Which means of transport to use Laos?

From the airport to the city centre Laos

Average price of a flight Paris-Vientiane (1 200 € in high season, 800 € in low season). There are no direct flights between France and Laos, you will have to make a stopover in Bangkok in Thailand or Hanoi in Vietnam. Please note that the price variation depends on the airline used but, above all, on the booking deadline. In order to obtain interesting fares, it is essential to book well in advance. Remember to buy your tickets six months before departure! Another tip is to buy your plane tickets separately. A Paris-Bangkok with Air France for example, then another Bangkok-Vientiane with Air Asia will cost you much less in the end.

Paris airports: how to get there

Arrival by train Laos

The railway line connecting China to Vientiane through northern Laos was inaugurated in December 2021. The Laos-China Railway Passenger Train, also called Boten - Vientiane Railway, serves Vientiane in the north of the country with stops in Vang Vieng, Kasi, Phonhong, Muang Nga, Luang Prabang, Muang Xai (Oudomxay), Na Moh (Namor), Na Teuy and Boten. Several departures per day. Fast and ordinary trains. This allows to reach the main cities of the north in record time. One drawback: the trains are literally overcrowded on weekends and you can only reserve your seat 3 days before departure, which makes it impossible to book in advance.

You can also take the train from Vientiane to Thailand, but that's it! The Thai train from Bangkok stops at Nong Khai (terminus). There is a border post to go directly to Laos, and a shuttle bus that crosses the Friendship Bridge. The shuttle bus stops at the Tha Naleng train station, across the Mekong River. From there, a tuk-tuk transfer will still be necessary to reach Vientiane, until the railroad reaches the city center (expected in the next few years).

Two night trains leave Bangkok around 8pm and 9pm and arrive in Nong Khai in the early morning. Train also at 8am in the morning. In the opposite direction, trains leave Nong Khai at 7am, 6:15pm and 7:10pm (times to be confirmed in Thailand).

There is also a railway line connecting Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani, not far from Pakse (southern Laos). About ten trains leave Bangkok every day between 6:30 am and 11 pm and arrive in Ubon Rachatani between 10 and 12 hours later. In the opposite direction, trains leave from Ubon Ratchathani between 6am and 8pm. The bus ride from Ubon Ratchathani to Pakse takes about 3 hours, with a border crossing at Chong Mek.

Arrival by boat Laos

Slow boat. Regular transport on the Mekong still exists in Laos. Thus, in the north-western part, it is possible to reach Luang Prabang from Houay Xay in 2 days, stopping at Pakbeng (or the other way around). Each boat can embark a maximum of about 60 passengers. In the north, it is more and more difficult to go down or up the course of the Nam Ou, a tributary of the Mekong, because of the dams under construction. Make sure you are well informed beforehand for this 3-day navigation from Hat Sa (Phongsali) to Luang Prabang, stopping at Muang Khua and Muang Ngoi (or Nong Khiaw).

In the south, pirogue connections linking Pakse to Champassak or to the 4,000 islands (Si Phan Don) are also tending to disappear. Make sure to check before booking. Once in the archipelago, daily pirogue connections connect the main islands: Don Khone, Don Khong and Don Det, in particular. There is also a pirogue connection between the village of Nakasang (Ban Nakasang) and Don Khone, the southern island.

Cruise on the Mekong River. Several private river companies organize cruises on the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Houay Xay, in the north of Laos, or between Pakse and the 4,000 islands, in the south.

Fast boat. The famous speed boats, identical to the Thai models, ensure the fast transport of small groups of passengers on the Mekong or the Nam Ou, mainly in the north. From Xieng Kok to Huay Xai and from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang or from Luang Prabang to Hat Sa, stopping at Muang Khua, or in the opposite direction, of course. Fares are twice as high as those for slow boats; speeds can reach 80 km/h, which can lead to (sometimes serious) accidents due to invisible rocks, tree trunks washed up by floods or rapids. It is therefore not advisable to use this mode of transport.

Public transport Laos

The bus (or mini-bus) is an excellent means of transport in Laos, and the only one if you don't have your own vehicle. The road network covers almost the entire country. To cover longer distances, we recommend taking a VIP bus, which is a little more expensive than a normal public bus, but also faster and, above all, more comfortable. Be careful, however, during the rainy season, as a bus journey can quickly turn into a never-ending nightmare... It's best to get information directly from the bus station, an agency or your hotel. Buses do not necessarily leave at the times indicated, but according to the number of passengers. If a bus is full, it will leave earlier; if it's empty, it may postpone its departure by an hour or two.

Bike, scooters & co Laos

Scooter, motorcycle

Officially, it's forbidden for foreigners to rent a motorized two-wheeler. In practice, however, it's a completely different matter, and is even essential for exploring certain sites, such as the Thakhek loop or the Pakse loop.

It's best to take out insurance in case of mishap. Of course, helmets are compulsory, and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Scooters and motorcycles can be hired from 70,000 kips per day.

Bike

Most Laotian towns are ideal for cycling (and mountain biking). Many guesthouses and stores rent bicycles to tourists, from 20,000 kips per day. You'll have no trouble renting one.

With a driver Laos

Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles designed for 6 to 8 passengers. Similar, jumbo jeeps are smaller and can only carry 3-4 people. The benches are arranged lengthwise. Travelling by tuk-tuk is an integral part of everyday life. These vehicles can be found almost everywhere, especially near tourist sites. The Jumbo and Tuk-tuk Drivers' Association sets its own prices according to the economic situation. In Vientiane, tuk-tuk drivers charge a minimum of 10,000 kips. Prices are subject to the law of supply and demand. Keep yourself informed among expats. Never lose your calm and sense of humor, and always negotiate before the race.

Taxi. Taxis are quite rare in Laos. They mainly park at the airport car parks in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The prohibitive fares have nothing in common with those in Thailand.

By car Laos

Objectively speaking, it's not really advisable for a foreigner to drive a vehicle on the road, given the driving habits of the locals. Indeed, local drivers do not hesitate to take certain liberties with the highway code: blind overtaking on slopes or on right or left-hand bends and, of course, disregarding road markings! In addition, priorities are random and the use of indicators is superfluous. What's more, speeding trucks or (tourist) buses can be life-threatening, and motorcycle accidents are commonplace!
Local drivers are not necessarily insured, and hit-and-runs are not uncommon. Finally, if there's any doubt about who's to blame for an accident, the blame will readily be attributed to the a priori wealthy foreigner.

A tip that could save your life: when you see a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction, starting an overtaking manoeuvre while flashing its headlights or blowing its horn, brake immediately and clear the way (all the more quickly if it's a truck): be sure that the driver is firm in his intention to continue his manoeuvre. Similarly, if an irresponsible driver overtakes you when the way is not clear (basically, a truck is coming in front), he will prefer a side impact to a head-on collision, i.e. he will simply eject you from the road to protect himself.

Car rental. If you plan to drive a vehicle in Laos, International Assistance insurance is recommended. Check that there are no geographical restrictions: be sure to read the policy's terms and conditions before you leave. If not, Visa cards also include a medical assistance clause. As far as formalities are concerned, international companies require a minimum of two years' driving experience and an international driving license, which you can obtain from the local prefecture.

International rental companies (Avis, Hertz, SMT...) are generally more expensive, but offer a real guarantee. On the other hand, local companies are not always reliable when it comes to insurance, and the consequences can be painful.

Hitchhiking. This mode of transport is not very widespread. Affluent drivers in their brand-new 4x4s are unlikely to stop. Other travellers take the bus.

Accessibility Laos

Generally speaking, nothing is planned in Laos, but there are always people to lend a hand. There are no special services for disabled people (public transport). In the city, it is often impossible to use the pavements for a wheelchair or stroller, and traffic on the road can be dangerous. Most restaurants and some hotel rooms are accessible, but a private vehicle will be required. If you have a physical or mental disability or are going on holiday with someone in this situation, various organizations and associations are available to help you.

Tourist traps Laos

Commissions. Keep in mind that anyone who comes up to you - sometimes in uniform and always with a smile - to offer you a service you haven't asked for is to be politely avoided: you're old enough to choose a cab yourself or know what you want to buy. At best, these people think they'll earn a commission by using your customers: they're official "touts". If you ask around at the information desks, you'll be able to manage without blindly trusting strangers!

If a "professional matchmaker" ( tuk-tuk driver or other) simply accompanies you to a hotel, there will probably be a "commission" to pay (without your knowledge) as a reward for this unsolicited service! In other words, the room will cost more than if you went to the reception desk on your own. The same reasoning applies to car rentals - in fact, in all cases... So you're better off on your own.

Scooter rental. Renting a scooter to a non-Laotian is officially forbidden in the country. Scams can happen. Don't leave your passport with the renter; leave a photocopy. Keep your scooter in a safe place.