1. Where is Laos?
Laos is a country in and the only landlocked nation in mainland Southeast Asia, northeast of Thailand and west of Vietnam. It covers approximately 236,800 square kilometers in the center of the Southeast Asian peninsula and it is surrounded by Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, Thailand, and Vietnam.
About seventy percent of its geographic area is made up of mountain ranges, highlands, plateaux, and rivers cut through. Historically, its location has often made it a buffer state between more powerful neighboring states, particularly for the ancestral rulers of the modern-day Burmese, Vietnamese and Thais, as well as a crossroads for trade and communication.
2. Fly to Laos from Asia
Flying to Laos from Asian countries is a convenient and popular option for travelers. Laos has three main international airports: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ), Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (VTE), and Pakse International Airport (PKZ). Each of these airports connects to multiple destinations, making it easy to reach various parts of the country.
Within Asia, only a few Southeast Asian countries have direct flights to Laos, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. For travelers from other countries, a connecting flight through one of these nations may be necessary. From Thailand, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports offer regular flights to all three airports in Laos. This route is popular because of Thailand's proximity to Laos, enabling quick transits. Similarly, Vietnam has direct flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, providing another convenient option for regional travelers.
Travelers from Cambodia can easily book flights from Siem Reap to Pakse and Luang Prabang, while those coming from China can fly to Laos via cities like Kunming, Guangzhou, Jinghong, and Nanning. Many airlines serve these routes, including Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Air Asia, Thai Airways, and China Eastern Airlines.
When planning a flight to Laos, it’s best to check the airline websites for updated flight information and fares. This will help you find the best deals and ensure a smoother travel experience. Additionally, booking tickets in advance can provide better prices and more options, especially during peak travel seasons. By considering these factors, you can easily fly to Laos from various locations across Asia.
>> Related: Flight to Cambodia
3. Fly to Laos from Europe, Oceania, and North America
Flying is the most common way to reach Laos. However, there are no direct flights from Europe to Laos. Visitors wishing to visit Laos must fly to one of its three international airports (Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Pakse) but will need to transit through an airport in a neighboring country like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, or China.
If you have a layover in one of these countries, transiting via Thailand is often recommended before reaching Laos, as Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports in Bangkok offer quick and direct flights to Laos.
3.1. Flights from the US and Canada
Flying to Laos from North America typically requires a stopover in Bangkok when departing from the West Coast and two stops, often in Hong Kong and Bangkok, when departing from the East Coast. Expected flight times are at least nineteen hours from the West Coast and twenty-three hours from the East Coast.
Ticket prices from the West Coast start at around $1,200 USD, while from the East Coast, you should expect a minimum fare of $1,500 USD. From Canada, fares from Vancouver start at approximately 1,300 CAD, and from Toronto at around 1,700 CAD.
3.2. Flights from Australia and New Zealand
Flights from Perth to Laos often transit through Bangkok, while flights from other Australian cities may go via Vietnam or Hong Kong (requiring an additional transfer in Bangkok for Hong Kong); the average flight time is about thirteen hours from Perth and sixteen hours from Sydney, depending on connections. Fares from Perth start at around 1,000 AUD, and from Sydney at about 1,200 AUD. A more economical option could be flying with low-cost carrier Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur, where you can connect to Vientiane.
From New Zealand, flying to Laos requires at least two layovers, usually in Australia, Hong Kong, Vietnam, or Bangkok; this journey takes about nineteen hours, and fares start from approximately 1,900 NZD.
3.3. Flights from the UK
Most flights from the United Kingdom to Laos require a transfer in Bangkok; an alternative route is via Vietnam, although this may require a stopover in France or Germany first. The total flight time from the UK to Laos takes at least fifteen and a half hours, though this varies greatly depending on layover times. Flying with Thai Airways to Vientiane is often the fastest option.
Due to the lack of direct flights, fares tend to be high year-round. Expect to pay a minimum of £750 from London or Dublin, though prices often rise above £1,000. With flights to Bangkok being significantly cheaper (from £450), you might consider traveling by land from Thailand's capital to Vientiane by train.
4. Where is the best place to enter Laos?
If you’re flying into Laos on your first day, Luang Prabang might be the ideal place to start your journey. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its well-preserved architecture, beautiful temples, and vibrant culture. Luang Prabang International Airport offers direct flights from several Asian cities, making it convenient for entry.
Upon arrival in Luang Prabang, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in the morning almsgiving ceremony, exploring the lively night market, or visiting popular sites like Wat Xieng Thong and Kuang Si Falls. The city’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with its rich heritage, offers a captivating introduction to Laos, making it an ideal starting point for your travels in the country.
5. Do I need a visa to travel from Vietnam to Laos?
The answer is yes. Travelers to Laos must obtain a visa from a Lao embassy or consulate abroad. Tourists can also apply for a visa through the online e-visa system or upon arrival at international entry points. All travelers must have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry, with at least two blank pages for the visa.
Visa requirements set by the Lao government vary depending on the traveler’s nationality, purpose of visit, and intended length of stay in the country. A tourist visa is valid for a single entry of up to 30 days. This visa can be extended for an additional two months.
To apply for a Lao visa at an embassy, you need to follow these steps:
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Contact the nearest Lao embassy or consulate.
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Complete the Lao visa application form and submit the necessary documents. The Lao visa application form is available on the embassy or consulate's website.
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You can submit your application either in person or by mail, following the Lao consular service guidelines.
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Pay the Lao visa fee: The Lao visa fee varies by applicant’s nationality, ranging from 31 USD to 45 USD for a single-entry 30-day visa.
6. Laos travel tips
Understanding the cultural and culinary differences when traveling in Laos will enhance your experience. Discover Laos's unique qualities in the sections below.
6.1. Culture
Laotian culture is deeply connected to the country's history, traditions, and diverse ethnic groups. With over 49 recognized ethnic groups, each possesses its language, customs, and traditions. Lao people value family and community, often gathering for festivals, rituals, and communal ceremonies that strengthen social bonds. Traditional music and art also play essential roles in daily life, showcasing the nation’s vibrant heritage.
Buddhism is the primary religion in Laos, influencing many aspects of life, from daily rituals to major festivals. The presence of temples, or "wats," in towns and villages reflects Buddhism's spiritual significance in Laotian society. Major festivals like Pi Mai (Laotian New Year) and Boun That Luang (Pha That Luang Festival) highlight Laos’s rich cultural and spiritual activities. During these events, communities come together in traditional ceremonies, music, dance, and various cultural performances, showcasing Laos’s unity and diversity.
6.2. Cuisine
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Cuisine is also an essential aspect of Laotian culture, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Sticky rice, or "khao niew", is a staple and is often served with other dishes like "larb" (spicy minced meat salad) and "som tam" (spicy papaya salad). The unique blend of flavors and cooking techniques reflects the country’s agricultural roots and cultural influences, making Lao cuisine an integral part of its identity.
6.3. Top destinations in Laos
In Laos, top destinations include the serene town of Luang Prabang, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its temples and colonial architecture. Vientiane, the capital of Laos, offers a harmonious mix of Buddhist temples and French colonial buildings. And, of course, you should visit the scenic Kuang Si Falls and the stunning landscape of Vang Vieng if you enjoy nature. These are ideal spots for outdoor activities such as kayaking and exploring caves.
6.4. Other useful tips
English is understood in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Lao phrases will help a lot during your trip. The currency in Laos is the Kip, so make sure to exchange money before visiting the country. Laos is primarily Buddhist, with temples playing an essential role in daily life.