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Getting Around by Air
Lao Airlines runs domestic air
services from Vientiane to Houayxai,
Luang Namtha, Xieng Khouang, Luang
Prabang and Oudomxai in the north
and Pakse and Savannakhet in the
south. Private charter flights are
also available through Lao Westcoast
Helicopter
Departure Tax
Usually included in the ticket
price.
Getting Around by Water
The Mekong and other rivers are
still a vital part of the country's
transport system despite the road
system being gradually improved.
However, the number of boats
available has decreased
dramatically. The choice is between
irregular (and very basic) slow
ferries and exciting but noisy and
hazardous speedboats. A service runs
from Luang Prabang to Houayxai, but
there is no longer a service between
Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The
journey upstream from Luang Prabang
to Houayxai takes two days, with an
overnight stop in Pakbeng, and
downstream it takes one day. There
are regular jet-boat trips along the
river, run by Lao River Exploration
Services (www.jetboat.laopdr.com).
Boats can also be hired privately.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Many of
the roads have been paved in recent
years, including the main highway
from the Thai border at Savannakhet
to the Vietnamese border. However,
few main roads are suitable for
all-weather or night driving. In the
north of the country, there is a
road link between Vientiane and
Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to
Savannakhet and Pakse in the south.
Bus: Services link all major towns
and cities. Buses can vary from
air-conditioned to the more
traditional type to the converted
pickup truck.
Car hire: It is not recommended to
hire cars in Laos as driving
standards are low. However, it is
possible to hire cars with a driver
through hotels or tourist agencies.
Documentation: International Driving
Permit recommended.
Note: If you are on a strict
timescale, it is advisable to
prearrange travel outside Vientiane
with a tour company to avoid
unforeseen delays and costs.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
All major towns are small and
accessible on foot or by bicycle.
Motorcycles and bicycles can be
hired for the day in Vientiane,
Luang Prabang and other places
frequented by tourists. There is a
mixture of old and metered taxis in
Vientiane that can usually be
located at Wattay Airport, the
Friendship Bridge and the Morning
market. Taxis can also be hired for
approximately US$20 per day.
Converted motorcycles, known as
tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in
all major towns and cities and are
perfect for shorter journeys around
town. Bargaining is expected.
Journey Times
The following chart gives
approximate journey times (in hours
and minutes) from Vientiane to other
major cities and towns in Laos.
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