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Travel information and tips on Laos including passport information, accommodations, transportation to and in Laos, attractions and things to see and do, restaurant suggestions, tours, and much more.
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Getting
To Laos
By Air
By Rail
By Road
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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Cities and
Towns In Laos Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Some Things To See And Do In Laos
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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
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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.
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. I would recommend you stay away from all dairy products. Milk is unpasteurized and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Only eat well cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
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Some Favorites
In Laos
Coming Soon. In the mean time, if you have information you
believe I should add to this section of Getting Away, please contact me.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
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Books, Maps and Other Resources
My favorite guidebooks when I am traveling is
Fodor's. I find them to be quite complete, easy to use, and almost always on the
money with helps and tips for traveling in the country I am visiting. Click on
Fodor's Travel Guides
to find the perfect guidebook for your travels.
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
Some Interesting Links For Laos
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
