How to Get Around Laos: Best Ways to Travel Between Cities and Explore Locally

Transportation in Laos is getting better every year with improved roads, flights, and the opening of high-speed trains. It is easy to travel between popular tourist cities like Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Pakse, and Vang Vieng by air, train, or overland.

Taxis, tuk-tuks, and public buses are recommended to get around Laos’s cities. They are easy to find and not too expensive. However, getting around less-tourist areas in Laos can still be challenging. Roads may be rough, and buses may not go there. Private vehicles are the best choices for traveling through remote places.

This article will help you learn about all the options for traveling through Laos. You can see the best ways to get around Laos, from big cities to quiet countryside.

Public Transportation in Laos Is Safe and Affordable

Buses and trains are the main public transportation options in Laos. The new high-speed Laos-China Railway is the star of the public transportation in Laos, making it easier than ever before to get around the country.

The Laos section of the Laos-China railway stretches from Boten, at the border with China, to Vientiane in the south. It is a fast, reliable, and affordable way to travel around the country. Major stops between Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane are only an hour apart, and tickets cost 27-39 USD.

Buses are a major way to get around in and between cities. They are an affordable choice, with stations accessible in major cities and tourist destinations. Tickets can be booked online through various platforms or on-site for city buses. Tickets for city buses cost 1-2 USD, and getting between cities costs around 18-25 USD.

Laos-China High-Speed train makes it easier to get around Laos.

Getting Around Laos Between Tourist Cities: Easy by Flight, Train, Overland

Flights are the easiest way to get around between cities in Laos. Regular flights are available between tourist cities from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, or Luang Prabang to Pakse. Flight times are short, and tickets are very affordable.

Laos Flight Schedule

High-speed trains have been a major upgrade to the transportation system infrastructure in Laos. It’s now possible to travel the entire length of the country in only around three hours. The new rail system opened in 2021, connecting major cities in Laos to each other and to China at the border crossing in Boten. Six pairs of trains travel throughout the day, offering a comfortable and convenient alternative to flying.

Laos Train Schedule

Bus and overland routes are a good way to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and reach out-of-the-way destinations like Pakse. Travelers can choose from buses, minivans, and sleeper buses for longer Laos tours. Vehicles are comfortable and often feature amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary water, and wifi.

There are many tour operators to choose from, and you can find buses departing all throughout the day. Overland routes are preferred by budget travelers and anyone wanting to take their time through the countryside scenery.

Laos Overland Routes

7 Days Highlights of Laos Tour

Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng – Vientiane

Getting Around Luang Prabang: Minivans, Tuk-tuks, Bikes

Luang Prabang is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos. The city gets a few million tourists a year, and there are easy transportation options for visiting the many temples, markets, and other city attractions.

Minivans are a common way to go around for private Luang Prabang tours. Private vehicles and drivers can be hired for 80-100 USD per day. They let you travel in air-conditioned comfort to destinations around the city or on day trips to places like Kuang Si Falls.

Tuk-tuks are one of the most common ways to get around. The small, open-air, three-wheeled vehicles can be found all over the city. It’s a great choice for short trips. Reaching destinations in the city usually costs 2-3 USD, and return trips to Kuang Si Falls cost around 18 USD.

Cycling is another option that lets you leisurely explore places around the city. It costs 10-15 USD to rent a bike for a day. You can ride a bike to explore temples and enjoy the peaceful riverside area.

Laos Tuk-tuks can be found all over the city.

Getting Around Vientiane: Jumbo, Buses, Taxis, Boat

Laos’ capital and largest city has more local transportation options. In addition to regular tuk-tuks, you’ll also see jumbos. The larger cousin to the tuk-tuk is often used as a shared ride for groups of people traveling around the city. It can be an even cheaper way to travel and a fun way to meet other tourists.

Vientiane’s public bus system has a limited number of routes, but service is expanding to include more destinations in the city. The newest electric buses are clean, modern, and fully air-conditioned. Tickets are usually around 1 USD.

Regular taxis are also commonly available. You can flag down a taxi or use a local ride-hailing app. Uber and Grab are not available in Laos, Local is the most popular ride-hailing app and helps you book car and electric tuk-tuks with convenient payment options. Taxis can be a good choice if you have a lot of luggage. Short trips cost 3-5 USD, and getting to the airport by taxi is around 7 USD.

Boats in Vientiane offer Mekong River cruises as a relaxing way to see the city skyline. Cruises usually cost around 40-90 USD, depending on the services offered. Luxury cruises can include delicious local food, and fully stocked bars as well as traditional entertainment.

Read more about How to Get to Vientiane Laos by Flight.

9 Days Best of Laos Tour

Luang Prabang - Pakse - Vientiane

Getting Around Laos Less-Tourist Areas: Private Vehicles

In rural and off-the-beaten-track locations, private vehicles are the best way to get around. Private cars or minivans with a local driver are safe and comfortable, letting you benefit from local knowledge to find hidden gems. They also provide the flexibility to set your own schedule and explore tourist attractions in Laos you come across.

The further you are from tourist destinations, the more likely you are to encounter less-developed infrastructure and communication barriers. If you are planning to visit Laos to these places, choose private vehicles. They will help you stick to safe routes, avoiding dangers that can arise due to weather or roads in poor condition. In case of emergency, your driver or guide will be able to contact local help.

Laos private vehicles are safe to ride in less-tourist areas.

More Useful Tips for Getting Around Laos

It’s not difficult to get around in Laos, but there are a few extra Lao travel tips that can help you with smooth travel. Adapt to the local transportation customs and you’ll have no trouble seeing everything Laos has to offer.

- Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially on weekends.
- Always negotiate prices before getting on a tuk-tuk or jumbo.
- Use the local ride-hailing app Loca. It provides up-front pricing, and ensure you’ll have a professional driver.
- It’s usually better to travel early in the day. Some local transportation services don’t operate very late.
- November to Feburary is the best time to visit Laos. The price of the flights to Laos will be higher.

4 Days to Explore the Essence of Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang

Conclusion

Laos’ developing transportation infrastructure is making Laos tours easier than ever before to get around the country. The new high-speed trains are a significant addition to the flight and road networks, offering fast travel between cities.

Private cars and minivans are always a popular choice for exploring or trying the local experience of taking a tuk-tuk or jumbo. Contact us to book your private Laos tours for a smooth travel. No matter how you choose to travel, the charm of Laos is as much in the journey as the destination.