Traveling within Laos

Getting around by Air: Laos Airlines runs domestic air services from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south.

 

Domestic airports: Vientiane (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km (2mi) from the city (travel time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis cost US$4, on average. Facilities: Bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.

 

Getting Around by Water: The Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country's transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days; speedboats run more regularly and take approximately eight hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. Boats can also be hired privately.

 

Getting around 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 driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh. Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from the more traditional type to the converted pick-up truck. Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire a car with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.

 

Getting around in the City: 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. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. 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. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

Traveling to and from Laos

Getting in or out by Air: The national airline is Laos Airlines which serves international routes from Vientiane to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Kunming (China). Thai Airways International from Bangkok; Vietnam Airlines from Hanoi. There are no direct flights from the US or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China or Cambodia.

 

Getting There by train: 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 ferry and a bridge link the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12mi) east of Vientiane.

 

Getting There by Road: It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)–Houei Xay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)–Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani); Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)–Tha Kek (Laos) and Jouay Kone (Thailand)–Xaingnabouri (Laos). It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Quangtri or at the border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha. Overland travel to Cambodia and Myanmar is not feasible due to security risks. Internally, the road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang to the north has been upgraded.

 

Departure tax: US$10; children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.