to Vientiane. Travel time for the bus or minibus is about 2.5 hours, and the flight time is about 1.5 hours.

Lao Skyway and Lao Airlines operate 1-3 flights every day. There are morning and evening departures available. This, however, varies every day. 

If you are looking for comfort and don’t mind paying more, traveling by flight is the best option.

Ticket prices vary from US$120 to US$150 for a one-way ticket. 

Companies Operating from 4 to Vientiane

Average time

13h

Average price

$41

(2)

Popular stations and stops in 4 and Vientiane

Departure stations in 4

Don Det Ferry / Boat Terminal

Green Paradise Tour and Travel Don Det

Arrival stations in Vientiane

Vientiane Southern Bus Station

Vientiane - Any hotel

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