Getting there and away

Bus

The main departures from Sam Neua are three large buses which leave for Vientiane and Luang Prababng each day. Two of these go via Phonsavan, while the third goes north and heads for Luang Prabang. One driver travels the entire distance, on rare occasions pulling over for a short roadside nap.

Departures to Vientiane go via Muang Kham, Phonsavan, Phoukhoun and Vang Vieng. Prices to hop off at these earlier spots vary accordingly.

Vientiane (Standard bus) departs 09:00, costing 130,000 kip, taking 20-24 hours.
Vientiane (VIP bus) departs 12:00, costing 150,000 kip, taking 20 hours.

Departure to Vientiane via Vieng Thong, Nong Kiaow, Pak Mong and Luang Prabang. Prices to hop off at these earlier spots vary accordingly.
Vientiane (Standard bus) departs 09:00, costing 130,000 kip, taking 20-24 hours.

In addition, a number of tuk tuks and songthaews depart for local destinations on a regular basis. The Tourism office has a slightly confusing list of transport and when they run, based on tourist attractions in the region. Some of the most popular are:

Vieng Xai: Tuk tuks depart every half hour from 06:00 to 15:30. The 50-minute journey costs 8,000 kip per person.

Sop Hao: One truck or bus per day departs at around 06:00 and costs 12,000 kip.
The border into Vietnam at Sop Hao is a good way to head through to Hanoi if you enjoy a good adventure, and like to get off the beaten track. It is also possible to get a tuk tuk from Vieng Xai to the border.

Suan Hin (Hin Tang Archaeological Park): A bus leaves at around 06:00, and a songthaew at around 12:00, cost 14,000 kip. Get off at Houamuang, from there is an 5km walk(!) to the park.