Flights
Flying is
the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Hanoi to Vientiane, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as
USD 143.27.
Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.
If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.
In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.
Airlines flying between Hanoi and Vientiane
Lao Airlines, Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai AirAsia (แอร์เอเชีย), Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines (เวียดนาม แอร์ไลน์)
Bus
Travelling from Hanoi to Vientiane overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is
the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.
Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.
They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.
Companies operating bus routes between Hanoi and Vientiane
Duc Duong Bus, Grouptour (Công ty du lịch quốc tế Grouptour), HTX Van Tai 277 (HTX Vận Tải 27-7), HTX Van Tai 277, Huyen Chau, Sapa Discovery Travel, Sarah Transport Laos (Sarah Transport Sole Co., Ltd), Techbus VN JSC (Techbus Vietnam Joint stock company), To Vietnam Travel
Taxi
Some travellers consider taxi to be
the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.
Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.
Companies offering charters between Hanoi and Vientiane
April Adventure, Booking Car (Lang Viet Trading Co.,Ltd), Cat Ba Express (Cát Bà Express), Dichung, Mui Ne Sky Travel (Cong ty TNHH Mui Ne Sky Travels), OUROS Travel, PacknGo, Saigon DMC (Công Ty TNHH Saigon Dmc), Sapa Dragon Express, Tiim Group (Tiim® Group), Vietnam Transportation Service
Train
Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to
sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.
Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.
Van
Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Hanoi and Vientiane, too.
Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.
Companies operating vans between Hanoi and Vientiane
Grouptour (Công ty du lịch quốc tế Grouptour)
