Most buses to the south , including Savannakhet and Pakxe, leave from Vientiane's main bus station . Book a day ahead if you want to take an express, air-con bus to Savannakhet via Pakxan and Thakhek. The service is operated by two companies, Angkham (tel 021/414848) and Senesabay (tel 021/218052 or 217318). Senesabay's office is located next to the Odeon Rama Theatre, near Talat Thong Khan Kham; the bus leaves from opposite the office and stops at the main bus station in Savannakhet. Angkham's office is at Kilometre 5 on Route 13 South, next to Angkham Toyota, and buses leave from next door.

Most transport to the north , including Louang Phabang, via Vang Viang, leaves from the Khoua Louang bus stand . In addition, sawngthaews to Vang Viang operate from a stand on Khou Viang Road near the main station and three daily blue government buses also go there from the main bus station itself.