Picture courtesy of the Transport Company

 

The state-owned Transport Company will resume its international bus service between Khon Kaen and Vientiane on October 10, restoring a key cross-border transport link after a period of suspension. The service, operated jointly with the Vientiane Capital State Bus Enterprise (VCSBE), aims to enhance travel convenience while strengthening tourism and economic connections between Thailand and Laos.

 

Attawit Rakjamroon, president of the Transport Company, confirmed that the Route No. 5 service will operate twice daily in each direction, covering a 194-kilometre journey in approximately four hours. The fare is set at 180 baht per trip, with air-conditioned buses featuring 42 seats. From Thailand, buses will depart Khon Kaen at 08.15. while the return service will leave Vientiane at 14.45.

 

The VCSBE will also launch its own Vientiane–Khon Kaen service on the same date. Departures from Vientiane will be scheduled for 08.15 and from Khon Kaen at 15:00. Tickets will be available at the Central Bus Station (CBS) next to the Morning Market in Vientiane. Travellers seeking more information can contact the VCSBE by phone at (+856) 20 96834578.

 

Transport officials explained that Thai and Lao buses will alternate along the route, charging identical fares but accepting payment in Thai baht only. Passengers are required to present a valid passport when purchasing tickets. In Khon Kaen, the international service will depart from Bus Terminal 3, where passengers can conveniently connect to the Khon Kaen City Bus network for travel within the city.

 

The reopening of the Khon Kaen–Vientiane service comes amid efforts to revitalise cross-border tourism and restore connectivity following regional travel disruptions. Authorities on both sides of the Mekong River expect the move to encourage greater passenger flow and commercial exchanges between the two cities.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thailand and Laos will resume their joint Khon Kaen–Vientiane bus service on October 10 after a suspension period.

• The 194-kilometre route takes about four hours and costs 180 baht, with two daily services in each direction.

• Buses will accept Thai baht only and passengers must present a valid passport when buying tickets.

 

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More Thai news stories here

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Bangkokpost 2025-10-06

 

 

 

 

They need to start a bus service to get you to khon kaen  immigration office

29 minutes ago, arick said:

They need to start a bus service to get you to khon kaen  immigration office

 

Surely any of the local bus services from KK bus station or city centre to/from Udon Thani using Highway 2, will pass the new Immigration Office? Perhaps not.

I have a question:
It says here that a valid passport is sufficient for entry into Laos.
Do I not need a visa?

9 minutes ago, markus said:

I have a question:
It says here that a valid passport is sufficient for entry into Laos.
Do I not need a visa?

 

As a UK citizen living near Khon Kaen, I always had to have a visa to enter Laos. 

To avoid time queuing at Nong Khai, I used to apply for a visa at the Laos Consulate in Khon Kaen. Nowadays you can also apply online for an e-visa.

18 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

 

Surely any of the local bus services from KK bus station or city centre to/from Udon Thani using Highway 2, will pass the new Immigration Office? Perhaps not.

I drive  it I don't need to go to udon