Vientiane’s Southern Bus Terminal has increased daily services ahead of Pi Mai Lao, adding six extra trips to handle the holiday travel surge.
The terminal now runs 70 trips per day, up from its usual 64, with services operating from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Terminal manager Souksavat Sisouk said passengers have already started arriving since 8 April, but congestion has not yet occurred. Authorities have not announced how long the increased schedule will remain in place.
Souksavat urged passengers, especially those using VIP buses, to book tickets in advance. Evening departures fill quickly, and some operators begin selling next-day tickets early.
He also advised travellers to check ticket details carefully, including route, seat number, and departure time, as multiple buses load at the same time.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices follow the station’s announcement on 3 April.
Shorter routes include Vientiane–Paksan at LAK 180,000–200,000 (USD 8.30–9.20) and Vientiane–Thakhek at LAK 230,000–300,000 (USD 10.60–13.80).
Longer routes include Vientiane–Savannakhet at LAK 520,000–550,000 (USD 24–25.40), Vientiane–Pakse at LAK 400,000–500,000 (USD 18.40–23), and Vientiane–Salavan at LAK 520,000–550,000 (USD 24–25.40).
Fares to Sekong range from LAK 550,000–570,000 (USD 25.40–26.30), while Attapeu costs LAK 590,000–600,000 (USD 27.20–27.60).
Tickets to Don Khong and Venkham are priced at LAK 630,000 (USD 29), and Vientiane–Xiengkhuang ranges from LAK 350,000–400,000 (USD 16.10–18.40).


