The two most common ways of getting to Vientiane are either by air or by road. As Vientiane is the capital of Laos, a number of airlines fly directly to the city's airport. As Laos becomes a more popular tourist destination, more airlines are flying directly to Vientiane, especially from other Southeast Asian hubs. It also has direct road links to Thailand over the "Friendship Bridge", which connects straight from Vientiane to the Thai border town of Nong Khai.

Getting around the capital is quite easy, and details are listed below.

This Vientiane Transportation Guide gives details about the easiest ways of both getting to and from Vientiane, as well as getting around once you are there. For more general transport and country information on Laos, check out our Laos Transportation Guide and our Laos Country Guide.

Getting to Vientiane

By Air

Lao Airlines, Thai Airways and Vietnam Airlines are the main airlines that offer regular flights from neighbouring countries to Vientiane. Most travel agencies in Vientiane offer bookings for any airline flying in or out of Laos.

By Road

By road, it is quite easy to get to Vientiane by bus or car whether you are coming from the South or Northern part of Laos. Bus terminals for arrivals from / to the south are located next to 'Talat Sao' the morning market, on Khu vieng Road. For arrivals from/ to the north, the terminal is located at Khua Luang Road, where you can catch buses departing and arriving from Route 13 via Vang Vieng.

From Nong Khai, Thailand to Vientiane, you can catch the bus or drive across the Friendship Bridge legally, by providing the correct documents for entry.

Getting Around Vientiane

To travel from/to airport and town, jumbos or Tuk Tuks (motorcycle taxis) offer rates of approximately USD5.00. It is quite easy to tour around town on foot, by bicycle or jumbo. Rates for jumbos are around US$0.50 per kilometre. Motorcycles can be hired from the City Centre from US$5 per day. If you prefer a bicycle, you can hire one for around US$1 per day.

AIRLINES

Laos Airlines Head Office:
02 Pangkham Road, P.O Box 4169, Vientiane, Lao PDR
Tel: (856-21) 212 050, 212 057-8
Fax: (856-21) 212 065
Website: www.laoairlines.com

International Branch Offices:
Bangkok
Town office: 491/17 Ground F1
Silom Plaza, Silom Rd, Bangkook 10500
Tel: (66) 02 236 9822-3, 02 237 8044
Fax: (66) 02 236 9821
Email: qvbkk@ksc.th.com

Ho Chi Minh City
181 Habai Trung St, District Q3, Hochiminh City
Tel/Fax: (84-4) 822 6990
Email: laoaviation.hcm@hcm.fpf.vn

Kunming
N.96 Ease Dong Feng Dong Rd,
Camella Hotel Yunnan Province
Tel: (86 871) 316 3000
Fax: (86 871) 312 5748

Phnom Penh
58C Sangkat Tonle Basac
Chamkarmon District
Tel/Fax: (855-23) 216 563

Siem Reap
073 Mondul 1, Unit 2
Svaydongkum District,
Tel/Fax: (885 63) 963 283
Email: qvrep@camintel.com