Getting to Laos
By plane
No direct flights exist between Laos and the USA or Europe. Incoming flights come from Thailand, China, and Cambodia.
Laos has three international airports: Wattay Airport (VTE) in Vientiane, Luang Prabang (LPQ), and Pakse (PKZ). Flag carrier Lao Airlines serves all three airports.
Wattay is now serviced by regional airlines like Thai Airways and Air Asia. Bangkok Airways services Luang Prabang, while Pakse serves flights to and from Siem Reap via Lao Airlines.
Vientiane's location on the Thai-Lao border means you can fly to nearby Udon Thani in Thailand and cross overland to Laos over the Friendship Bridge.
By road
Laos may be entered via several overland crossings:
Thailand:
- Nong Khai to Vientiane, over the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Visa on arrival available.
- Mukdahan to Savannakhet, over the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Visa on arrival available.
- Chong Mek to Ban Mai Sing Amphon. No visa on arrival, pre-arranged visa required upon entry.
Vietnam:
- Vinh to Kaew Neua. No visa on arrival, pre-arranged visa required upon entry.
- Da Nang to Lao Bao. No visa on arrival, pre-arranged visa required upon entry.
China:
- Mengla in Yunnan province to Boten, Luang Nam Tha. No visa on arrival, pre-arranged visa required upon entry.
There are no official tourist crossings between Cambodia and Laos at this time. Travel into Myanmar is strictly prohibited.
By ferry
Laos may be entered by ferry from Chiang Kong, Thailand to Huay Xai. A 15-day visa on arrival can be obtained at the crossing.
Getting around Laos
By air
Lao Airlines has daily flights from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang, Oudomsay in the north, and Pakse and Savannakhet in the south. There are less frequent flights from Vientiane to the northern towns of Luang Namtha, Houayxai, Sayabouli, and Samneua.
It's almost impossible to book a flight from outside Laos, unless you've signed up with a tour program. In fact, it's best to let a travel operator deal with Lao Airlines instead of booking your flight yourself.
Westcoast Helicopters (www.laowestcoast.laopdr.com) operates chartered helicopter flights out of Wattay Airport in Vientiane.
By bus
Buses in Laos are a jury-rigged affair, many "buses" being nothing more than converted pickup trucks. Fares can be quite low, but schedules are quite erratic.
This is the best way to see how the ordinary Lao lives - bus routes connect Laos' major cities and towns, meaning you share your seat with all sorts of Lao folk, many carrying their wares to market.
By taxi
Taxis are abundant in Vientiane, especially at the Friendship Bridge, Wattay Airport, and the Morning Market. You can charter one for a $20 all-day rate, or let your hotel arrange for a taxi charter themselves - the former is cheaper than the latter.
By boat
Two main ferry routes travel up and down the Mekong: Vientiane/Luang Prabang, and Luang Prabang/Huay Xai. The length of the trip depends on the season, the direction of the ferry, and your choice between the slow ferries (hot, cramped) and speedboats (noisy, dangerous).
Lao River Exploration Services runs a jet boat charter service with international safety standards.Boats have hi-frequency radio communications and IDD phones built in, and passengers are given life jackets and sun hats. The boats are available for hire, charter, or long term lease.
By tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are modified motorcycle taxis. (Tuk-tuk - definition, usage) These are very commonplace in Lao urban areas, particularly at bus stations, markets, and border crossings. Tuk-tuks can be chartered for personal use - haggle with your driver for an acceptable fare.
By motorbike
Motorcycles can be rented at Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Like the U.S., Laos' roads are right-handed. Traffic tends to be a lot less organized, though, so get the appropriate insurance (see Travel Insurance in Southeast Asia) and drive with care.
By rented car
There are few established car rental agencies in Laos; the most well-established one is Asia Vehicle Rental. However, it's far safer to have your hotel rent a car with a driver included.
By bicycle
Many hotels and guesthouses in Vientiane rent out bicycles for their guests. Bicycles can also be rented at Luang Prabang.
