Laos - How to get there

By Air

There is one main airport in Laos, in the capital Vientiane. There are no intercontinental flights to Vientiane.   Most people coming to Laos will come via Bangkok, the nearest International hub.   By far the easiest, cheapest, most reliable, frequent and interesting way to get to Laos by air is to use Thai Airways' domestic flight to Udon Thani. Flights between Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Penh & Siem Reap are also regular with Bangkok Air, Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia and Dragon Air operating several flights every day.

Flying from the UK

If you are flying from the UK, then there are only indirect (1 stop) flights to Vientiane with the best being with Thai Airways. The flight takes around 16 hours depending on connection times. Fares range from around £700 if you book well in advance, but do increase significantly during busy periods. In general, the earlier you book the better, as flights tend to get more expensive closer to departure. Flying from regional airports such as Manchester, Newcastle or Glasgow will require a stop-over in London, Europe or the Middle East and normally is a little more expensive than flying from London.

Where to book

We hold an ATOL, and you are welcome to book your flights with us. Please discuss your ideal dates and departure airport with our sales staff, and we will send you a selection of airlines, flight times, and prices. You can then choose whether to book your flights through us, or to make your own arrangements. If you book your own flights, we will still include both your arrival and departure airport transfers.

By Land

Vietnam

The main border crossing between Laos and Vietnam is Lao Bao connecting the Centre of Vietnam and Savannakhet Province of Laos. Transports by bus or taxi to this border are available in Da Nang, Dong Ha and Lao Bao and you will find the same to Savannakhet waiting for you on the Laos side. Otherwise, every day buses run between these nations via Lao Bao. You will need a Laos visa and a re-entry Vietnamese visa if you go back to Vietnam. Other border crossings are available such as: Tay Trang border crossing between Dien Bien Phu of Vietnam and Luang Pra Bang of Laos. Nam Can border crossing connecting Nghe An Province and Xiangkhoang Province.

Cambodia

The boat crossing between Laos and Cambodia is currently closed and the best way to make this border crossing is by purchasing an organised package for a travel agent in Pakse, Don Khong, Don Dhet and Don Khon. They will be able to sell you a through ticket to the Cambodian town of your choice. Prices may seem a little high, but when compared to what it will cost you to cross the border independently, the rates for the border crossing segment are a bargain.

Thailand

One of the easiest and most common ways to enter Laos from Chiang Rai, Thailand is by boat along the Mekong River. There are 2 types of boat, fast and slow, with the overnight (Pakbeng) slow boat being the safest and most popular.

You can also get a train from Bangkok to Vientiane. There is a daily overnight sleeper train direct from Bangkok to Nong Khai and a special connecting local train to the new international rail terminal at Thanaleng, 13km outside Vientiane.