Where to Land in Laos?
Laos is served by 11 airports, including 4 international airports that welcome travelers from across Southeast Asia and beyond:
- Wattay International Airport (VTE) – Vientiane
- Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
- Savannakhet International Airport (ZVK)
- Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
✈️ Note: There are currently no direct flights from Europe or North America to Laos. Most travelers transit through regional hubs such as:
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
- Siem Reap (Cambodia)
- Seoul (South Korea)
- Kunming (China)
These connections make Laos a perfect addition to a multi-country Southeast Asia itinerary.
Map of Airports in Laos
🔎 Tip for Web Publishers: Include a visual map pinpointing both international and domestic airports to help travelers plan their route. Highlight major tourist destinations like Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Pakse in relation to airport access.
International Airports in Laos
✈️ Wattay International Airport (VTE) – Vientiane
- 📍 3 km from the city center
- ✅ Main international gateway
- 🛫 Airlines: Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, China Eastern, China Southern, Jeju Air, Air Busan
Transport to City:
| Mode | Price (Kip) | Approx. USD |
| Public Bus | 15,000 | $0.85 |
| Tuk-tuk | 20,000 | $1.15 |
| Taxi | 57,000–60,000 | $3.50 |
Facilities:
Currency exchange, ATMs, cafés, restaurants, tourist info, airport shuttle
✈️ Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
- 📍 4 km from Luang Prabang center
- ✅ Second busiest airport in Laos
- 🛫 Flights: Domestic (Vientiane, Pakse, Xieng Khouang), International (Bangkok, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Kunming, Tokyo)
Transport to City:
| Mode | Price (Kip) | Approx. USD |
| Public Bus | 15,000 | $0.85 |
| Tuk-tuk | 40,000 | $2.25 |
| Taxi | 50,000 | $2.85 |
Facilities:
Restaurants, lounges, Wi-Fi (limited), ATMs, car rental counters
✈️ Savannakhet International Airport (ZVK)
- 📍 ~2.5 km from city center
- 🛫 Flights: Lao Airlines to/from Vientiane, Pakse, Bangkok, Da Nang
- 🧾 Note: No ATMs or currency exchange—bring Thai baht or USD
Transport:
Primarily tuk-tuks and local buses
💰 Fare range: 80,000–100,000 kip (~$8–10)
✈️ Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
- 📍 ~3 km from Pakse city center
- 🛫 Airlines: Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway
- 🌐 Routes: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap (check schedules)
Facilities:
On-site Wi-Fi, coffee shops, charging ports, souvenir stands
Transport: Tuk-tuks, taxis, and occasional buses
Domestic Airports in Laos
Most domestic routes are serviced by Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway, with limited frequencies. Always confirm schedules in advance, especially during the rainy season (May–October).
| Airport Name | Code |
| Salavan Airport | VNA |
| Sam Neua Airport | NEU |
| Luang Namtha Airport | LXG |
| Ban Houei Say Airport | HOE |
| Oudomxay Airport | ODY |
| Sayaboury Airport | ZBY |
Airlines Operating in Laos
🇱🇦 Lao Airlines (QV) – National Flag Carrier
- Fleet: Airbus A320s, ATR 72s
- Base: Wattay Airport, Vientiane
- Known for: Punctuality and reliable domestic network
Route Highlights:
- Domestic: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang
- International: Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, South Korea, Singapore
Baggage Allowance:
| Type | Allowance |
| Carry-on | 7 kg, max 115 cm (30x60x18 cm) |
| Checked | 20 kg (30 kg in business class) |
Excess Baggage Fees (approx.):
- Short-haul: 37,000 kip per 2 kg
- Long-haul: 55,500 kip per 3 kg
✈️ Other Airlines with Flights to Laos
| Airline | Carry-On | Checked Luggage |
| Vietnam Airlines | 1 bag (12 kg economy), 2 bags (18 kg business) | 23–32 kg based on class |
| Thai Airways | 1 bag (7 kg, 55x45x25 cm) | 20–50 kg based on ticket |
| China Eastern | 1 bag (10 kg) | 2 x 23 kg (economy/business), 2 x 32 kg (first class) |
Air Travel Tips for Laos
✅ Book early during major festivals (especially Pi Mai Lao in April)
✅ Double-check luggage limits, especially if flying multiple airlines
✅ Bring local currency (kip) for smaller airports—cards may not work
✅ Arrive 1.5–2 hours early for domestic flights
✅ Know your transport options in advance—some airports lack ride-hailing apps
✅ Download offline maps—Wi-Fi can be unreliable in rural terminals
Final Thoughts
Laos may be a small country, but its air transport network is expanding steadily, connecting serene cities like Luang Prabang, Pakse, and Vientiane with the wider world.
Whether you’re flying into the capital, connecting via regional airports, or planning a multi-country Southeast Asia trip, this guide equips you with all the essentials to travel smarter.
✈️ Ready to explore Laos? The Land of a Million Elephants is just a flight away!
