{"id":21003,"date":"2026-06-09T02:07:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-09T02:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/?st-import=d6ffea504968529ab402f59652f6a04d"},"modified":"2026-07-24T00:58:15","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T00:58:15","slug":"bangkok-to-vientiane","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/bangkok-to-vientiane\/","title":{"rendered":"Bangkok to Vientiane: Bus, Train and Flight Guide (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bangkok to Vientiane is a classic Southeast Asia overland journey \u2014 the Thai and Lao capitals connected by overnight bus, train, or a short flight. Since the opening of the Laos\u2013China Railway in 2021, Vientiane has also become a hub for onward travel deeper into Laos by high-speed train. This guide covers every option.<\/p>\n\n\n<script src=\"https:\/\/agent.12go.asia\/tools\/widget\/country_widget.js\"><\/script>\n<onetwogo-country-widget\n  country=\"LA\"\n   width=\"400\" agent=\"16173966\" lang=\"en\" fxcode=\"USD\" wl=\"12go.asia\">\n<\/onetwogo-country-widget>\n\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Bangkok\/Vientiane\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=bangkok-vientiane\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Bangkok \u2192 Vientiane tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 1: Overnight Bus via Nong Khai (Budget)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most popular budget option. Overnight buses depart from Bangkok\\&#8217;s Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal to Nong Khai (the Thai border town) \u2014 approximately 10\u201311 hours, from ~$12\u201320 USD. In Nong Khai, cross into Laos at Thanaleng border (via the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge) and take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Vientiane city center (~25 km, ~$8\u201310 USD). Several operators including Transport Co. and private VIP buses cover this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some operators sell through-tickets Bangkok \u2192 Vientiane including the border transfer \u2014 convenient but you pay a premium. Total journey approximately 12\u201314 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Bangkok\/Nong-Khai-overnight\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=bangkok-nong-khai-overnight\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Bangkok \u2192 Nong Khai overnight tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 2: Overnight Train to Nong Khai (Most Scenic)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The State Railway of Thailand runs daily overnight trains from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (and Bang Sue Grand Station) to Nong Khai \u2014 approximately 11\u201312 hours. The train crosses into Thailand\\&#8217;s northeast through flat rice plains and provincial towns. Sleeper classes available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>2nd class fan sleeper:<\/strong> ~500\u2013700 THB (~$14\u201319 USD)<\/li>\n<li><strong>2nd class air-con sleeper:<\/strong> ~900\u20131,100 THB (~$25\u201330 USD)<\/li>\n<li><strong>1st class sleeper (private):<\/strong> ~1,300\u20131,600 THB (~$36\u201344 USD)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Nong Khai station, cross to Laos via the Friendship Bridge \u2014 the SRT train used to continue across the bridge to Thanaleng (Lao side) but this cross-border train service has been suspended; check current status at the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Bangkok\/Nong-Khai\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=bangkok-nong-khai\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Bangkok \u2192 Nong Khai tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Option 3: Fly Bangkok to Vientiane (Fastest)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lao Airlines and Bangkok Airways operate direct flights from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE) \u2014 approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Thai AirAsia also serves this route from Don Mueang (DMK). Fares from ~$70\u2013120 USD one way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x2708;&#xfe0f; <strong>[Travelpayouts Kiwi widget: Flights BKK\/DMK \u2192 VTE (Vientiane)]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Border Crossing: Nong Khai \/ Thanaleng<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Thai exit immigration:<\/strong> Nong Khai immigration office, next to the bridge entrance<\/li>\n<li><strong>First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge:<\/strong> Cross by tuk-tuk shuttle (~$1) \u2014 you cannot walk across<\/li>\n<li><strong>Laos Visa on Arrival:<\/strong> $40 USD at Thanaleng \u2014 new US dollar bills, one passport photo. Or e-Visa in advance at laoevisa.gov.la ($35 USD)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Thanaleng \u2192 Vientiane center:<\/strong> ~25 km, shared taxi ~$5\u20138 per person or tuk-tuk ~$10\u201315 for the vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Onward from Vientiane by Laos\u2013China Railway<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since 2021, Vientiane (Khamsavath station, ~15 km from city center) connects to Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng by high-speed train \u2014 one of the most significant transport upgrades in Laos history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vientiane \u2192 Vang Vieng:<\/strong> ~50 minutes, from ~$10 USD<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vientiane \u2192 Luang Prabang:<\/strong> ~2 hours, from ~$14 USD<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/12go.asia\/en\/travel\/Vientiane\/Luang-Prabang\/?z=16173966&#038;sub_id=vientiane-luang-prabang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; Search Vientiane \u2192 Luang Prabang tickets on 12Go \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Stay in Vientiane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Nam Phu Fountain area:<\/strong> Central, walking distance to most sights. Mixture of budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mekong riverside:<\/strong> Sunset views over the river to Thailand. Night market runs along the promenade evenings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Near Patuxai (Victory Gate):<\/strong> Quieter area, good for budget accommodation, 10 minutes walk from central restaurants.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f3e8; <strong>[Travelpayouts Hotellook\/Agoda widget: Hotels in Vientiane]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quick Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Option<\/th><th>Time<\/th><th>Cost from<\/th><th>Best for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Overnight bus via Nong Khai<\/td><td>~12\u201314 hours<\/td><td>~$15 USD<\/td><td>Budget<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overnight train via Nong Khai<\/td><td>~13\u201315 hours<\/td><td>~$20 USD<\/td><td>Comfortable, scenic<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Direct flight BKK \u2192 VTE<\/td><td>~2.5 hours total<\/td><td>~$70 USD<\/td><td>Speed<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"\/bangkok-to-luang-prabang\/\">Bangkok to Luang Prabang<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/luang-prabang-to-vang-vieng\/\">Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng: Train Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/the-mekong-slow-boat-complete-guide\/\">The Mekong Slow Boat: Complete Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This post contains affiliate links. When you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane \u2014 overnight bus from $15 USD, sleeper train from $20 USD, or direct flight from $70 USD. Nong Khai \/ Thanaleng border crossing, Laos-China Railway onward.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":37958,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-routes"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane.jpg",940,627,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane.jpg",940,627,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane.jpg",940,627,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane.jpg",940,627,false],"trp-custom-language-flag":["https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/vientiane.jpg",18,12,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"markylipu","author_link":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/author\/markylipu\/"},"uagb_comment_info":1,"uagb_excerpt":"How to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane \u2014 overnight bus from $15 USD, sleeper train from $20 USD, or direct flight from $70 USD. Nong Khai \/ Thanaleng border crossing, Laos-China Railway onward.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21003","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21003"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21003\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37697,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21003\/revisions\/37697"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21003"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21003"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bordertobeach.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21003"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}