Until the Attapeu Airport kicks in, you’ll have to fly to Pakse and head overland. Lao Airlines offers 14 direct weekly flights to Pakse International Airport departing Vientiane at 07:10, 7:50, 8:10, and 10:30, depending on the day, for the 75-minute trip. The carrier also offers a daily direct flight from Luang Prabang departing at 10:40 and arriving at 12:20. 

Lao Airways provides international routes to Pakse including daily flights from Siem Reap at 14:40, and on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45. The airline departs Ho Cho Minh City at noon on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and five days a week from Bangkok at 13:40.

You can hire a car, van, or 4WD vehicle in Pakse, Savannakhet, and Vientiane for your Attapeu adventure. Vehicle rentals come with or without a driver.   

Several busses depart Vientiane’s Southern Bus Terminal for Pakse and onward travel to Attapeu every day, though schedules may vary. Categories of busses range from less-than-comfortable busses making local stops, to VIP coaches and overnight sleepers with direct routes to Pakse. Most make brief stops in Thakaek and Savannakhet during the 10-hour ride. Prices vary according to category. To ensure a seat on the coach of your choice, book your trip through a local travel agent.    

Once in Pakse, travellers will find a choice of busses heading to Attapeu via Paksong in the Bolaven Plateau throughout the day. These services end at 16:00, though a local bus leaves at 17:00. A VIP coach departs from Pakse to Attapeu at 15:15 with stops at Paksong, Tatheng and Sekong. 

Note: Schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check before planning your trip.