Siem Reap to Vientiane flight: Your complete guide
Are you looking to fly from Siem Reap to Vientiane? This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know for booking your Siem Reap to Vientiane flight.
Siem Reap to Vientiane flight overview
The flight from Siem Reap to Vientiane takes between 4-5 hours depending on the airline and whether you have a direct flight or connecting flight.
There are a few options for airlines that operate this route including Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Lao Airlines. Most flights connect through either Phnom Penh or Bangkok.
Here is an overview of the Siem Reap to Vientiane flight options:
| Airline | Direct or Connecting | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cambodia Angkor Air | Connecting via Phnom Penh | 4h 10m+ |
| Vietnam Airlines | Connecting via Phnom Penh | 4h 10m+ |
| Bangkok Airways | Connecting via Bangkok | 5h 25m+ |
| Lao Airlines | Connecting via Bangkok | 5h 25m+ |
When searching for flights, be sure to check both the duration as well as the number of stops or plane changes. This will help you find the most convenient Siem Reap to Vientiane flight to suit your needs.
Booking your Siem Reap to Vientiane flight
Compare prices across airlines
The first step in booking your Siem Reap to Vientiane flight is to compare prices across the different airlines operating the route. Flight prices can vary significantly so it pays to spend some time searching across airline websites, comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights, and online travel agencies.
Be sure to check both one-way and return flight options as sometimes this can be cheaper than a single one-way fare. Also look at flying into and out of both Siem Reap (REP) and Phnom Penh (PNH) airports if your schedule allows flexibility.
Look for deals and discounts
Here are some tips for finding the best Siem Reap to Vientiane flight deals:
- Book well in advance – Flights are often cheapest when booked 6-8 weeks in advance. Prices usually start increasing closer to departure.
- Be flexible with dates – Flying a day before or after your preferred dates can sometimes save you money. Weekday flights are also often cheaper than weekends.
- Check low-cost carrier options – Airlines like AirAsia offer budget flights between Southeast Asian destinations.
- Sign up for fare alerts – Many booking sites will let you set a fare alert for your route and dates. This way you can snap up any flash sale or price drop quickly.
- Consider connecting flights – Direct flights are not always the cheapest. Check if a flight with a layover saves you money.
- Book as part of a package – Combining your flights and accommodation can sometimes get you a better overall deal.
Book directly or use an OTA
You can book your Siem Reap to Vientiane flight either directly through the airline website or through an online travel agency (OTA) like Expedia, Booking.com or Agoda.
Booking directly will let you earn frequent flyer points and gives the airline your contact details if anything changes. Using an OTA can sometimes secure deals and discounts not available directly. It’s worth checking both options.
Siem Reap Airport Information
Knowing some key information about Siem Reap International Airport (REP) will help ensure your departure goes smoothly:
- Location – The airport is located 6km west of Siem Reap.
- Terminal – There is one main passenger terminal with a handful of gates.
- Facilities – Free WiFi, ATMs, currency exchange counters, souvenir shops, food outlets and massage services.
- Transportation – Taxis, private transfers, buses and shared minivans available to downtown Siem Reap. Around $7-10USD for a taxi.
Be sure to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before your Siem Reap to Vientiane departure time to allow for ticketing, baggage checks and immigration formalities.
Mind thought that everything will chang soon as the brand new Siem Reap International Airport will be open by the end of October 2023, in a completely different location.
Upcoming Change: New Siem Reap Airport Opening October 2023
An important travel update for those planning to fly into or out of Siem Reap – the city’s brand new international airport is set to open by the end of October 2023.
The new airport will be located about 50km east of Siem Reap’s town center. With a longer runway and more gates, it will be able to handle larger planes like the Boeing 777.
The transfer time from the new airport to downtown Siem Reap is estimated to take around 45 minutes by taxi via the newly constructed airport highway. However, public transport options are not yet confirmed.
So for anyone booking Siem Reap flights for late 2023 and beyond, be sure to account for the location change when arranging your airport transfers. Taxi or private car services are recommended over public transport until further notice.
While the new airport promises a more modern travel experience in the long run, the location change may cause some additional transit time when first opening. But rest assured, Siem Reap’s iconic temples will remain just as magnificent!
What to do during your layover
Most Siem Reap to Vientiane flights involve a layover in either Phnom Penh or Bangkok. This gives you a few options for how to spend your time during the layover:
Phnom Penh Airport layover
If you have a 1-2 hour stopover at Phnom Penh Airport, you may choose to:
- Relax in one of the lounges after passing through security
- Grab a snack or meal at one of the cafes and restaurants
- Browse the shopping outlets for souvenirs
- Catch up on work/emails using the free WiFi
With a longer 4-6 hour layover, you could also consider:
- Pre-booking the $7 shuttle bus into central Phnom Penh
- Visiting attractions like the Royal Palace, National Museum or Wat Phnom
- Having a relaxing massage or shopping trip
Just ensure you budget enough time to return for your onward flight.
Bangkok Airport layover
For shorter 1-2 hour stopovers in Bangkok, you can:
- Relax in the terminals with dining, shopping and lounges
- Rejuvenate with a shower, nap or massage service
- Catch up on work or social media using the free WiFi
With a longer 6+ hour layover, you may also look to:
- Pre-book a transit tour or transport into central Bangkok
- Visit top attractions like the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Chinatown
- Check out one of Bangkok’s many malls for shopping and dining
Be sure to check visa requirements for leaving the airport during your layover.
Vientiane Airport Information
Here are some key details about arriving at Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane:
- Location – The airport is located 3km northwest of Vientiane city center.
- Terminal – One small international terminal building.
- Facilities – Free WiFi, ATMs, cafes, shops, taxi desk, car rental counters.
- Transportation – Taxis, pre-booked transfers and shared shuttle vans into Vientiane available. Cost around $7-10USD.
After landing, you’ll need to obtain a visa-on-arrival if required, clear immigration and collect your luggage. Exiting the terminal, you’ll find various transportation options for onwards travel into Vientiane.
Getting to your Vientiane accommodation
The easiest way to get from Vientiane Airport to your hotel or guesthouse is by taxi or private transfer. This is recommended if you have luggage and want door-to-door transport. Expect to pay around $7-10USD.
Alternatively, you can take an airport shuttle van which will likely drop other passengers off first before reaching your Vientiane accommodation. Shuttle vans cost around $8USD per person.
Another budget option is the local bus (#13, #14, #18) which stops on the main road outside the airport. Buses cost around 5000 Kip to the city center. However, you will need to walk to the bus stop carrying luggage and may need to switch buses.
When departing Vientiane, most hotels and guesthouses can arrange a taxi booking or airport transfer for you.
Top things to do in Vientiane
With the right amount of time in Vientiane, there are countless wonders to uncover in Laos’s charming capital. Here are some of the highlights first-time visitors should aim to experience:
Marvel at Pha That Luang
The iconic golden stupa of Pha That Luang is Laos’s most revered national monument and Buddhist shrine. Take time to circle around the impressive structure, admire the detailed architecture and learn about its religious significance. Sunset is a particularly atmospheric time as the stupa glows.
Insider tip: For good luck, locals say you should circle Pha That Luang three times clockwise.
Scale Patuxai Monument
Known as the “Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane”, Patuxai is a imposing concrete monument with panoramic views from the top viewing platform. Climb to the seventh floor for sweeping looks over downtown Vientiane and Pha That Luang.
Insider tip: Bring small change for the viewing platform ticket as they may not have change for larger bills.
Discover Laos’s War History at COPE
The informative COPE Visitor Centre is a must-visit to learn about UXO (unexploded ordnance) and the lingering impacts from the Secret War in Laos. Interactive exhibits explain the UXO problem while the on-site prosthetic limb workshop is inspiring.
Insider tip: Free guided tours are available daily at 3PM.
Wander Unique Buddha Park
Xieng Khuan, better known as Buddha Park, is an eccentric open-air collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures located riverside 25km southeast of Vientiane. Spend time wandering the park grounds and admiring the towering concrete structures.
Insider tip: Combine Buddha Park with a visit to Tham Pra Cave for a full day countryside tour.
Indulge in Lao Massage
There’s no better way to unwind after long-haul travel than a traditional Lao massage. Most massage studios also offer foot reflexology and herbal saunas. Highly trained masseuses will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Insider tip: Ask your hotel to recommend a reputable massage studio. Tips are appreciated.
Shop the Morning Market
For local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and food items, head to the lively Talat Sao Morning Market near the Mekong. Browse through the covered market halls and adjacent food stalls. It’s busiest early mornings.
Insider tip: Keep an eye on your belongings and expect to haggle for non-food items.
Stroll Vientiane’s Riverfront
A peaceful way to spend time in Vientiane is walking, cycling or sitting along the landscaped Mekong riverfront promenade. Watch locals exercise, enjoy sunset drinks at a riverside bar and gaze over to Thailand on the far bank.
Feast on Lao Cuisine
Delicious Lao food awaits! Sample papaya salad, sticky rice, grilled Mekong river fish and other classics. For cheap local eats, head to street food stalls or the central food market. Luang Prabang Bakery does good coffee and French-style pastries.
Insider tip: Say “sabai dee” before eating and “kop chai” after your meal when in Laos.
With its gleaming temples, charming cafes, leafy boulevards and warm hospitality, Vientiane offers surprising richness waiting to be explored. The possibilities are endless!
Extending your trip from Vientiane
Extending your trip from Vientiane
If you have extra time in Vientiane, consider extending your adventure to other parts of Laos via the new Laos-China railway:
- Take the train to explore the old town of Luang Prabang – The scenic 2 hour ride is a comfortable alternative to flying. Luang Prabang offers temples, cuisine, and river views.
- Stop in Vang Vieng for outdoor adventures – Break up the trip by spending a few days rock climbing, caving, or kayaking in this scenic town.
- Visit historic towns and cities along the route – Stopovers in Muang Xai and Luang Namtha provide opportunities to see rural Laos.
- Experience high-speed rail travel – The new railway cuts travel times in half compared to winding roads. Cabins are modern and comfortable.
- Book worry-free via your hotel – Many hotels can arrange train bookings and tickets through local travel agents.
The new high-speed rail link makes getting around Laos faster and expands possibilities for onward travel from Vientiane. Take advantage of this transportation upgrade to extend your trip!
Siem Reap tours to pair with your flight
Looking to explore Siem Reap before your flight? Here are some top Siem Reap tours to consider booking:
Full-Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour Multi Temples
Take in the magical sunset at Angkor Wat before enjoying the main temples at sunrise without crowds. A full day taking in Angkor’s highlights.
Private Angkor Wat 2-Day Tour
A personalized 2-day itinerary focused on Angkor’s temples with sunset, sunrise and flexible options tailored to you.
Angkor Dreams & Beyond – Private Siem Reap 5 day tour
This 5-day private tour covers all the iconic Angkor temples as well as less-visited outer temples for a comprehensive experience.
Private Angkor Wat Sunrise Tour
Wake early to beat the crowds and watch the sun rising over Angkor Wat on this half-day private sunrise tour.
Each tour includes transport, meals, entrance fees and expert local guides to unlock Angkor’s magic.
I hope this comprehensive Siem Reap to Vientiane flight guide has provided you with all the key information you need to plan and book your trip. With multiple airlines and route options, flexible booking tips, airport details and Vientiane sightseeing ideas, you’re all set for an amazing Southeast Asian adventure.
As an experienced travel writer living in Siem Reap, I always recommend taking time to see Angkor’s breathtaking ancient temples before flying onwards. Combining Siem Reap tours and your Vientiane plans makes for an unforgettable journey. Wishing you safe travels and precious memories ahead in Cambodia and Laos! Let me know if you need any other Siem Reap tips.
