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GETTING THERE & AROUND
Getting There
Laos can be reached by land, air and river from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.
by Air
There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China, Vietnam or Cambodia on Thai International, Viet Nam Airlines, Lao Airlines, China Southern and Bangkok Airways.
Laos has three International Airport:
A departure tax of 10US$ in levied for international flights, while 5.000 kips is
levied for domestic flights.
by Water
It is possible to travel from the Thai border to Luang Prabang by speedboat, slow boat or by a deluxe one-day boat. The slow boat takes about two days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pakbeng. The speedboat goes from Houaixay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours.
It may also possible to travel the Cambodian part of the Laos-Cambodia crossing by slow boat or speed boat, instead of by bus or taxi. Visitors should be aware that accidents can and do happen when travelling at high speeds along the unpredictable Mekong River.
by Rail
There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane, although a short stretch of railway is under construction across the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai.
by Road
The busiest entry-exit point is the Friendship Bridge that connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand. Another popular overland border crossing is Houeixai that links northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province to northwestern Laos at the center of the infamous Golden Triangle.
China-Laos
The most convenient way of travelling from a province to another is by air with Lao Aviation. It has daily flights from Vientiane to
almost all of the cities in Laos. There are also regular buses linking cities in
the north to the south. However, some parts of the road are still under construction,
this makes it difficult especially when travelling in rainy season. For short trips
within town tuk tuk (motorized tricycle) and taxi can be used. There are a number
of places that you can rent bicycles so that you can cruise through the city at
your convenience.
by Air
Lao Airlines normally flies to the following internal airports, with more are being added each year: Hoeuixay, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Pakse, Samnuea, Savannakhet, Sayabouly, Vientiane, and Xiengkhoang.
Flights go from Vientiane to/from Luang Prabang and Savannakhet at least daily and to/from Pakse almost every day. There are flights to most other towns in Laos, but they are infrequent. Still, flying beats most land transportation.
by Water
The Mekong and other rivers are still a vital part of the country's transport system despite the road system being gradually improved. However, the number of boats available has decreased dramatically. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. A service runs from Luang Prabang to Houayxai, but there is no longer a service between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The journey upstream from Luang Prabang to Houayxai takes two days, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng, and downstream it takes one day. There are regular jet-boat trips along the river, run by Lao River Exploration Services (www.jetboat.laopdr.com). Boats can also be hired privately.
by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather or night driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Savannakhet and Pakse in the south.
Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pickup truck.
Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low.
However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies.
Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended.
Note: If you are on a strict timescale, it is advisable to prearrange travel outside Vientiane with a tour company to avoid unforeseen delays and costs.
For short trips within town, motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by tourists. Taxis also can be used. There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and the Morning market. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected.
Laos can be reached by land, air and river from neighboring Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China.
There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China, Vietnam or Cambodia on Thai International, Viet Nam Airlines, Lao Airlines, China Southern and Bangkok Airways.
- Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital
- Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang
- Province Pakse International Airport in Champasack Province
It is possible to travel from the Thai border to Luang Prabang by speedboat, slow boat or by a deluxe one-day boat. The slow boat takes about two days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pakbeng. The speedboat goes from Houaixay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours.
It may also possible to travel the Cambodian part of the Laos-Cambodia crossing by slow boat or speed boat, instead of by bus or taxi. Visitors should be aware that accidents can and do happen when travelling at high speeds along the unpredictable Mekong River.
There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane, although a short stretch of railway is under construction across the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai.
The busiest entry-exit point is the Friendship Bridge that connects Vientiane to Nong Khai, Thailand. Another popular overland border crossing is Houeixai that links northern Thailand's Chiang Rai province to northwestern Laos at the center of the infamous Golden Triangle.
Border Checkpoints
China-Laos
- Mohan - Botene, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province
- Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province (no visa on arrival)
- Chiangkhong - Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province
- Nakaxeng - Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province
- Nongkhay - Friendship Bridge , Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital
- Bungkan - Pakxan, Nongkhay-Bolikhamxay Province (no visa on arrival)
- Nakorn Phanom - Thakhaek, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province Chongmek - Vangtao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province
- Taichang - Sobhoun, Laichau to Phongsaly Province (no visa on arrival)
- Nameo - Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province
- Namkan - Namkan, Nge An to Xieng Khouang Province
- Keoneua - Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha tinh to Bolikhamxay Province
- Napao - Chalo, Quangbinh to Khammouane Province (no visa on arrival)
- Laobao - Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province
- Dong Calor - Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasak Province
Getting Around
by Air
Lao Airlines normally flies to the following internal airports, with more are being added each year: Hoeuixay, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Pakse, Samnuea, Savannakhet, Sayabouly, Vientiane, and Xiengkhoang.
Flights go from Vientiane to/from Luang Prabang and Savannakhet at least daily and to/from Pakse almost every day. There are flights to most other towns in Laos, but they are infrequent. Still, flying beats most land transportation.
The Mekong and other rivers are still a vital part of the country's transport system despite the road system being gradually improved. However, the number of boats available has decreased dramatically. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. A service runs from Luang Prabang to Houayxai, but there is no longer a service between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The journey upstream from Luang Prabang to Houayxai takes two days, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng, and downstream it takes one day. There are regular jet-boat trips along the river, run by Lao River Exploration Services (www.jetboat.laopdr.com). Boats can also be hired privately.
Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather or night driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Savannakhet and Pakse in the south.
Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pickup truck.
Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low.
However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies.
Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended.
Note: If you are on a strict timescale, it is advisable to prearrange travel outside Vientiane with a tour company to avoid unforeseen delays and costs.
For short trips within town, motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by tourists. Taxis also can be used. There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and the Morning market. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected.
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