How To Get Around In Laos: Public Or Private Transportation?
Located in Southeast Asia, Laos is a stunning country that attracts many eager travelers. However, due to its unique geographic location, many wonder about Laos transportation: How can I get around and get to Laos? This landlocked country, with no access to the sea, is surrounded by five neighboring nations, meaning you can only reach Laos by air or overland from its bordering countries. Below is a comprehensive guide on transportation in Laos to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable!
Table of Contents
I. How to get to Laos?
1. By air
Currently, there are no direct flights from Europe, Australia, or the Americas to Laos. Therefore, if you are departing from France, you must stop in Thailand, China, Singapore, or Vietnam before arriving in Laos. The cost of flights between America and Laos ranges from 1200 to 1900 USD, depending on the tourist season. You will land at the international airports in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
A tip: take a direct flight to Vietnam, Thailand, or China, and from there, you can easily handle Laos transportation. The cost of flights between Laos and neighboring Asian countries is relatively low, allowing you to optimize your expenses while having the opportunity to visit multiple countries.
2. By land
This method is reserved for travelers already in certain Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China. You can travel to Laos through land borders and obtain a visa on arrival directly at Laos border posts. Although this option is more economical, it will require more time. Here are some suggestions for land routes to Laos:
a) Laos - Vietnam:
- Hanoi (Vietnam) – Nam Can Border Gate – Luang Prabang (Laos)
- Hue / Da Nang / Hoi An (Vietnam) – Lao Bao Border Gate – Savannakhet / Vientiane (Laos)
- Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) – Hoa Lu Border Gate – Cambodia – Nong Nokkhiane Border Gate – Pakse / Vientiane (Laos)
b) Laos - Thaïland: There are currently 9 bus routes between Thailand and Laos:
- Nong Khai (Thailand) – Vientiane (Laos)
- Udon Thani (Thailand) – Vientiane (Laos)
- Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) – Pakse (Laos)
- Khon Kaen (Thailand) – Vientiane (Laos)
- Bangkok (Thailand) – Vientiane (Laos)
- Nakhon Phanom (Thailand) – Thakhek (Laos)
- Udon Thani (Thailand) – Vang Vieng (Laos)
- Chiang Rai (Thailand) – Bokeo (Laos)
- Loei (Thailand) – Luang Prabang (Laos)
c) Laos - Cambodia:
- Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – Vientiane (Laos)
- Siem Reap (Cambodia) – Vientiane (Laos)
d) Laos - China: The Laos China Railway connects the city of Boten, located at the Yunnan border in China, to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
II. Laos transportation: Which public transport to choose to travel?
1. By plan
Laos offers numerous domestic flights between major tourist cities at various times, making it convenient for travelers who wish to optimize their time and explore the country within a week. You can fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in just 40 minutes, with one-way tickets starting from 17 USD. Similarly, the flight from Vientiane to Pakse takes a little over an hour, with one-way tickets starting from 27 USD.
2. By bus
This Laos transportation is a more economical option for traveling between cities. There are many routes and several types of buses (VIP, local, express) for transportation in Laos. Note that ticket prices and routes are based on travel time rather than distance, which differs from some other countries. Tickets can be purchased directly at bus stations in Laos. However, some buses are not very new, and travel times are longer than by plane, which can be quite uncomfortable.
3. By boat or cruise
Laos is famous for the Mekong River that runs through the country, offering enchanting natural landscapes. Therefore, Laos transportation by boat or cruise is a must-do experience for travelers. You can enjoy a sunset in Luang Prabang from the Mekong during a serene river cruise. Alternatively, you can opt for a 2-day cruise on the Mekong to explore the riverbank life of the locals.
II. Laos transportation: Which private transport to choose to travel?
1. By taxi or motorbike taxi - Best taxi apps in Laos
In some tourist destinations, you can use taxi apps for Laos transportation. The benefits of these apps include displaying driver, vehicle, and fare information, and ensuring passenger safety during their trips in Laos. Additionally, they allow payment by Visa/Mastercard, which is convenient if you don’t have cash. Here are some popular taxi apps in Laos:
- LOCA Lao Taxi: This is the most widespread taxi app across Laos, particularly in cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, and Vang Vieng. It is also the only app offering the option to share a ride with other passengers, making fares more affordable.
- Xanh SM Laos: Launched in 2023, this app offers recent electric vehicles (cars and motorcycles). It is especially present in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Savannakhet, and Champassak.
- KOKKOK Move: Increasingly popular due to the variety of vehicles offered, including tuk-tuks, providing a different experience for users. However, this app is mainly available in larger cities like Vientiane.
A tip: In provinces where taxi apps are not common, you can opt for a traditional taxi. It is recommended to book it through your hotel’s reception and ask for the fare before getting in.
2. By tuk tuk
In addition to taxis, another very popular means of transportation in Laos is the tuk-tuk. You will easily find them on every street in the country. The drivers, who are local Laotians, are very friendly towards tourists, and some even speak basic English. Tuk-tuk fares are relatively affordable, but it is always recommended to ask for the price before getting on. Here is an estimate of average fares for Laos transportation by tuk-tuk:
- In-town trip: about 10,000 LAK/person (0.45 USD)
- Trip to the airport or bus station: about 50,000 LAK/person (2.26 USD)
3. By bicycle
Some cities, like Luang Prabang, offer bicycle rental services for exploring the area. This is an interesting experience for travelers wishing to explore Laos by bike. You can discover every corner of the city at your own pace and according to your schedule. Bicycles can be rented at hotels or homestays for around 20,000 LAK per day (around 1 USD).
4. Renting a car or motorbike and driving by yourself
For thrill-seekers, transportation in Laos by driving a car or motorcycle is a true adventure, as many roads in the country are not fully paved and remain covered in gravel. However, you'll enjoy a flexible journey.
In Laos, renting a motorbike is more common than renting a car. Rental rates vary by region. For example, in Luang Prabang, renting a motorbike costs 150,000 LAK per day (about 7 USD), while in Pakse, it's only 100,000 LAK per day (4.5 USD).
5. Renting a car with a private driver
Ideal for group, family, or friend trips, Laos transportation with a private driver ensures safety and time savings on the road. You can choose from different types of vehicles, ranging from limousines to tuk-tuks. Prices will vary depending on the number of hours of travel and the itinerary. However, the cost of renting a car with a driver in Laos is generally considered reasonable.
Here is all the information about Laos transportation for travelers. We hope this guide has provided useful information. For more details on all-inclusive tours including transportation in Laos, please contact Autour Asia, your Asia agency. An advisor will respond to you as soon as possible!
Yes, it is recommended to have Laos travel insurance if you plan to drive yourself. It will protect you in case of an accident or any issues during your trip.
Yes, here are some tips for Laos transportation:
- Avoid traveling at night as the roads can be difficult to see.
- You will need an international driving permit if you want to drive in Laos; you don’t want to have problems with the traffic police!
- It is advisable to negotiate the fare for tuk-tuks, as in some tourist areas, drivers tend to charge high prices to visitors.
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