The national airline of Laos is Laos Airlines (website: www.laos-airlines.com). There are no direct flights from the USA or Europe; flights are mainly via Bangkok, China or Cambodia.

US$10; children under two years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

Vientiane (VTE) (Wattay) is 3km (2 miles) from the city (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: Taxis are available (be prepared to bargain). Facilities: Bank/bureaux de change, bars, post office, restaurants and car hire.

It is possible to travel from Chiang Mai (Thailand) 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 Houei Xay on the Laos border to Luang Prabang in around six hours.

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.

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 ferry and a bridge link the Lao side of the Mekong, 19km (12 miles) east of Vientiane.

It is possible to enter Laos from Thailand at Nong Khai over the Friendship Bridge. Other border crossings include Chiang Kong (Thailand)–Houei Xay (Laos) in the north; Mukdahan (Thailand)–Savannakhet (Laos); Chong Mek (between Pakse and Ubon Ratchathani); Nakorn Phanom (Thailand)–Tha Kek (Laos) and Jouay Kone (Thailand)–Xaingnabouri (Laos).

It is possible to enter Laos by road from Vietnam either at Quangtri or at the border post of Lak Xao near Vinh. Laos can also be entered from China, from Mengla in Yunnan province to Luang Nam Tha.

Overland travel to Myanmar is not feasible owing to security risks.

Despite the official line, some travellers have managed to enter Laos from Cambodia between Strung Treng (Cambodia) and Don Det (Laos) with some degree of hassle, although this crossing is by no means reliable. Check for the latest information locally. The best place to try to arrange this is from Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands).

Laos Airlines (website: www.laos-airlines.com) runs domestic air services from Vientiane to Houayxai, Luang Nmatha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Sam Neua and Sayabouti in the north and Pakse and Savanakhet in the south. Private charter flights are also available through Westcoast Helicopters (website: www.laowestcoast.laopdr.com).

The Mekong and other rivers are a vital part of the country’s transport system. The choice is between irregular (and very basic) slow ferries and exciting but noisy and hazardous speedboats. Both services run from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Ferries often depart early in the mornings and can take several days, whilst speedboats run more regularly and take approximately eight hours for each leg of the journey. Times and prices alter according to demand. There are regular jet boats trips along the river, run by Lao River Exploration Services (website: www.jetboat.laopdr.com). Boats can also be hired privately.

Traffic drives on the right. Many of the roads have been paved in recent years, including the main highway from the Thai border at Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. However, few main roads are suitable for all-weather driving. In the north of the country, there is a road link between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and from Vientiane to Nam Dong and Tran Ninh.

Bus: Services link all major towns and cities. Buses can vary from air-conditioned to the more traditional type to the converted pickup truck.

Car hire: It is not recommended to hire cars in Laos as driving standards are low. However, it is possible to hire cars with a driver through hotels or tourist agencies.

Documentation: International Driving Permit recommended, although it is not legally required.

Note: If you are on a strict timescale, it is advisable to prearrange travel outside Vientiane with a tour company to avoid unforeseen delays and costs.

There is a mixture of old and metered taxis in Vientiane that can usually be located at Wattay Airport, the Friendship Bridge and the Morning market. Taxis can also be hired for approximately US$20 per day. Converted motorcycles, known as tuk-tuks or jumbos, are available in all major towns and cities and are perfect for shorter journeys around town. Bargaining is expected. Motorcycles and bicycles can be hired for the day in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and other places frequented by backpackers.