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.gif) Transportation |
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 General Information |
How to get in |
How to get out |
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| Air |
Boat |
Bus |
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| Cars |
Motorbike |
Bicycle and Foot |
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| General Information |
General Information
Railways: 0 km
Highways:
total: 21,716 km
paved: 9,673.5 km
unpaved: 12,042.5 km (1998 est.)
Waterways: about 4,587 km, primarily Mekong and tributaries; 2,897 additional km are sectionally navigable by craft drawing less than 0.5 m
Pipelines: petroleum products 136 km
Ports and harbors: none
Merchant marine:
total: 1 ship (1,000 GRT or over) totaling 2,370 GRT/3,000 DWT
ships by type: cargo 1 (1999 est.)
Airports: 52 (1999 est.)
Airports - with paved runways:
total: 9
2,438 to 3,047 m: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 4 (1999 est.)
Airports - with unpaved runways:
total: 43
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 17
under 914 m: 25 (1999 est.)
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| How to get in |
 Getting in by Air
Most people coming to Laos will come via Bangkok.
There are International Flights in and out of Vientiane from the following countries:
- Cambodia: Phnom Penh
- China: Kunming
- Myanamar: Yangon
- Thailand: Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Getting in by Land
From Thailand -
- Nong Khai and the FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE.
- Xiang Khong, Chiang Rai Province to Huay Xai, Bokeo Province
- Nakorn Phanom to Tha Kek, Khammouane Province
- Mukdaharn to Savannakhet
- Chong Mek, Ubon Rathchathani Province to Pakse
- Houay Kone, Nan to Xaingnabouri
From Vietnam
- Lao Bao, Khung Tri to Dan Savan, Savannakhet
- Lak Sao, Vinh to Kaew Neua, Bolikhamsai
From China
- Mengla, Yunnan to Boten, Luang Nam Tha
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| How to get out |
Getting Out by Land
There are no restrictions for exit by the Lao authorities, however, entering neighboring countries will be subject to their own visa regulations. Crossing into Vietnam or China by land from Laos is subject to their own visa regulations. We suggest that if you intend crossing by land into Vietnam or China, you make this point clear when applying for visas to enter those countries.
If in doubt, you may check with the following consulates in Vientiane:
China: Thanon Wat Nak Nyai, Vientiane
Vietnam: Thanon That Luang, Vientiane
Thailand - citizens of many countries will not require a visa to enter Thailand.
Important:
Cambodia - The official line is that it is NOT POSSIBLE for tourists to cross into Cambodia from Laos. However, with Cambodia visas in advance, some people have done this crossing. We cannot give advise on this crossing at this stage.
Myanmar - It is NOT POSSIBLE for tourists to cross into Myanamar from Laos under any circumstances.
Getting out by bus
Travelling from Savannakhet to Vietnam:
Destination |
Distance |
Fare
in kip: |
Departure times: |
Leaving from: |
Lao Bao
(border check point) |
249km |
15,000 |
06:00
daily |
Savannakhet
New Market |
Danang |
520km |
105,000 |
24:00
Tu/We/Fr/Sa |
Savannakhet
New Market |
Hue |
405 |
83,000 |
24:00
Mo/Th |
Savannakhet
New Market |
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| Air |
Domestic Air Transport
Lao Aviation's domestic destinations are shown below. Please note that it is difficult to book a domestic flight from outside Laos, unless you book a tour programme. Lao Aviation does not have a computer reservation system and all flights must be reconfirmed in advance.
In Vientiane, the Lao Aviation office is situated in Thanon Phangkham, in between the fountain and the Mekong. We suggest that to save time waiting, you book flights with a local travel agent in Vientiane rather than deal with Lao Aviation directly.
Lao Aviation flies to the following town and cities. Lao Aviation has a small fleet, and as such, detinations will change according to the time of year and aircraft availability.
Northern Airports: Houayxai, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Samneua, Sayabouli.
Southern Airports: Pakse, Savannakhet
At the time of publication, Lao Aviation were revieving their timetable, however, published timetables cannot be relied on. A published early morning flight may depart several hours later - so please be flexible. |
| Boat |
Mekong Ferries
Ferry boats run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and back as well as from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai and back. Journeys can take several days, depending on the time of year - and whether travelling up or down river. This kind of travel is for the experienced only! Whilst cramped, hot and lengthy - it is one of the most interesting ways of touching the Lao lifestyle.
Ferries usually depart early in the morning. Times, prices and just about everything else will change according to season.
On tributaries of the Mekong, ferries may run daily, or when there are enough people to run the trip.
Speed Boats
Speed boats run between Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai and the journey takes about eight hours per leg. The cost is considerably more than the ferry. Speed boats can accomodate up to six people. Fares quoted are for example only.
Travelling by boat:
Destination |
Distance |
Fare
in kip: |
Departure times: |
Leaving from: |
Speed Boat
Vientiane
Houexay |
430km
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160,000 189,000
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09:00
(10 hours) |
Ban Done
River Port |
Slow Boat
Vientiane
Houexay |
430km |
105,000 72,000 |
(2 days)
(2 days) |
Tha Heua
Luang River Port |
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| Bus |
Taking a bus in Laos is an experience not to be missed. Expect to share this form of public transport not only with Laotians, but also what they are taking and bringing to market - that means all kinds of vegetable produce, and live animals as well. Every time a bus stops, children will board with all kinds of interesting things to eat - not the kind of food that you would expect to find on restaurant menus!
Buses travel between all major towns and cities - the type of bus may vary between a converted pickup truck, a flat bed truck with benches or a more modern traditional bus, Fares are always reasonable - but times of departure and travelling times will vary a lot. Be patient, and allow plenty of time when travelling by bus. Please note that the prices below may change without notice.
Travelling from Luang Prabang to:
Destination |
Distance |
Fare
in kip: |
Departure times: |
Leaving from: |
Oudomsay Province |
200km |
15,000 |
07:00,09:00
(5hours) |
Ban Nongsai
bus stn |
Viengkham District Luang Prabang Province |
180km |
14,000 |
07:00,09:00
(5hours) |
Ban Nongsai
bus stn |
Vientiane |
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30,000 |
10 hours |
new stadium
bus stn |
Travelling from Vientiane to:
Destination |
Distance |
Fare
in kip: |
Departure times: |
Leaving from: |
Pakse |
770km |
26,000 |
08:00,11:00
14:30 |
Morning market
bus station |
Xamneua |
900km |
50,000 |
07:00 |
Evening market
bus station |
Xiengkhouang |
490km |
50,000 |
07:30 |
Evening market
bus station |
Oudomxay |
550km |
40,000 |
06:00 |
Evening market
bus station |
Savannakhet |
490km |
20,000 |
07:30,10:00 |
Morning market
bus station |
Thakhek |
360km |
12,000 |
04:00, 05:00
06:00 |
Morning market
bus station |
Paksan |
159km |
4,000 |
07:00, 11:00
14:00 |
Morning market
bus station |
Luang Prabang |
420km |
30,000 |
06:00,07:00
08:00, 09:30
11:00,13:00
17:00 |
Evening market
bus station |
Kasi |
230km |
7,000 |
08:30 |
Morning market
bus station |
Vang Vieng |
160km |
4,000 |
07:00,10:30
13:30 |
Morning market
bus station |
Thalat |
87km |
2,500 |
06:30,08:00
09:30,11:00
12:30,14:00
15:30,16:30 |
Morning market
bus station |
Pakxap |
47km |
1,500 |
06:30,09:00
11:30,15:30
16:30 |
Morning market
bus station |
Thadeua |
29km |
700 |
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Morning market
bus station |
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| Cars |
Cars - Public Transport - Tuk Tuks
Throughout Laos you will find modified motorcycles that plough the streets looking for fares, or waiting at bus stations, border crossings and markets. These motorcycles have three wheels, roof and a couple of benches in the back.
There are a number of sizes, some can only carry four passengers, some up to a dozen - if you include those who stand and hang on at the back. Known as 'tuk - tuks' or 'jumbos', these taxis are better for shorter journeys. You can take one of these taxis for a journey, or charter one by the hour, or even by the day. Expect to bargain with your driver for an agreed fare.
Private Rentals - Motorbikes
In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, motorbikes, of the two wheeled version are available for hire. Many hotels can arrange this for you and some shops and restaurants will hang a sign outside advertising motorcycles for rent. Insurance is almost always third party only. Remember that in Laos, we drive on the right. Road safety awareness is nothing like the west, and only a few years ago, there were hardly any motorised vehicles in the country compared to the numbers that you will see today. By all means rent a motorbike, but drive slowly, and with the utmost of care.
Taxis
Vientiane has a number of rather old taxis. They can be found at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and at the Morning Market. Taxi drivers will be quite happy to let you charter their cars for the day. Fares will vary, but the cost from the Bridge to Vientiane, and from the city centre to Wattay Airport is fairly standard. Your hotel can arrange a taxi for you - but this will usually be more expensive than hiring one yourself.
There are also a few metered cabs in Vientiane - they are not so cheap, but at least the fare is regulated.
Cars - Rentals
Laos has no established car rental business as found in most tourist destinations. Cars, more specifically, quality 4x4s can be rented, usually with a driver, from a few companies in Vientiane.
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| Motorbike |
Throughout Laos you will find modified motorcycles that plough the streets looking for fares, or waiting at bus stations, border crossings and markets. These motorcycles have three wheels, roof and a couple of benches in the back.
There are a number of sizes, some can only carry four passengers, some up to a dozen - if you include those who stand and hang on at the back. Known as 'tuk - tuks' or 'jumbos', these taxis are better for shorter journeys. You can take one of these taxis for a journey, or charter one by the hour, or even by the day. Expect to bargain with your driver for an agreed fare.
Private Rentals - Motorbikes
In Vientiane and Luang Prabang, motorbikes, of the two wheeled version are available for hire. Many hotels can arrange this for you and some shops and restaurants will hang a sign outside advertising motorcycles for rent. Insurance is almost always third party only. Remember that in Laos, we drive on the right. Road safety awareness is nothing like the west, and only a few years ago, there were hardly any motorised vehicles in the country compared to the numbers that you will see today. By all means rent a motorbike, but drive slowly, and with the utmost of care.
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| Bicycle and Foot |
Bicycles can be rented from Guesthouses and other places in Vientaine and are an excellent way of getting around. Luang Prabang has many shops that rent bicycles. Costs are very reasonable.
Travelling by foot is also a great way to see places like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. There are also some companied that will arrange treking tours to remote areas. Visitors are advised that some parts of Laos contain large amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) - these areas are well known, but please check locally if in doubt. In any case, when walking in any part of Laos, as in all countries, stick to clearly defined footpaths and do not stray from trails.
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