Thanks to the significant road system improvement over the last few years, many new ways of accessing Laos from neighboring countries are gradually opening up making it easier and happier for tourists to get to and around all of Laos. With several advanced transportation systems, including several highways and some airports, transportation would not be a big problem during your holidays in Laos.
Laos beautiful landscape
There are a few airlines operating international flights in Laos. Lao Airlines, Thai Airways to Vientiane, and Vietnam Airlines to Luang Prabang. The third international airport was launched in Paske, offering flights to and from Siem Reap, Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) by Lao Airlines.
Most visitors from outside Asia need to fly to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport) and then take a 1-hour flight to Vientiane Wattay International Airport and a 2-hour flight to Luang Prabang.
There are 5 weekly flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam to Vientiane by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines, 3 weekly flights from Chiang Mai in Thailand, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Kunming in China as well as Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. You can consider the below flight lines to Laos:
● Vietnam to Laos: Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Vientiane (VTE), and Hanoi (HAN) to Luang Prabang (LPQ) or vice versa (operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines).
● Thailand to Laos: Chiang Mai (CNX) to Luang Prabang (LPQ) (operated by Lao Airlines).
● Cambodia to Laos: Phnom Penh (PNH) to Vientiane (VTE) and Siem Reap (SAI) to Luang Prabang (LPQ) (operated by Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines).
● Myanmar to Laos: Vientiane (VTE) to Yangon (RGN) and vice versa (operated by Myanmar Airways).
By far, there are three international airports in Laos:
● Luang Prabang International Airport
● Pakse International Airport
● Wattay Airport (Vientiane)
Laos Airlines
It is also possible to visit Laos by land through one of many border crossings between Thailand and Laos: Thailand’s borders in Nong Khai - Pakistan border and Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai - Huay Xai, Mukdahan – Savannakhet, Chong Mek – Vang Tao.
From Vietnam, Lao Bao, Khung Tri-Dan Savan in Savannakhet, and other points. There is a daily overnight sleeping train departing from Thailand at 8 pm and arriving at the frontier of Laos the next morning. In spite of its cheap price, the train is not a popular means of transportation due to the lack of the required infrastructure and the rarely known location of the station.
Major tourist cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Savannkhet are now well connected by moderate-priced flights handled by Lao Airlines. So for the long distance and for travelers who do not have much time the flight is a good
- Quick and time-saving.
- Expensive compared to other transportation modes.
- Limited routes and schedules.
With the 4,600 km of navigable waterways, traveling by river is a shortcut for those who have put up with the horrible road conditions of Laos. Options include slow ferries and exciting speedboats can be a great choice for a Laos trip.
- The most common way to travel
- Slow boats can be time-consuming.
- Speedboats are often cramped and less comfortable.
Boat trip in Laos
There are a handful of taxis that can be hired by the trip, by the hour or by the day.
- Convenient for short trips within cities.
- Not ideal for sightseeing.
- Limited availability outside major cities.
Taxi in Laos
If you are looking for the most stunning means of transportation to get around Laos, look no further than a motorbike or a Tuk Tuk!
- One-of-a-kind experience
- Affordable and great for short distances.
- Provides a local and authentic experience.
- Can be risky for inexperienced riders.
- Not ideal for long distances.
Tuk-Tuk in Laos
Traveling by car or van allows flexibility and access to more remote areas. UNESCO has policies governing car and van usage in certain regions to protect heritage sites and natural areas.
Laos Train
The newly established speed train network in Laos is revolutionizing travel for fast and comfortable journeys between major destinations like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Vang Vieng, and even extending to China. Key stations include Vientiane Station, Luang Prabang Station, and Boten Station near the Chinese border.
The trains operate at different times daily, with schedules designed to accommodate travelers. Tickets are reasonably priced, starting at approximately $10 for standard seats and $20 for high-class seats, depending on the route.
Onboard services include air-conditioned cabins, spacious seating, and snack availability, ensuring a pleasant travel experience. For more information, travelers can check the latest schedules and book tickets online or at station counters.
- Reliable and efficient.
- Comfortable seating and scenic routes.
- Restricted items on board – check with sales agents for details.
- Limited routes currently in operation.
Planning your Laos tour package is about more than picking places to visit. You should get ready for your trip is just as important with the Laos Pre-Trip Preparation guide and reaching out to Incredible Asia Journeys for friendly and expert travel advice.
Thank you for submitting your booking request with us. Please kindly check your email!
Incredible Asia Journeys - Vietnam Tour Operator and Cruise Packages
