THE SHORT VERSION
Nong Khiaw to Vientiane at a glance.
- From
- Nong Khiaw ໜອງຂຽວ
- To
- Vientiane ວຽງຈັນ
- Road distance
- About 443 km
- Straight line
- 290 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~5 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Not listed as direct
Ready to travel from Nong Khiaw to Vientiane?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is a riverside village in northern Laos, framed by limestone peaks on the Nam Ou. Buses and minivans connect it with Luang Prabang and Oudomxay.
- Nong Khiaw bus station
West side of the village, about 15 minutes' walk from the 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 Nong Khiaw
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Nong Khiaw from Vientiane by road?+
About 443 km by road (290 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Nong Khiaw to Vientiane take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 5 h 30 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 Nong Khiaw?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Nong Khiaw include Nong Khiaw 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 Nong Khiaw?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Vientiane to Nong Khiaw as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Nong Khiaw 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 vehicle runs from Nong Khiaw to Vientiane?+
12Go lists minivan (shared van) services on this route rather than full-size buses. Vans are usually quicker but have less luggage space, so check the luggage allowance for your departure before you book.
Can I book the Nong Khiaw 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.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Nong Khiaw → Vientiane on 12GoFOLLOW 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: Nong Khiaw to Vientiane bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Nong Khiaw (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Vientiane (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →