By Air : 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.
By Cars : 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.
Example of current costs -
Friendship Bridge - Vientiane $US 5.00
Vientiane Centre - Wattay Airport $US 4.00
A taxi can usually be rented for about $20 a day
By 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!
By 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.
By 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.
By 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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