Vang Vieng to Vientiane

pickup service to bus station in Vang Vieng Buses and minibuses from Vang Vieng to Vientiane costs 40,000-50,000 kip and takes 3-4 hours, departing at 9 am, 10 am, or 1:30 pm. We paid 50,000 kip for an air-conditioned VIP bus departing at 1:30 pm.

Around 1 pm, we were picked up by possibly the worst vehicle I have ever been on (may I be so bold to say, worse than buses in Central America). With a cracked windshield and a door that couldn't close, the self-proclaimed "King of Bus" struggled to maneuver itself — you could tell by each person that boarded that everyone was wondering if this was indeed the "VIP bus to Vientiane" followed by silent prayers. Luckily, the bus only served to pick up passengers around town to drive everyone to the bus station.
Around 1:30 pm, we arrived at a bus station near the old airstrip. The double-decker VIP bus didn't depart until 2:10 pm - no assigned seats but everyone must sit on the top deck since the lower deck stored luggage. The drive wasn't nearly as scenic as the bus from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng but feels safer since the roads aren't as windy.

Around 4, the bus pulled over for a toilet/snack stop. It costs 1000 kip to use the bathroom.

At 5:45 pm, the bus pulled into the Northern Bus Station of Vientiane. There will be tuk tuks waiting to drive 20 minutes to take people into the city center for 10,000 kip each. The drop off is by Wat Mixay, a temple on Setthathilath Road between Francois Ngin and Nokeokoummane.