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Getting To Laos
By Air
By Rail
By Road
Tour to Laos

By Air
The national airline of Laos is Lao Aviation (QV) which serves the international routes from Vientiane to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Bangkok and Chiang Mai (Thailand), Phnom Penh (Cambodia) and Kunming (China). Thai International flies from Bangkok, Vietnam Airlines flies from Hanoi. Vientiane (VTE) (Wattai) is the international airport and it is located about 3 miles from the city with a travel time of about 20 minutes. The departure tax is $10 US. Children under two years are exempt.

 

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By Rail
Although there are no railways in Laos, the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A ferry and a bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 12 miles east of Vientiane.

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). 

You also can enter Laos from Vietnam either at Lao Bao or at the new 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 as there are many security risks.

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Getting Around In Laos
By Air
By Road
On the Rivers

By Air
Internal domestic air services run from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Also available are numerous private charter flights through Westcoast Helicopters.

On the Rivers
The Mekong and other rivers make up a vital part of the country's transport system. Basically you have a choice between irregular, slow ferries and 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 8 hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand so you will want to check ahead to make sure what you are paying. Private jet boats can be hired from Lao River Exploration Services. For further details contact the Lao National Tourism Authority.

ROAD
The traffic drives on the right in Laos. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. Even so, very few of the main roads are suitable for all-weather driving so, in bad weather, better check before you go. 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 - Bus services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from the more traditional type to the converted pick-up truck. In may cases you may have to barter for the prices.

Car hire - Best advice - do not rent a car in Laos. If you do believe you will have to have your own transportation, leave the driving to someone else and hire a car with a driver through your hotel or a tourist agencies. Asia Vehicle Rentals in Vientiane can help visitors with all their rental needs (tel: (21) 217 493 or 223 867; fax: (21) 217 493; e-mail: avr@loxinfo.co.th). If you do drive yourself, an International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.

Taxi - 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 $20 US per day. Be sure to negotiate the price in advance.

Tuk-Tuks or Jumbos - 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 but once you agree on a price - stick with it!

Motorcycles and Bicycles - Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. However, driving them here can be a little tricky and also dangerous. Be forewarned!

Note: Andy travel outside Vientiane should be prearranged with a tour company.

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Some Things To See And Do In Laos

Nightlife - There are several discotheques in Vientiane that tend to have live Lao bands. Most large hotels will have their own nightclubs. My recommendation - stay with the hotels.

Shopping - Shopping in the many markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang (about 40 minutes by air from Vientiane) is well worth the time and energy. This is not only a good way to get to know the people, but also a great way to bring home a special souvenir. Be on the lookout for silk, silver jewelry and handmade shirts, all of which are good buys. Although the majority of shops have fixed prices, bartering is still advisable for antiques and other art objects. The normal shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1600; Mon-Sat 0900-2100 (private shops).

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Some Suggestions For Accommodations In Laos

For accommodations in Laos, click on Hotels and Other Accommodations in Laos

Tipping is practiced modestly in hotels and restaurants.

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Some Suggestions For Dining In Laos
Rice, especially sticky rice, is the staple food and dishes will be Indo-Chinese in flavor and presentation. Lao food can be found on the stalls in the markets. I have found that eating at the stalls is normally okay, but stay away from the water. There are several fairly good French restaurants in Vientiane, catering mainly for the diplomatic community. Baguettes and croissants (which are great) are normally eaten for breakfast. Rice whisky, lao lao, is popular and there are two brands available. The beer is also good. Tipping is practiced modestly in hotels and restaurants.