Laos Transportation

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 a number of advanced transportation systems, including several highways and a number of airports, transportation would not be a big problem during your holidays in Laos.

How to access Laos?

By Flight

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 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.

By far, there are three international airports in Laos:

●Luang Prabang International Airport

●Pakse International Airport

●Wattay Airport (Vientiane)

Laos Airlines

By Land

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, in 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, train is not a popular means of transportation due to the lacks of the required infrastructure and the rarely known location of the station. 

How to get around Laos?

By Flight

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 travellers who do not have much time the flight is a good

Advantage:

Fast and convenient 

Disadvantage:

High price ticket

By Boat

With the 4,600 km of navigable waterways, traveling by river is a shortcut for those who have put up with the horrible road condition of Laos. Slow ferries and exciting speedboats can be an unforgettable memory.

Advantage:

The most common way to travel

Disadvantage:

Packed

Boat trip in Laos

By Taxi 

There are a handful of taxis that can be hired by the trip, by the hour or by the day. 

Advantage:

Fast and convenient

Disadvantage:

Not a good option for sightseeing 

Taxi in Laos

By Motorbikes or Tuk Tuk

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!

Advantage:

One-of-a-kind experience

Disadvantage:

Adventurous 

Tuk- Tuk in Laos