Traveling to Laos by Air
Flying is the fastest and most popular way to enter Laos.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Europe or the Americas.
Instead, travelers connect through hubs in Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, or China.
You’ll arrive at one of Laos’s three main international airports:
- Vientiane (VTE) – Wattay International Airport
- Luang Prabang (LPQ) – Luang Prabang International Airport
- Pakse (PKZ) – Pakse International Airport
Why Bangkok Is the Best Transit Hub
If you have a choice, transit through Bangkok. It offers the most frequent and shortest connections to Laos.
Bangkok has two airports:
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Main international gateway
- Don Mueang (DMK) – Hub for low-cost carriers
From Bangkok, you’ll find daily direct flights to multiple Lao cities.
Common Flight Routes to Laos
From Vietnam
- Hanoi → Vientiane or Luang Prabang
- Ho Chi Minh City → Pakse
From Cambodia
- Siem Reap → Pakse or Luang Prabang
From China
- Kunming, Guangzhou, Jinghong, and Nanning → several Lao cities
From Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur → Vientiane (direct with AirAsia since 2016)
Airlines Flying to Laos
Popular carriers include:
Lao Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Nok Air, China Eastern Airlines, and AirAsia.
💡 Travel Tip: Flight prices vary by season — book early if traveling November–February during Laos’s cool season.
Traveling to Laos by Land
Laos shares borders with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and China, making overland travel both scenic and affordable.
You’ll need either:
- A visa on arrival (available at many checkpoints)
- Or a pre-arranged visa from a Lao embassy or consulate
From Vietnam
Northern crossings
- Tay Trang (Dien Bien) → Ideal for Muang Khua, Nam Ou, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang
- Na Meo – Nam Suay (Thanh Hoa)
- Nam Can (Nghe An)
Central crossings
- Nam Phao / Cau Treo (Ha Tinh)
- Napao – Chalo (Quang Binh)
- Lao Bao (Quang Tri) → Best for Kong Lor Cave & Tham Khoun Xe
Southern crossing
- Phou Keua / Bo Y (Kon Tum) → Access to Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, and the 4000 Islands
⚠ Note: Not all crossings issue visas on arrival — confirm before traveling.
From Cambodia
- Dom Kralor – Veun Kham → Visa on arrival available; gateway to southern Laos and the 4000 Islands.
From Thailand
- Huay Xai (Chiang Rai) → Cross via Friendship Bridge or take the two-day Mekong slow boat to Luang Prabang
- Nong Khai → Cross the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge into Vientiane
- Nakhon Phanom → Leads to Thakhek and the Thakhek Loop
- Chong Mek (Ubon Ratchathani) → Direct access to Pakse, Bolaven Plateau, 4000 Islands
Entering Laos by River
For a slow travel experience, enter via the Mekong River.
The most famous route: Huay Xai to Luang Prabang slow boat — a two-day journey through rural landscapes, fishing villages, and stunning sunsets.
Final Travel Tips
✅ Flying is fastest; overland is more scenic and budget-friendly
✅ Always check visa rules — they change often
✅ Book flights early for Nov–Feb high season
✅ If entering overland, carry cash for visas and local transport
✅ For variety, fly in and exit by river or land
Conclusion
No matter how you choose to reach Laos — whether by air, land, or even a scenic boat journey — the adventure begins the moment you set your travel plans in motion. Each route offers its own unique experiences, from breathtaking views over the Mekong to cultural encounters in bustling border towns. With thoughtful preparation and an open mind, your trip to the “Land of a Million Elephants” will be as rewarding as the destination itself.
