Laos to Vietnam: How to Get from Laos to Vietnam?

Traveling from Laos to Vietnam is one of the most popular routes in Southeast Asia, and luckily, there are many different ways to choose, by flight, bus, private car, or even a mix with train travel.

Flight is the fastest and most convenient option, and it takes around only 1 to 2 hours. Bus is the cheapest option, but it does take longer. If flexibility is what you want, hiring a private car is a great way to travel. And though a train is the scenic way to go, there is currently no direct rail between Laos and Vietnam.

In this guide, we will cover all the ways of getting from Laos to Vietnam, from flights to land border crossings, and then you can find the travel style that suits you best. And now let’s start planning your next adventure!

What’s the Distance from Laos to Vietnam? The Location Map

Laos shares a long border with Vietnam (about 2,161 km of boundary), making it one of the longest international borders in Southeast Asia. This close connection allows for convenient travel between a Vietnam tour and a Laos tour, but the actual travel time depends on the transportation and destinations. Here follows a location map, which shows Laos just west of Vietnam.

The distance between Vientiane, the capital of Laos, and Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is about 493.8 kilometers (306.8 miles). Luang Prabang is the second largest city in Laos, and from Luang Prabang to Hanoi is about 407.4 kilometers (253.2 miles).

The distance between Vientiane and Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is about 907.4 kilometers (563.9 miles). Then, from Luang Prabang to Ho Chi Minh City is about 1,118 kilometers (695 miles).

The Location Map of Vietnam and Laos.

10 Days Vietnam and Laos Highlights Tour Package

Saigon – Hoi An – Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise – Luang Prabang

Get From Laos to Vietnam by Flight: Fastest and Convenient

Flying is undoubtedly the fastest way to travel from Laos to Vietnam. If you don’t have much time and prefer comfort, this is the best choice. Several airlines such as Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and VietJet have daily flights connecting major cities of the two countries.

The main departure airports in Laos are Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang Airport in Luang Prabang. As for Vietnam airports, you will land at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

The fastest and most popular route from Laos to Vietnam is from Vientiane to Hanoi, with a flight time of 1 hour; another excellent option is from Luang Prabang to Hanoi, with a flight time of about 1h 5min; the slowest route is from Vientiane to Ho Chi Minh City, with a flight time of about 2 hours. Here’s a direct flight schedule reference from Laos to Vietnam.

Major Direct Flights from Laos to Vietnam

Lao Airlines flight from Laos to Vietnam is taking off.

Get From Laos to Vietnam by Bus: Budget-Friendly but Longer

Taking a bus is the most budget-friendly way to travel from Laos to Vietnam, but it takes some patience. This is the preferred method for many backpackers for it’s cheap and provides a chance for seeing the scenery on the way, often doubling as part of the Laos tour before heading into Vietnam. Several bus companies provide cross-border services from Laos to Vietnam.

The most popular route runs from Vientiane to Hanoi with a direct overnight sleeper bus running daily, typically taking 23 hours, and costs around $30-$50, depending on border crossing times and road conditions. This bus leaves Vientiane in the evening, stops at the northern border -Sop Hun-Tay Trang crossing, and continues to Hanoi the next afternoon.

Another common bus route connects Luang Prabang to Hanoi through the Na Meo-Nam Xoi border crossing. Buses go north through Dien Bien via Muang Khua (Tay Trang border). The trip is long, often over 24 hours and costs about $50-$70, perfect for those who want to experience local life before joining a Halong Bay tour from Hanoi or exploring other parts of Vietnam.

Also, from Savannakhet (near the Lao-Vietnam border at Lao Bao), VIP buses run south into Vietnam. It takes about 10 hours to Hue and costs about $12, or 11 hours to Da Nang for $15; while buses from Thakhek use Cha Lo border to Vinh (near Hue) is a central route connecting Route 9 in Laos to Vietnam.

When taking the bus from Laos to Vietnam, prepare for border crossing procedures. You’ll need to get off at the border, complete immigration formalities for both countries, and then continue on either the same bus or transfer to a Vietnamese bus. This takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on crowds and efficiency.

Bus tickets are affordable $15-$30 for the whole ride, can’t get more budget than this. But comfort can vary widely per operator, and economy coaches can be cramped. Some are air-conditioned, and some are not. It’s a long, tiring journey, and along the way roads can be potholed.

Inside an overnight coach bus from Laos to Vietnam.

Get From Laos to Vietnam by Private Car: Flexibility but Adventurous

Renting a private car or hiring a driver is the most flexible way to travel from Laos to Vietnam. This is a solution for travelers who might like to make stops in interesting places along the way, and also for traveling groups and families.

However, driving yourself from Laos to Vietnam requires careful planning. International driving permits are necessary, and you’ll need to handle border crossing procedures with a vehicle. Some rental companies offer one-way rentals that allow you to pick up in Laos and drop off in Vietnam, though these typically cost more.

For example, driving from Vientiane to Hanoi, the most direct drive between the two cities will be on a highway, which takes around 8-12 hours with border crossing delays, and then you can begin your Hanoi tour. Main roads are generally in great condition, though mountain roads could be challenging in the rainy season.

In Laos, local travel agencies such as Indochina Tour can provide tourists with a van or SUV and driver for cross-border trips. You can choose the departure time and the stops, and you may see small villages or rivers if you detour. The driver often speaks some English, handles border paperwork, and the option is much like reserving a taxi for the entire journey.

The costs of private cars vary greatly depending on the type of car, duration, and hiring a driver. Be prepared to pay between $100 and $300 a day for car rental with driver or $50-$100 a day for self-drive. Tolls, border fees and fuel are all extra.

Driving from Laos to Vietnam requires walking across the border.

17 Days Best of Vietnam and Laos Tour

Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Hoi An – Saigon – Pakse – Vientiane – Luang Prabang

Get From Laos to Vietnam by Train: Indirect and Not Recommend

Unfortunately, there’s no direct train connection from Laos to Vietnam, therefore, this is the least recommended option for travelers. While both countries have railway systems, they don’t connect across the border, requiring complex transfers through other transportation.

If you want to take a train ride from Laos to Vietnam, you should first travel to Vietnam by land or air, and then catch a train in Vietnam. In short, trains are not a practical option for a Laos and Vietnam tour right now.

A train in Vietnam is passing through a scenic route.

More Insider Tips for Laos and Vietnam Tour

Here are some practical details that will make your journey smoother when you travel from Laos to Vietnam.

Carry cash: Laos currency uses Lao Kip (LAK), Vietnam currency uses Vietnamese Dong (VND), and in tourist areas of both countries, US dollars are accepted everywhere. ATMs are common in the major cities, though smaller border towns might not have them. If you have smaller bills, that will make crossing easier.

Book in advance: Peak season tickets from November to March sell out quickly. Plan your Laos to Vietnam tour a few weeks ahead if possible, and reserve buses or flights early.

Download Apps: In Vietnam, use apps like Grab or inDriver to book cars or bikes that can take you to where you want to go. The Internet can be hard to find when you are near a border, so download offline maps and translation apps before traveling.

Safety: Both countries are safe, just be careful with your bags on buses and in markets. Vietnam can be chaotic in traffic, always be careful when crossing a street.

One of the best ways to explore Luang Prabang is by bicycle.

Conclusion

How to get from Laos to Vietnam is largely dependent on your preferences, as there is something for every kind of traveler and budget. Whether you choose fast and convenient flights, cheap buses, flexible private car travel, or try the complicated train routes, each one will give you its special experiences and memories.

Now that you are ready to travel smoothly from Laos to Vietnam! Both these countries have friendly locals, delicious food, and stunning scenery, so enjoy every bit of your Laos and Vietnam trip! If you have any other questions or information you want to know, just contact us.