Central LaosGateway to the centre and south
Vientiane as the gateway to central and southern Laos
Using Vientiane to start a motorbike-free route: arriving by air, train or from Thailand, the road to Thakhek and Kong Lor, and flights to Pakse.
Central Vientiane from the Patuxai monument
In short
Vientiane, the capital, is where routes to central and southern Laos usually begin. From here the road south reaches Kong Lor or Thakhek in a long day, flights reach Pakse in a little over an hour, and fast trains go north to Luang Prabang in about two hours. One or two nights is usually enough.
Vientiane: Easy without a motorbike
A compact capital with taxis and tuk-tuks, and the hub for every type of onward transport: trains north, flights south and private cars for the road to Thakhek and Kong Lor.
Who it suits
- Arriving by air, by train from Thailand, or over the Friendship Bridge
- Starting the drive south to Kong Lor and Thakhek
- Connecting north and south by train or plane
The hub for three directions
Vientiane sits on the Mekong facing Thailand. For a motorbike-free route through Laos, its value is in its connections:
- South by road to Kong Lor and Thakhek along Route 13. Kong Lor is a long day’s drive, so it often works as the first overnight on a southbound route.
- South by air to Pakse, which saves a very long road day if your interest is the Bolaven Plateau and Champasak rather than central Laos.
- North by train to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang on the Laos-China Railway.
Arriving from Thailand
The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connects Nong Khai with Vientiane by road, and trains from Thailand now cross to Khamsavath station on the edge of the city. Both are listed as eVisa entry points. If you arrive by land, allow time for the border formalities and the transfer into town.
Before you head south
Kong Lor and the Thakhek area have fewer services than the capital. Take cash, and confirm your onward transport before you leave. If you are going by private car, agree the start time the evening before: on long road days, an early start avoids driving after dark, which the UK government advises against on Lao roads.
Onward connections
Vientiane to Kong Lor
South on Route 13, then east on Route 8 via Na Hin. A planning estimate; confirm for your dates.
Vientiane to Thakhek
VIP buses daily; private cars can stop on the way.
Vientiane to Pakse
Domestic flights; schedules vary by season.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway; the station is outside the city.
Times are approximate ranges for normal dry-season conditions, including stops. Road works, rain, departure times and how full a vehicle is all change them. A proposal states the plan for your dates.
Questions travelers ask
Is Vientiane worth more than a night?
It is relaxed and pleasant, with good food, temples and the Mekong riverfront, but it is not the focus of a motorbike-free route. One night to arrive and one to recover after a long journey is usually right.
Can I use an eVisa if I arrive in Vientiane?
Yes, if you arrive at a designated point. The official Lao eVisa site lists Wattay International Airport, the first Friendship Bridge and Khamsavath railway station among its nine entry points.
Sources and checks
Time-sensitive details on this page (fees, journey times, schedules, entry rules) were last checked against the sources below on 11 October 2026. Laos transport changes often, so a written proposal always reconfirms them for your dates.
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