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Paddy fields, Laos

© 123rf.com / Rosmizan Abu Seman

Travel to Laos

Flying to Laos

The national airline of Laos is Lao Airlines (QV) (www.laoairlines.com). There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China, Vietnam or Cambodia.

Departure tax:

Usually included in the ticket price.

Travel by rail

There are no railways in Laos, but the Thai system stretches from Bangkok via Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai on the Laos/Thailand border. A bridge links the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane, although a short stretch of railway is under construction across the Friendship Bridge from Nong Khai.

Getting to Laos by boat

It is possible to travel from the Thai border to Luang Prabang by speedboat, slow boat or by a deluxe one-day boat. The slow boat takes about two days and usually involves an overnight stay in Pak Beng. The speedboat goes from Houaixay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours.

Ferry operators:

It may also possible to travel the Cambodian part of the Laos-Cambodia crossing by slow boat or speed boat, instead of by bus or taxi (see Getting There by Road). Visitors should be aware that accidents can and do happen when travelling at high speeds along the unpredictable Mekong River.

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