Key hubs
Vang Vieng airport and railway station
- Airport
- No airport in town. Vientiane's Wattay International Airport (VTE) is the usual gateway, about 2 hours by road or an hour by train from Vientiane station.
- Railway station
- Vang Vieng station on the Boten-Vientiane railway, about 3 km north of town; express trains to Vientiane or Luang Prabang take roughly an hour
- Getting around
- Tuk-tuks, rented bicycles and scooters, and short walks; tuk-tuks serve the caves and lagoons
How to reach Vang Vieng by air
There is no airport at Vang Vieng. Fly to Vientiane's Wattay International Airport (VTE), then continue by train or road. Check which flights from Indian cities currently serve Vientiane, as I did not verify any direct routes.
How to reach Vang Vieng by train
Vang Vieng station is a major stop on the Boten-Vientiane railway. Express trains take roughly an hour from Vientiane and from Luang Prabang. The station is about 3 km north of town.
How to reach Vang Vieng by road
The road from Vientiane is about 130 to 150 km depending on source, with buses and vans taking several hours. The Vientiane-Boten Expressway also serves the town.
Getting around Vang Vieng
Tuk-tuks cost a few thousand kip per person within town, bicycles can be rented, and tuk-tuks run to the caves and lagoons. Agree prices first.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Vang Vieng
- Take the train rather than the road from Vientiane or Luang Prabang; it is quicker and more comfortable.
- Carry travel insurance papers; Wikivoyage describes the town hospital as basic and recommends Vientiane or Thailand for serious cases.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.