A beautiful view from within central Thakhek-mobile

How to get from
Vientiane to Thakhek

Vientiane to Thakhek Trip Overview

Distance242 km (151.3 miles)
Price range$13-$25
Ride Duration Range6h-15h
Earliest Departure06:00
Latest Departure13:00

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

Travel Schedule Options from Vientiane to Thakhek



























































































Taking a bus from Vientiane to Thakhek

Fastest bus: 6h

Cheapest bus: $13

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: $13

Pros

Makes rest stops

Multiple departure times

Air conditioning on board

Flexible luggage allowance

Budget friendly

Cons

No toilet on board

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Reclining Seats

WC

The fastest: 6h

The cheapest: $13

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Thakhek

About the ride from Vientiane to Thakhek

 

The best way to get from Vientiane to Thakhek is overland. It’s really the only feasible way. 

If you've always wanted to see rural parts of Laos, this journey is your chance. This particular ride is a really scenic one and takes you through many of the country's nature reserves and forests all along the banks of the mighty Mekong River.

Unfortunately, any available flights take multiple legs, and you’ll have to transfer by local bus or taxi. It's a convoluted and relatively expensive option, and a direct bus ride is way easier. 

It's a 336 kilometer (208 miles) distance from Vientiane to Thakhek, and the buses take about 7-hours. So it’s a pretty easy road trip.

Best advice is to bring your own entertainment, such as playing cards, music headphones and a phrasebook. It's up to you how much you mingle and relax while on board. You never know who you might meet, so be open but on your guard at the same time! Good advice for all your travels.

 

What to see when traveling from Vientiane to Thakhek

Taking the bus from Vientiane to Thakhek lets you see the country's natural beauty along the border with Thailand. Lots of local people make their living from the land, and you'll pass by numerous villages and towns situated close to the Mekong. You’ll get a taste of how important the Mekong is for so many in this country.

You'll also pass by farms and villages surrounded by fields of rice and seasonal vegetables. You might also see forests of bamboo as well as the odd animal lurking in the treetops. Keep your eyes peeled, and you’ll be amazed at what you see!

On your way, you're bound to see lots of other vehicles making their way south. Thakhek is a border town and very close to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Most vehicles travel via the national Route 13, which runs directly from the capital into central Laos.

Sleeper buses leave in the evening and travel through the night. Leaving Vientiane at dusk is an excellent opportunity to look at all the urban areas on the outskirts of Laos' capital city. It's an eye-opener to see how local people live. This is a poverty-stricken country, so be prepared for an emotional ride.

The sleeper bus transport from Vientiane to Thakhek arrives around day break. This can be a beautiful, yet quiet, time of day. Best advice is to find the nearest coffee shop or hostel cafe and hole up there until the streets properly wake up. Then you're in for a treat.

Having somewhere booked in advance is a very good idea. It gives you a place to head to where you know you've got a bed and floor space to put your stuff. There's nothing worse than being all bleary-eyed after a seven-hour bus trip and then having to think about what to do next.

Of course, if you prefer to just go with the flow, then more power to you. Grab yourself a cup of joe, roll the dice and see what happens. That guy in the seat in front of you on the bus might well turn out to be the best darn tour guide you've ever met!

 

How to get from Vientiane to Thakhek

 

Taking a bus from Vientiane to Thakhek 

The best way to travel from Vientiane to Thakhek is by bus. Many buses run through the night, which means you can skip paying for a night's accommodation.

Two well-known bus companies are running this route – King of Bus and Soutchai Travel. Both service providers are well established and have a good reputation in Southeast Asia.

King of Bus has two bus types suitable for travelers – the Tourist Bus and VIP Bus. 

Soutchai Travel also has a couple of different options – the Standard Bus and the Sleeping Bus. 

All four bus types are air-conditioned and will get you from Vientiane to Thakhek in under seven hours.

Although the King of Bus VIP bus has a washroom, none of the other buses do. They will, however, stop at regular intervals so everyone can stretch their legs and grab something to eat and drink. We recommend you bring your own bottled water and a few snacks.

Three out of the four bus types have reclining seats. Soutchai's Standard Bus is the odd one out. If you're traveling overnight, you're much more likely to be on a bus that has semi-reclining seats so you can sleep. 

Seat prices are extremely affordable. Tickets start at US$11 for a Tourist Bus seat with King of Bus. Soutchai's Sleeping Bus tickets start from US$30. But no matter which one you choose, they're all comfortable, clean and reliable. Perfect for the Vientiane to Thakhek distance.

Alternatively, you could take a cab or hire a minivan if you're traveling with a group of friends. They’re more flexible and private options and ideal for families.

However, the thing about taking a cab is you miss out on all the stories and traveler chat you get on board a bus. It can be noisy, and sleep is not always easy, but that's part of traveling, right? 

So, that’s how to get from Vientiane to Thakhek. It's time to get moving. Who's with me?

Companies Operating from Vientiane to Thakhek

Average time

8h - 15h

Average price

$15 - $19

(154)

Average time

6h

Average price

$13

(14)

Average time

6h - 9h

Average price

$13 - $16

Average time

9h

Average price

$20

Average time

8h

Average price

$25

Popular stations and stops in Vientiane and Thakhek

Departure stations in Vientiane

Vientiane - Any hotel

Vientiane Southern Bus Station

Arrival stations in Thakhek

Thakhek Local Bus Station

Inter Provincial Bus Station

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