Laos

• Introduction
• Getting Around
• Calendar

Coach / Cars

The main routes connecting Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet are sealed; the transport options on these roads include bus, minibus, and converted truck.

Air

The international airports at Vientiane and Luang Prabang are served by national carrier Lao Airlines and a few others, including Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. The Lao Airlines has a monopoly on domestic flights. Their fairly comprehensive network is by far the fastest way of reaching many parts of the country. There are International Flights into Vientiane from: Cambodia, china, Myaman, Thailand and Vietnam.

Boat

As the road network improves, river services are slowly drying up. Boats along the Mekong and its tributaries may run only in the wet season, when the Mekong floods and becomes more navigable. Ferry boats run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Journeys can take several days, depending on the time of year - and whether travelling up or down river.

Various

A common form of local transport (less than 20 km) in Laos is the jumbo, a motorized three-wheeler also known as 'taxi' or 'skylab' (since it somewhat resembles a space capsule).