Closest Beach to Vientiane, Laos

Do Laos have any Beaches?

Closest Beach to Laos? So your backpacking through Laos and want to head to a beach? Well unfortunately Laos is landlocked see map below, so your best bet to finding a Laos beach is to head to the fantastic beaches of south east Cambodia!

Another great backpacking route would be to be head to "Trat" Thailand, and then onto Koh Chang island. From Nong Khai (Thailand's gateway to Vientiane)  or UdonThani in North east Thailand.

If you would rather find a "Laos beach", your best bet is to try and get near some water.

Map of Laos | By CIA via Wikimedia Commons

Closet Beach to Laos?

A great Backpacking Route if in Laos is heading to the river side "beach" then head to Nam Song River in Vang Vieng which is just 4 hours north of Vientiane.

There is actually some crystal clear water Lagoons nearby and it's a popular place for "Tubing" , where many backpackers float on Inflatables. See further down the article "Backpacking Route 3" to find out more.

Another great backpacking route if you want to stay in Laos is to check out the 4000 islands of Laos or Don Kong Island, Don Ket, Don Khon. Although these don't have beaches they are a great place to Kayak along the river. See backpacking route 4.

Below, I have outlined the best Backpacking Routes for your closest Laos Beach and best routes to get their in detail, depending upon your starting point, north or south of Vientiane, Laos.

Backpacking Route 1 - Laos to the Beaches of Southeast Cambodia (Sihanoukville)

[Tip - Fastest Backpacking Route, if you are further south than Vientiane.]

This route works out the fastest if your south of Vientiane.  The bus route from Vientiane is shown below. However ,as you might of guessed it's much faster getting to the beach if your already further south of Laos.

Closest Beach to Laos. Route 1 Map  from Vientiane, Laos to Cambodia Beaches Sihanoukville

Either way your goal is to get to Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh. Ask your local tourist office or bus station which is the best bus to Phnom Penh. From their then onto to the beach.

Bus Route from Vientiane. Closest Beach to Laos Source: Rome2Rio.com

Closest Beach to Laos. Route 1 Transport  from Vientiane, Laos to Cambodia Beaches Sihanoukville

Head to Phnom Penhn then onto Sihanoukville. Sihanoukville has a great beach and access to all of cambodia's little islands.

See our Top 10 Beaches in Cambodia guide to find your favourite.

Top 10 Beaches in Cambodia - (Closest Beach to Laos)

10. Sihanoukville – Victory Beach.

Starting at number 10, is the most popular beach area in Cambodia. Situated on the wonderful south west coast, some say on a map it looks like an arrow head pointing to neighbouring Thailand,( How fitting!).

Sihanoukville has several beaches within it’s area. Probably the most popular and easily accessible is Victory Beach. The beach is covered with glistening white sands and surrounded by an army of palm trees all ready for you to dive under when things get too hot!

Victory beach is great if you would like a fast and accessible spot which is safe and welcoming for families. Around the beach you wont be short of choice with plenty of seafood restaurants and cafes allowing an on beach dining experience. There is also a good choice of restaurants around the beach area, if you would like to stay closer for a few nights.

While laying on the beach you will see plenty of activity on Sihanoukville port with boats coming in and out on regular basis. This makes it a great hub of access to all the other little islands (Koh Themi, Koh Pos etc) surrounding it. A popular place to start your trip and even base yourself.

Victory Beach on a cloudy day | By nakhon100 via Wikimedia Commons

9. Koh Themi

If you fancy trying out an island after a stay at Sihanoukville head to Koh Thmei which can be reached from the Sihanoukville port and is just of the coast. Koh Thmei is a scenic destination with beautiful beaches which actually make up a section of  the Ream National Park.

If you like your wildlife it is a good spot for dolphin spotting and bird watching. Snorkelling is also great to try here as you can explore the wonderful reef which is surrounding the island.

The only downside of this island is it is releatively underdeveloped with just a small number Bungalow style accommodations only. We suggest a day trip or stay 1 night depending upon you timescale.

8. Koh Tonsay (“Rabbit Island”)

Heading toward the Vietnam border, is a small island called Koh Thonsáy or Rabbit island. This is a great little island for hiking, snorkeling and secluded private beaches. It is located a 20 minute boat ride from Kep, so easily accessible. Like many other islands in Cambodia development is slow with only a few bungalows and restaurants tailored towards tourists.  If you like plenty of seclusion with no big crowds of tourists then it is a nice spot to check out.

7. Koh Pos (“Snake Island”)

Another island located just of the coast of Sihanoukville is Koh Pos or “Snake island”. A small bridge called the “Techo Morakat Bridge” makes it more easily accessible then other islands around Cambodia.

If you  like an adventurous Jungle paradise then this is your island, but be careful the inland jungle is home to everything from  cheeky monkeys to deadly pythons!

If you would prefer to stick to the safety of the beach you will have just as much fun with scenic waterfront dining and lovely seafood. A popular restaurant is “Treasure island” which is popular among visitors and definitely a spot to visit.

Planning Development Snake Island, Cambodia. (Closest Beach to Vientiane, Laos)

6. Sokha Beach (Sihanoukville) – Private Owned.

Sokha Beach is a privatised area, making it a very clean, safe spots to relax and sunbathe. It is also less crowded due to the entrance fee required to stay at the beach for the day.  We recommend staying at one of the nice resorts which are on the private beach. Expect restaurants and activities such as snorkeling.

Wonderful Sokha Beach, Cambodia. If you follow route 1 (Closest Beach to Laos) this one is a Stunning reason to make that trip down from Vientianne.

Adventure Tip:

If you would really like to see some breath taking views, you should definitely try the great hike along the coast. This will take you between Sokha and Serendipity beach.

5. Koh Rong – Have you watched the TV show Survivor??

Yes that’s right the popular television show Survivor was filmed on the popular Sok San Beach or “Long beach” due to the great captivating coastline.  Located just of Sihanoukville, you will experience plenty of wonderful coastline and brilliant pristine beaches!

This beach can be accessed by boat and even on foot. Great activities like many other of the islands include, snorkeling and swimming. After sunset the phosphorescent plankton can acutally been seen to magically sparkel which is a great site.

Koh Rong Beach Cambodia: Closest Beach to Laos. Route 1 Transport  from Vientiane

“The glowing plankton is truly magical and a must see for anyone visiting Koh Rong!”

4. Koh Ta Kiev – (The Natural Beach)

There are a variety of beaches on Koh Ta Kiev, with one of the most scenic being Coral Beach. This tropical beach is pristine, authentic and a natural spot to soak up that fresh sea air.

The island is located of Southwest Cambodia, close to the Ream National Park. Local amenities include a small selection of accommodation with a variety of food and drink venues.

Overall this is the perfect place to get away from it all, relax, unwind and breath! Hammocks are popular on the island and you can choose to rent one for the day…a great place to read, relax and even take a nap.  If your feeling energetic there are plenty of fun activities from cliff diving to spear fishing.

3. Serendipity and Ochheutal Beach – Sihanoukville.

Serendipity beach is a great spot with around 3 kilo meters of exquisite platinum sands. From Serendipity Beach Road you’ll find a number of amenities from bars and restaurants to a full size golf course! Although this area is popular with backpackers there are still a large number of luxury hotels to accomodate.

2. Koh Rong Samloem (“Lazy Beach”)

Another great islands just a short boat ride away from Sihanoukville is Koh Rong Samloem. Picture the scene lush green jungles, pristine platinum beaches and crystal waters…that is lazy beach.

We also like this beach because it is pretty quiet with only small groups of tourists here at any one time.  In terms of accommodation there is a small number of beach bungalows which overlook the crystal waters. Local amenities include a bar and Restaurant on the beach offering delicious food…what more do you need!

Koh Rong Cambodia, Photo by Shanti Hesse/Shutterstock. Check her out for great prints!

1. Otres Beach

Otres beach is the less crowded and quieter alternative to Serendipity in Sihanoukville. It’s still within close proximity to the popular resort of Sihanoukville but just more relaxed with a chilled vibe. However, this island is far from boring with plenty of day time activities from windsurfing to Kayaking.

By night, there is plenty of bars along the vast stretch of wonderful coastline. Come Saturday nights, head down to Otres Market, where a great atmosphere of live music and food stalls can be experienced till the early hours!

Otres Beach | By Wikirictor via Wikimedia Commons

Route 2 - Vientiane, Laos to Trat (Thailand)

(Fastest Backpacking Route, if heading direct from Vientiane).

A great Backpacking Route would be to be head to "Trat" Thailand, and then onto Koh Chang island. From Nong Khai (Thailand's gateway to Vientiane)  or UdonThani in North east Thailand.

Nightbus From Vientiane to trat (Thailand). Source: Rome2rio.com . Backpacking Route 2 (Closest Beach to Laos)

Using the night bus head from  Vientiane Tala Sao Station to Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal. Then from there onto to Trat Bus Station.

See details below,

Nightbus From Vientiane to trat (Thailand). Source: Rome2rio.com Backpacking Route 2 (Closest Beach to Laos)

You can also fly from Vientiane to Bangkok, for around $100 or less if you would like to get there faster and in more comfort! This route is also good if you would like to head to south east Cambodia after (Sihanoukville) and then onto the islands mentioned in Backpacking Route 1.

Why Trat, Thailand & Koh Chang Island?

Trat is Thailand’s eastern-most province, along the Khao Banthat mountain range bordering with Cambodia.

The city of Trat is a hub which allows easy access to the province’s 52 large and small islands, including of Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, with golden, vast sandy beaches. Koh Chang island has won numerous award for the top Destination to unwind and relax.

How to get to the Koh Chang island & others?

Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat Pier, or Centre Point pier between 06.30 a.m. – 07.30 p.m., with a travel time of 30  – 45 minutes.   Foot passengers pay 80 Baht one way

Backpacking Route 3 - Laos Beach Equivalent (Nam Song River) in Vang Vieng.

TownandTourist, Tip - [Fastest Backpacking Route, if north of Vientiane.]

If you would rather stay in Laos and would just like to have some fun in the water and on a river side "beach" then head to Nam Song River in Vang Vieng which is just 4 hours north of Vientiane.

Nam Song River, although not the sea is know for "tubing" the popular past time of having fun floating on inflatables. It can be a great and a really fun way to cool off!

Tubing on the Nam Song River | Christophe95 via Wikimedia Commons

There are also some crystal clear water lagoons nearby, which are great for swimming!

man swim underwater in snorkel. Male swimming in blue sea lagoon

Backpacking Route 4 - Khong Island (Laos) 4000 islands on Mekong River

Khong Island or Don Khong is the largest island located in the Mekong River, located in the Khong District, Champasak Province, southern Laos.

The island is 18 kilometres long and has a population of approximately 55,000,  concentrated between the two villages Muang Saen and Muang Khong.

Locals Laos People tend to travel on Longtail boats. A a popular backpacking route is to combine, Khong Island with a visit to the nearby Don Det and Don Khon islands, where you can feast your eyes on the gorgeous Khone Phapheng Falls.

Fun Fact: The former President of Laos, Khamtai Siphandon has a place on Khong island, which explains the higher quality roads and infrastructure compared to other parts of Laos.

Kayaking Around the 4000 islands in Laos is a bucket list experience. Photo by: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Watch the great video below on the 4000 islands of Laos.

For an Interesting article on the 4000 islands of Laos, Check out this article:

https://migrationology.com/guide-4000-islands-laos-don-khong-part-1/

Bottom Line on "Laos Beaches"

Choose your destination/backpacking route based on your starting point using the guide for each Backpacking Route. If you've not been to crystal Blue Lagoon, at Nam Song River in Vang Vineg yet (shown above) and already are in Laos, than it's definitely worth checking out! So much fun!

However, if your on a backpacking route and heading through to different countries going to Trat (Thailand) Beaches and then onto the south east of Cambodia beaches is a great backpacking route also from Laos!

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