Updated October 18, 2026
Overnight VIP sleeper bus (most popular)
- Leaves Vientiane's Southern Bus Station or the VIP operators' own terminals in the evening (sample: 19:00–21:00).
- Arrives in Pakse early the next morning, around 06:00–07:00 — roughly 10–11 hours for about 650–680 km down Route 13 South.
- Sample fare about 200,000–280,000 LAK per person (double berths — solo travellers may share with a stranger unless they pay extra for the whole berth).
- VIP buses usually arrive at the VIP bus station near Daoheuang market or the Northern Bus Terminal (Lak 7) — take a tuk-tuk into town.
Ordinary and daytime buses
Several ordinary and air-conditioned daytime buses run the route. They are cheaper but slower (12–14 hours), stopping often along the way.
By air
Vientiane → Pakse flights take about 1 h 10 min — ideal if you are short on time. See "Flying into Pakse".
Coming on the Laos–China Railway?
The Laos–China Railway only goes as far as Vientiane — there is no railway to Pakse yet. If you arrive by train from Kunming or the north, continue by VIP sleeper bus or flight from Vientiane. Allow 30–45 minutes to get from Vientiane railway station (outside the city) to the bus station or airport.
Tips
- Book sleeper tickets a day ahead through a guesthouse or tour desk (transfer to the station is often included).
- Keep valuables on you while you sleep, and bring a warm layer — the air-con is cold.
- Tickets sell out quickly around festivals and long weekends.
Prices and times are sample data — please verify with the bus companies and airlines before travelling.