Visa and advice for travelling from Bangkok to Vientiane (Laos)

Bangkok is a popular starting point for those wishing to visit Laos, and Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is easily accessible from Bangkok. If you’re planning to travel from Bangkok to Vientiane, there are several transportation options available, but it’s also important to know the visa requirements to enter Laos. Here’s all the information you need for a hassle-free trip from Bangkok to Vientiane.

1. How to get a visa for Laos from Bangkok

A. Visa on Arrival

Laos offers a visa on arrival for nationals of many countries, including France. If you are a tourist from France or another EU country, you can get a visa directly at Vientiane International Airport or at land crossings between Thailand and Laos, such as the Friendship Bridge that connects Nong Khai (Thailand) to Vientiane (Laos).

• Visa Duration : The tourist visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days.

• Necessary documents :

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.

  • Photocopy of your passport.

  • Completed visa application form (available at the airport).

  • 2 recent passport photos .

  • Visa fee (approximately 30 to 42 USD, depending on your nationality).

• Tip : It is recommended to have cash (in USD or baht) to pay the visa fee, as some visa stations do not accept credit cards.

B. Pre-departure tourist visa

If you’d rather not have to deal with the visa process on arrival, you can also get a tourist visa for Laos before you leave from Bangkok. This can be done online or by visiting the Laos Embassy in Bangkok.

• Laos Embassy in Bangkok : Situated at 132 Samsen Road, Phra Nakhon, this embassy is open for visa applications for those who want to obtain a visa before departure.

• Procedure : Bring your passport, a passport photo, the completed form, and the visa fee (approximately 40 USD for a 30-day visa).

• Processing time : The visa is usually issued within 2-3 business days, but it is advisable to apply in advance.

C. Electronic Visa (eVisa)

Some travelers can also get an eVisa to enter Laos. This visa can be applied for online on the official website of the Lao government.

• Process : Fill out the online form, upload a passport photo, and pay the fee via credit card.

• Processing time : The eVisa is usually processed within 3 business days.

2. How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane

There are several options for traveling from Bangkok to Vientiane safely and comfortably.

A. By plane: The fastest way

The fastest option to reach Vientiane from Bangkok is to take a direct flight. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok offers regular flights to Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.

• Travel time : About 1 hour and 10 minutes of direct flight.

• Airlines : Companies like Lao Airlines, Thai Airways , and Thai Smile offer daily flights between the two cities.

• Cost : Airfare usually ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 baht (about US$60 to US$150) depending on the company and the booking period.

• Tip : It’s a good idea to book your flight in advance to get better deals and avoid higher last-minute prices.

B. By bus: The economical option

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus from Bangkok to Vientiane. Buses usually depart from the Mo Chit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, and the journey takes several hours.

• Travel time : The bus ride takes about 10 to 12 hours.

• Cost : Ticket prices range between 500 and 800 baht (about 15 to 25 USD) for a standard ticket. VIP buses can cost more.

• Tip : VIP buses are more comfortable, with reclining seats and additional services. It is also possible to book minibuses if you prefer more direct transport.

C. By train (via Nong Khai)

Although there is no direct train line between Bangkok and Vientiane, you can take a train from Bangkok to Nong Khai, and then a taxi or songthaew across the Friendship Bridge to Vientiane.

• Travel Time : The train ride to Nong Khai takes about 10 hours, followed by a 30-45 minute drive to Vientiane.

• Cost : Train ticket prices range from 300 to 900 baht (about 9 to 30 USD) depending on the class chosen.

• Tip : This option is less popular, but it allows you to experience a different side of the journey through the countryside of northern Thailand.

D. By car: Flexible but long

If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and travel from Bangkok to Vientiane by crossing the border at the Friendship Bridge, which connects Nong Khai to Vientiane.

• Travel time : The drive takes about 10 to 12 hours.

• Cost : Renting a car typically costs between 1,000 and 2,500 baht per day (about $30 to $75 USD), not including gas and tolls.

• Tip : Make sure you have all the necessary documents to cross the border (passport, visa, etc.) and be prepared to pay a visa fee for the crossing.

3. Practical tips for the trip from Bangkok to Vientiane

• Check your visa : Before you leave, make sure you have your visa in good standing to enter Laos, especially if you choose the visa on arrival option.

• Exchange money : Even though you can exchange money in major cities, it is advisable to have a few kip (the local currency of Laos) in cash when you arrive.

• Be prepared for the heat : Thailand and Laos are both hot and humid destinations, so consider packing light clothing, sunscreen, and water.

Conclusion: How to get from Bangkok to Vientiane

Whether you choose to fly, bus, train, or car, there are several options for traveling from Bangkok to Vientiane. Flying is still the fastest option, but buses and trains offer cheaper alternatives. Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, get ready for an enjoyable experience and a hassle-free journey to the Lao capital, a place rich in history and culture.