THE SHORT VERSION
Huay Xai to Vientiane at a glance.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Huay Xai
Huay Xai is the Lao border town on the Mekong opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand, and the start of the slow boat to Luang Prabang. Buses run to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Vientiane and Chiang Rai.
- Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station
Domestic long-distance buses. - Phet Aloune Bus Station
Including buses from Chiang Rai via the Friendship Bridge.
Arriving in Vientiane
Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
- Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao)
City buses, plus buses to the Thai border and some regional routes. - Southern Bus Terminal
About 10 km from the centre. Routes south and many international buses to Vietnam. - Northern Bus Terminal
About 9 km from the centre. Routes north, such as Luang Prabang.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check that your ticket and terminal match your direction.
- Buses to Vietnam cross at border posts such as Lao Bao or Cau Treo. Check visa rules first.
KEEP GOING
From Vientiane, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Vientiane
More buses from Huay Xai
USEFUL FOR THIS TRIP
Sort the small things before you go.
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GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Huay Xai from Vientiane by road?+
About 610 km by road (346 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Huay Xai to Vientiane take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 9 h 15 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Huay Xai?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Huay Xai include Keo Champa (Bokeo) Bus Station, Phet Aloune Bus Station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Vientiane to Huay Xai?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Vientiane to Huay Xai as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Huay Xai arrive in Vientiane?+
It depends on the operator. In Vientiane, services use Central Bus Terminal (Talat Sao), Southern Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal. Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Vientiane?+
Tickets bought from travel agents usually include a songthaew to the right terminal.
What kind of bus runs from Huay Xai to Vientiane?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Huay Xai to Vientiane bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Vientiane by bus?+
Direct buses from Vientiane include Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Vang Vieng, Khon Kaen, Luang Prabang and more. See all connections on our Vientiane bus page.
FOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Huay Xai to Vientiane bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Huay Xai (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Vientiane (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →