- last updated on 08 June 2011
- thank you to gopeace for the photos & timetable info, & snowinjanuary
- thank you to hobomaps.com for confirming exact location
- older versions of this page here (28 February 2009) & here (02 October 2010)
- newer version of this page here
Vientiane (VTE) northern bus station aka. 'khiew loht saai neua':
Has relocated to Sithong Road at GK142 on this map, ~700m east of junction with HWY 13.
Photos of the new bus station (text in Japanese only).
More photos of the new bus station (07 December 2010):
Photos by gopeace
May 2011 - photo by snowinjanuary
Types of buses - photos from old northern bus station (11 October 2008):
Ordinary - 1st, 2nd, 5th & 6th from left. AC - 3rd from left. VIP - 4th & 7th from left.
Timetables & fares
At present, it seems that timetable info at the new northern bus station is available only in Lao language, on what appears to be the bus drivers' roster handwritten on a whiteboard:
Details of type of bus (VIP, AC or ordinary) are not indicated (except for buses to Luang Prabang). Details of bus fares are also not given.
Fares & types of buses listed on this page are based on earlier info from the old northern bus station (correct as of 05 August 2010 or otherwise stated), & are given only as a guide - please do not be confused by any apparent discrepancies - the most up-to-date details are in the photos.
For the curious - the writing in green ink on the whiteboard is the name of the driver & registration number of the bus assigned for that trip.
Vientiane to Luang Prabang (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
AC (95,000kip) - 0630, 0730, 0900, 1100, 1330, 1600, 1800
VIP (115,000kip) - 0800, 0900, 2000
Notes:
To Bor Nam Oun: 60,000kip by VIP bus (03 December 2009)
To Phou Khoun: 80,000kip by AC bus (October 2008)
Buses to Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay & Phongsaly will also pass through Luang Prabang.
Vientiane to Bokeo (Huay Xai) (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
Ordinary (180,000kip) - 1730
AC (200,000kip) - 1730
VIP (220,000kip) - 1730
Note:
VIP bus passes through Oudomxay town in mid-afternoon.
Vientiane to Houa Phan (Sam Neua) (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
via Luang Prabang
Ordinary (150,000kip) - 0700
via Phonsavan
Ordinary (150,000kip) - 0930, 1200
VIP (160,000kip) - 1400
Vientiane to Luang Namtha (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
Ordinary (140,000kip) - 0830
AC (150,000kip) - 1700
Vientiane to Oudomxay (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
Ordinary (110,000kip) - 0645, 1345
AC (130,000kip) - 1700
VIP (155,000kip) - 1600
Vientiane to Phongsaly (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
Ordinary (160,000kip)
Note:
This bus arrives in Boun Neua around 0830-0900++AM the next day.
Vientiane to Sayabouly (07 January 2011):
Info from 03 December 2009:
Ordinary (90,000kip) - 1600
AC (110,000kip) - 1830
Vientiane to Pak Lay (07 January 2011):
Vientiane to Xieng Khouang (Phonsavanh) (07 January 2011):
Info from 05 August 2010:
Vientiane > Phonsavanh
AC (95,000kip) - 0630, 0730, 0930, 1600, 1830
VIP (115,000kip) - 2000
Vientiane > Phonsavanh > Muang Kham > Nong Het (new extended route)
No mention of type of bus (130,000kip) - 1100
Note:
3 of the daily buses to Houa Phan (Sam Neua) will pass through Phonsavan.
Vientiane to Saysomboun Special Zone (07 January 2011):
Note:
Saysomboun Special Zone was carved up & absorbed into neighbouring provinces & in theory no longer exists; however it is still listed as 'khet (area) phiset (special) saysomboun' in this timetable.
At the old bus station, it used to be listed in the Lao timetables but omitted from the English timetables.
It is not known whether foreigners are allowed on this bus.
Vientiane to Vang Vieng:
Any of the buses listed above.
Vientiane to China (05 August 2010):
Note: this info is entirely from the old Northern bus station.
Translation - Notice to all passengers: with effect from today, the fare for the Vientiane-Kunming route will be changed to RMB445.00, please take note & thank you, wishing (all) a happy & smooth journey, Tongli Bus Co. Ltd., 3rd March 2009.
Misc info (incomplete/unverified)
(Photos from old Northern bus station taken on 03 December 2009)
Vientiane to Cambodia?
The poster & notice were displayed at different parts of the ticket office, no indication if Sorya Transport Co. is partnering Chitpasong Transport Co. to run this service, or if the two are rivals competing on the same route...
Vientiane - Attapeu sleeper bus?
Click here for full size.
