Exploring Laos

Here is the list of the main terminals from where Exploring Laos’s vans operate:

• Vang Vieng Transfer
• Vang Vieng Transfer
• Exploring Laos Office

Some of the most popular routes on Exploring Laos’s route map include but are not limited to:

• Vang Vieng - Thakhek
• Vang Vieng - Vientiane
• Vang Vieng - Pakse
• Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang
• Vang Vieng - Don Det
• Vang Vieng - Savannakhet
• Vang Vieng - Pattaya
• Vang Vieng - Nghe An

Opposite to trains or bigger buses, vans rarely offer you a choice of ticket class. All the seats are the same – call it standard, VIP, or whatever. What can differ, though, is the type of the van itself. Some vans seat only 9-10 passengers. For travellers this means wider seats, more space, and a more comfortable trip. Vans which accommodate up to 15 passengers are also ok but be ready to sacrifice on space for your legs and elbows and very often – for your luggage, too. Sometimes it can be a good idea to buy two seats instead of one to ensure a more comfortable ride – yet it pays to check with the operator if they allow this on your route. Before you book your van ticket, read reviews on Exploring Laos van service to see what to expect.

Pros of VanTravel

• Vans can be the only way to reach some of the most remote destinations, smaller towns or villages which are connected neither by big buses nor trains.
• Vans can also take you to some islands connected with the mainland by large car ferries which do not take big buses but take vans on board, too.
• Due to a smaller size compared to big buses, vans are more maneuverable on the road. It sometimes results in shorter travel time, especially if your destination is not far away.
• While vans do have an official stop enroute, they can also get you off at a more convenient point – no need to go to the terminal, just ask your driver. Note that it is not always possible, but in many cases, they will cooperate. It can save you both time and money you would have otherwise spent getting off the terminal on foot or by taxi.

Cons of Van Travel

• Vans accommodating more passengers may feel quite cramped. Expect limited space for your legs and elbows. Some vans limit the luggage for one ticket to one piece. If you have more bags, suitcases, or backpacks, you may be asked to buy a separate ticket for your luggage, which makes the trip twice as expensive.
• Not all vans run on schedule. On certain routes, vans leave only when full. Do check it with your operator before buying your ticket, otherwise, you may end up waiting much longer than expected until the van fills up.
• If there are more reckless drivers on any other means of transport than on vans, we are unaware of it. Some companies install speed control units on their vehicles, but it is not a rare case to hear this unit beeping the whole trip through with the driver not paying attention to it. Always remember to buckle your seatbelt while travelling by van. Though sometimes you will need to make an investigation to find out where your seatbelt is.
• For those prone to motion sickness there is a good piece of advice: take your medicine half an hour before your van trip, especially if your route includes winding stretches. You are more likely to feel motion sick travelling by van than by bus.