Visa upon arrival is available at international airports and most entry points. Visa application forms are available at the entry points, but you need to bring one passport-size photo, $30 in cash and a free page in your passport. Your passport should be valid until 6 months after departure from Laos.
For visas obtained in advance from the Laos embassy.
BORDER CROSSING
Arrival by Air : Visa upon arrival is available at all international airports, namely, Vientiane International Airport, Pakse International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport.
Land Border Crossings : Visa upon arrival is available at most of the entry points, which are listed below:
• Lak Sao (border with Vietnam)
• Tha Khaek (border with Thailand)
• Houeixay (border with Thailand)
• Chong Mek (border with Thailand)
• Mahaxai (border with Vietnam)
• Savannakhet (border with Thailand)
• Lao Bao (border with Vietnam)
• Nam Khan (border with Vietnam)
• Friendship Bridge Vientiane (border with Thailand)
GETTING AROUND
 Laos is a mountainous country with no railway and few good roads- With the Mekong River being such a prominent topographical feature it is not surprising that it plays a significant role in communications and life. There are slow boat services for tourists who want to experience life on the river between some towns, Speedboats are also an option for travelers with a tight schedule, though not always recommended.
Air : Lao Airlines has an extensive network throughout Laos. There are connecting flights between the tourist highlights such as Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and Xieng Khouang.
Bus : Currently there are no longer travel restrictions for tourists who want to go to the provinces by bus.
The most common long distance bus runs between Vientiane and Luang Prabang and it takes around 10 hours. Many tourists nowadays stop at Vang Vieng and spend a night there before continuing the last stretch of their journey.
Since Laos is mountainous and its road conditions poor, journeys can be long and exhausting, although the scenery is beautiful. During the rainy season, between June and September, roads are frequently impassable.
Tuk Tuk : The most popular means of transport within cities is the tuk tuk. These 3-wheeled vehicles with two benches placed sideways in the back can be found everywhere. Always negotiate before setting off.
Taxi : Taxis are not normally metered, so your fare is negotiable. Always negotiate before setting off.
Car Hire : Cars may be hired with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies. It is not advisable to hire a car without driver, since driving standards are low.
Rivers : There are a variety of options open to those who wish to travel by water, from the slow ferries to Speedboats. Both services run between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days. Speedboats depart more regularly, taking about eight hours for the trip Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Timetables and prices vary depending on season and demand. |
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