Get in

Prepare for getting in
Currency: 1 US$ = 8063,87 LAK (in December 2014).
Exchange: Banks, licensed offices, and hotels. Credit cards/traveler Cheques are not widely accepted. Cash US dollars and Thai baht universally accepted. Small denominations are very useful.
Local Time: GMT +7
Business Hours: Office hours: 0800-1200 and 1300-1700, Monday to Friday.
Getting There by Air
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.

Main Airports
Wattay International Airport
City/Region: Vientiane
Airport Code: VTE
Location: 3km (2miles) from Vientiane.
Ground Transport: Taxis are available to take visitors to the city center (15 minute drive)
Facilities: Banks, restaurants, duty-free, post office and shops.

Luang Prabang International Airport
City/Region: Luang Prabang
Airport Code: LPQ
Location: 4km (3miles) from Luang Prabang.
Ground Transport: Taxis are available to take visitors to the city center (20 minute drive)
Facilities: Banks, restaurants, duty-free, post office and shops.

Pakse International Airport
City/Region: Pakse-Champasak
Airport Code: PKZ
Location: 10km (9miles) from Pakse City
Ground Transport: Taxis are available to take visitors to the city center (30 minute drive)
Facilities: Banks, restaurants, duty-free, post office and shops.

Getting There by Water
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 Pakbeng. The speedboat goes from Houaixay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours.

Getting There by Road
It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia

Laos – China
– Mohan – Botene , Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.(Visa on arrival)
– Xiangkok riverport on Mekong River in Luang Namtha Province.(No visa on arrival permit)

Laos – Thailand
– Chiangkhong – Houixay, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province.(Visa on arrival)
– Nakaxeng – Nameua, Loei to Sayabouly Province.(Visa on arrival)
– Nongkhay – Friendship Bridge , Nongkhay-Vientiane Capital.(Visa on arrival)
– Bungkan – Pakxan, Nongkhay-Bolikhamxay Province.(No visa on arrival permit)
– Nakorn Phanom – Thakhaek, Nakorn Phanom-Khammouane Province.(Visa on arrival)
– Moukdahan – Savannakhet, crossing the Mekong River. (Visa on arrival)
– Chongmek – Vangtao, Ubon Ratchathani to Champasack Province.(Visa on arrival)

Laos – Vietnam
– Tay Trang – Sobhoun, Dien Bien Lai Chau to Phongsaly Province.(No visa on arrival permit)
– Nameo (Cau Treo) – Banleui, Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province.(No visa on arrival permit)
– Namkan – Namkan, Nghe An to Xieng Khouang Province. (Visa on arrival)
– Keoneua – Nampao (Lak Sao), Ha Tinh to Bolikhamxay Province.(Visa on arrival)
– Napao – Chalo, Quangbinh to Khammouane Province (No visa on arrival permit)
– Laobao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province (Visa on arrival)
– Kon Tum – Bo Y, Kon Tukm to Attapeau Province (Visa on arrival)

Laos – Cambodia
– Dong Calor – Veun Kham, Cambodia to Champasak Province (No visa on arrival permit)