Getting from the capital of Laos to any of its outlying towns is not a difficult task, but one that requires a little planning and knowledge, so to be accomplished without trouble or annoyance. In this case let us examine a trip from Vientiane to Savannakhet.
First, a sleeper bus. These depart from the Southern Bus Station, with is a dozen kilometres to the north of Vientiane. The VIP bus departs at 20.30, an overnight sojurn. Tickets can be purchased at any tourist place in the tourist area, or at the bus station itself. Just walk into the station and there are the ticket counters. Most signs are in Loas, but there is sufficient English to find your buss.
A ticket is 120,000 Kip (400 baht, $13)—not expensive, however… Each ‘bed’ on the sleeping bus is for two people. Fine, if you are a couple, but if not you will be bunking down with a stranger for your overnight recline. Also, the ‘beds’ are not overly large. For an average height westerner, too short for a comfortable trip. My advice, buy two tickets. There is no trouble doing this, just ask for two (make sure they are together, of course), and then board the bus. If this sounds excessive, I have seen three in a double bed. This is two adults and a child. If you have bad luck you will be spending your evening sharing a bed with a stranger’s kid—no one’s idea of fun.
On the bus, you will be asked at the door to place your shoes in a plastic bag. This does keep the bus clean (or at least, cleaner). The interior is a narrow isle with two levels of double-bunk ‘beds’ on each side. Slowly make your way along, trying not to bump your heard or get in anyone’s way. This process makes boarding a plane easy and simple. What ever you do, don’t go past your ‘bed’, having to turn around and move back past those behind you is near impossible. Just spot your bed number before you pass and climb in.
Once in get comfy. There are blankets, pillows, and bottled water. The bus is aircon and a toilet. At the start of the trip expect chatter and noise as people settle in. There is not much to do on the bus, no TV blaring away. Also the lights go out soon after departure. So, be prepared to sleep or bring a book.
The road south is smooth enough, a few big bumps, but nothing that will rock you, so you can sleep ok.
The trip: Ten hours are required to traverse the 450 kilometres between Vientiane and Savanakhet. There are no rest stops, though the bus will stop to take on fuel. Your ride terminates at the Savanakhet Bus Station. This is about 2 kilometres north of the town on the main road. From the Station a tuk-tuk is 20,000 Kip ($3) to the town centre.
Have fun!
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