Laos Transportation: The Best Ways to Travel in Laos

There is no direct flight from America, Europe or Oceania to Laos. Including Vientiane's Wattay International Airport, there are three international airports in Laos. But all of them are small. They only have flights to cities in some other Asian countries. You can get to Laos from Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh), Cambodia (Siem Reap, Phnom Penh), Singapore, and South Korea (Seoul).

• The Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane has flights to Bangkok, Hanoi, Singapore, and Seoul.
• The Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) is the second largest airport, and it has fewer flights. It services flights to Bangkok and Hanoi.
• Pakse International Airport (PKZ) is the airport that you might use for travel to Don Det and Pakse. It is basically a small regional airport with flights to Ho Chi Minh and Siem Reap.

Bullet train ride is now available when you travel around Laos. China-Laos Railway was fully opened on December 3rd 2021, which makes transportation in Laos faster and safer.

How to Get to Laos through Surrounding Countries?

The large cities outside of Laos are close enough so that you can use them to go to the big tourist places in Laos such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, and Pakse.

1) Travelling From Thailand to Laos

Alms Giving in Luang Prabang

• From Bangkok to Vientiane: about 1 hour by flight. A direct drive from Bangkok to Vientiane take about 15 hours including meal stops and breaks.
• From Bangkok to Luang Prabang: about 1.5 hours by flight.

There is no direct flight available from Bangkok to Pakse.

The Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok is Thailand's main airport. Thai Airways offers direct flights from Bangkok to many European countries and Australia. There are no direct flights currently between North America and Bangkok. Read on How to Get to Bangkok and How to Get around in Bangkok for further information.

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2) Travelling from Vietnam to Laos

• From Hanoi to Vientiane: about 1 hours by flight.
• From Hanoi to Luang Prabang: about 1 hour by flight. Currently the flight is only available on every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
• From Ho Chi Minh to Pakse: about 1.5 hours by flights. Currently the flight is only available on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There is no direct flight between Hanoi and Pakse.

There is no flight from Ho Chi Minh to Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

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3) Travelling from Cambodia to Laos

Visiting Khone Phapheng waterfall in Pakse

• From Siem Reap to Pakse: about 1 hour by flight. Currently the flight is available on every Thursday and Saturday.

There is no direct flight from Siem Reap to Vientiane or Luang Prabang. From Phnom Penh, there is no flight to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, or Pakse either.

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4) Travelling from Singapore to Laos

Pha That Luang in Vientiane

• From Singapore to Vientiane: about 3 hours by flight. The flight is available on every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

There is no direct flight from Singapore to Luang Prabang or Pakse.

Contact us to arrange a flight you like and make travel arrangements for your trip.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Bangkok and Chiang Mai In Bangkok, our guide Ann and driver "Mr. Ot" (I don't know how to spell his name) were very friendly and professional. You simply can't underestimate the value of having an English speaking guide to show you around, and a driver with a comfortable, sizeable, air-conditioned van take you from place to place. Ann taught us so much about Thailand's history, food, and religion. Mr. Ot always opened our door with a smile, and had cool towels and ice-cold bottled water for us. More , Apr 2024

Very great experience our driver D was… Very great experience our driver D was never late and always had waters and a cold towel for us and our tour guide Som was very informative and had amazing English I recommend them both highly for anyone else traveling More Rylan Coache, Feb 2024

Excellent guide in Siem Reap Our recent time spent in Siem Reap was made even more memorable by our expert guide, Som Piseth. Som was knowledgeable, attentive, flexible and super helpful - we learnt so much about Siem Reap and Cambodia in our 3 days with him. His English was excellent and his knowledge of, and pride in, his country was outstanding. We would highly recommend Som for anyone wanting an excellent guide in Siem Reap! More Sharon Townshend, Feb 2024

How to Travel Internally Between Cities in Laos?

1) Internal Flights

The Wattay International Airport (VTE) in Vientiane

Laos Airlines is the only carrier for the flights within Laos. The lack of price competition means prices can be steep, and the limited flights means you can't get to every destination in Laos on every day of the week.

Make the reservation at least 2-3 months in advance to ensure the ticket availability and better price.

Tips: Like much of the rest of Laos, Lao Airlines is not equipped to assist those with limited mobility or those with special needs.

2) Bullet Trains

On December 3rd 2021, the 1,035-km (643-mile) China-Laos Railway was fully opened making possible a bullet train journey within Laos. (Read more about The China-Laos Railway)

It takes about 2 hours from Vientiane to Luang Prabang.

Send us an inquiry for the train ticket booking and Laos tours.

3) Private Transfers

Though bullet train rides are now popular when travelling between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, many of our clients still chose to take the private transfers.

• From Vientiane to Vang Vieng: about 2 hours' driving
• From Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang: about 5 hours' driving

You could control the pace of travel, stop at the places they wanted to see the country, adjust the travel plans as they went along. The flexibility made them enjoy being in Laos very much.

You might want to contact a travel specialist to have your requirements, including the length of your holiday, designed into a fulfilling tour uniquely planned for you.

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Tips for Visiting Laos

• Laos visas: Laos has easy travel policies for people from most countries in the world who can travel visa-free or with visa on arrival for a period of weeks. We can arrange your visas for the region if you need one.
• Choose your travel route well, and factor in comfort, safety, and hygiene in your considerations.
• For the smoothest trip, before travelling, check about the availability of accommodations, book, and plan the best way to reach your accommodations from the airport.