1. Vietnam to Laos
2. How to book tickets
3. Border crossings
4. E-visa for Laos
5. Routes to Laos
6. Routes in Laos
7. Laos to Vietnam
8. Book Tickets Online
Laos could be your next stop if you are traveling in Vietnam.
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- Lauded for its mountainous landscapes, amiable populace, ethnic diversity, and stunning natural beauty, Laos beckons to travelers seeking an adventure akin to Vietnam’s charm. Despite its allure, Laos grapples with infrastructural limitations and road conditions that can pose challenges to transportation. Nonetheless, an extensive network of buses plies the routes between major cities such as Phonsavan, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, and Savannakhet. Vientiane, the capital and largest city of Laos, sits in close proximity to Thailand, facilitating accessibility from northern and central Vietnam. Traveling to Laos from Vietnam by sleeper bus entails considerable time, making direct flights the preferred and most comfortable mode of transport, especially to prominent destinations like Luang Prabang or Vientiane, the capital city. Consequently, two primary modes of transfer between Vietnam and Laos emerge: sleeper bus travel or air travel like the most fastest option.
Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng – Unmissable Destinations in Laos.
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- Embark on a journey to explore the most coveted locales in Laos, including Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Phonsavan, and Savannakhet. While bus connections abound, offering access to these captivating destinations, the discomfort and time involved make air travel or train rides within Laos preferable options. Notably, a new railway route from Vientiane to Boten, via Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng, commenced operations on December 3, 2021, enhancing connectivity within the country. Laos, a bastion of Buddhist culture, boasts numerous temples and monuments, offering a glimpse into its rich spiritual heritage. The country’s diverse ethnic tapestry includes numerous hill tribes residing in remote mountainous regions, inaccessible by conventional roads. Before embarking on your journey from Vietnam to Laos, acquaint yourself with essential information, such as Laos’s weather patterns.
| Travel Route – Vietnam to Laos: | Mode | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Luang Prabang | Plane | About 1.5 hours | $110-150 |
| Hanoi to Luang Prabang | Bus | About 26 hours | $40-50 |
| Hanoi to Vientiane | Plane | About 1 hour | $120-180 |
| Hanoi to Vientiane | Bus | About 25 hours | $25-28 |
| Hanoi to Vang Vieng | Plane + Bus | About 8-10 hours | $140-170 |
| Hanoi to Vang Vieng | Bus | About 27 hours | $40 |
✅ How do you get from Vietnam to Laos?
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- There are 3 options how you can travel to Laos from Vietnam:
1. Travel by tourist sleeper bus (Hanoi to Luang Prabang or Hanoi to Vientiane…)
2. Travel by plane (direct flights to Luang Prabang or Vientiane)
3. Travel on motorbike (for the most experienced travelers)
- There are 3 options how you can travel to Laos from Vietnam:
✅ How to book bus tickets or flights from Vietnam to Laos?
✅ Is it possible to travel from Vietnam to Laos by train?
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- No, it is not possible to travel by train, because there is no railway between Vietnam and Laos. But there is a plan to build some railway in the near future.
✅ Is there a railway in Laos?
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- Yes, there is a new railway from Vientiane to Boten border crossing in the north of Laos. This railway was opened in December 3, 2021 and you can also travel by this train from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. You can book train tickets in Laos online or at the railway station 3 days before departure of the train. You can use seat trains on this railway. You can also check Laos Railway Map.
✅ What is the most fastest way of transport from Vietnam to Laos?
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- The most fastest way of transport to Laos from Vietnam is to travel by plane. There are direct flights between big cities, e.g. Hanoi > Vientiane, Hanoi > Luang Prabang, the most frequented air lines.
✅ How long is the flight from Vietnam to Laos?
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- Flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang takes about 1.5 hour, flight from Hanoi to Vientiane takes also about 1.5 hour. There are also various flights with stopover, so in this way it can take a bit more of your travel time.
✅ How do I get from Hanoi to Laos?
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- The best option how to get to Laos from Hanoi is to take a direct flight to Luang Prabang or Vientiane. Another way is to travel by sleeper tourist bus to Phonsavan, Luang Prabang, Vientiane or Vang Vieng, but this way of transfer is not comfortable and takes a lot of travel time.
✅ Where you can travel from Laos?
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- From Laos you can travel by bus/minivan or plane to Thailand (via Vientiane or Pakse) or Cambodia (via Don Det / Si Phan Don in southern Laos) or China via northern Laos. Thailand, Cambodia, China are the neighbouring countries.
✅ How to explore Laos?
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- Laos offers various options of transportation. There are various tourist buses, minivans, train by Lao-China Railway, flights, boats on Mekong river or you can rent a bicycle, scooter or motorbike. You can also use various private taxi companies in the big cities. Read this article: Transportation in Laos.
How to book and buy tickets or flights for Laos online?
➜ You can book and buy bus tickets or flights for Laos (+ another countries in Asia) easily online. There are some trusted companies, but there are 2 leaders in booking service – 12go.asia and Baolau.
1. Search + Book tickets / flights for Laos at 12go.asia:
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- It is one of the best search and booking website for Southeast Asia, especially for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia…. 12go.asia offers various well-known transport companies in Asia. Read the information before you book and buy tickets and flights online. 12go.asia has almost all the most frequented travel routes in Laos. Bus E-tickets acceptable in your smartphone or tablet (Recommended – print your tickets). You can read reviews of customers.
2. Search + Book tickets / flights for Laos at Baolau:
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- Another popular search engine for online booking tickets for tourists in southeast Asia, various companies, e-tickets and wide range of countries: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipinnes, Myanmar, China... Baolau has also almost the all most frequented travel routes in Laos. (Recommended – print your tickets).
👮 Border Crossing from Vietnam Laos:
1. Tây Trang (Vietnam, Dien Bien Phu Province) – Located around 50 kilometers from Dien Bien Phu in Dien Bien Province, Vietnam, the Tây Trang Border Crossing stands as a significant passage for travelers moving between Vietnam and Laos. Set amidst captivating landscapes, this crossing not only serves as an entry point but also offers a glimpse of the natural splendor of the region. Travelers passing through Tây Trang can anticipate encountering well-maintained infrastructure and efficient border procedures, ensuring a smooth transition between the two countries.
2. Na Mèo (Vietnam, Thanh Hoa Province) – Nestled in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, the Na Mèo Border Crossing facilitates seamless travel between Vietnam and Laos. Strategically positioned to provide convenient access to both nations, this crossing offers travelers a harmonious transition between two distinct cultural realms. With its picturesque surroundings and streamlined border facilities, Na Mèo plays a crucial role in fostering trade and tourism between Vietnam and Laos.
3. Nậm Cắn (Vietnam, Nghệ An Province) – Located in Nghệ An Province, Vietnam, the Nậm Cắn Border Crossing serves as an essential link connecting Vietnam and Laos. Set amidst lush countryside, this crossing provides travelers with a serene passage as they traverse between the two countries. Nậm Cắn is equipped with modern amenities and efficient border procedures, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for those journeying between Vietnam and Laos.
4. Cau Treo (Vietnam, Ha Tinh Province) – Positioned in Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam, the Cau Treo Border Crossing serves as a vital conduit for travelers moving between Vietnam and Laos. Surrounded by verdant greenery, this crossing offers a picturesque backdrop for those passing through. Travelers can expect well-organized border facilities and expedited processing at Cau Treo, making it a convenient and efficient option for crossing the Vietnam-Laos border.
5. Lao Bảo (Vietnam, Quang Tri Province) – Situated in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, the Lao Bảo Border Crossing acts as a crucial transit point between Vietnam and Laos. Set amidst rugged terrain, this crossing provides travelers with a glimpse of the diverse landscapes of the region. Lao Bảo boasts modern border facilities and efficient procedures, ensuring a hassle-free experience for those traversing between the two nations.
6. Bờ Y (Vietnam, Kon Tum Province) – Located in Kon Tum Province, Vietnam, the Bờ Y Border Crossing facilitates seamless travel between Vietnam and Laos. Against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests, this crossing offers travelers a scenic route as they journey between the two countries. Equipped with state-of-the-art border facilities and streamlined procedures, Bờ Y is an ideal choice for those crossing the Vietnam-Laos border.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Laos ➜
📜 How to Obtain an E-visa for Laos?
Acquiring a tourist visa (E-visa) for Laos is a straightforward process, akin to obtaining an e-visa for Vietnam. This electronic visa permits a maximum stay of 30 days in Laos and has been accessible online since July 2019. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an E-visa for Laos:
- Visit the official website designated for acquiring an E-visa to Laos: https://laoevisa.gov.la.
- Navigate to the visa application section on the website. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and all necessary documentation prepared beforehand.
- Fill out the online visa application form accurately and comprehensively. Provide personal details including your full name, passport information, travel itinerary, and accommodation details in Laos.
- Upload any required supporting documents according to the instructions provided on the website. This may involve submitting a scanned copy of your passport photo page and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Pay the visa processing fee using a valid credit or debit card. The fee amount may vary based on your nationality and the type of visa you’re applying for.
- Review all the information entered in the visa application form before submitting it. Ensure there are no errors or discrepancies to prevent delays in processing.
- Submit your visa application online through the official website. Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing a reference number or tracking ID for your application.
- Await the processing of your visa application. Typically, E-visas for Laos are processed within a few business days, though processing times may vary.
- Upon approval of your E-visa, you’ll receive an email notification with instructions on how to download and print your E-visa document. It’s essential to carry a printed copy of your E-visa with you when traveling to Laos.
- Upon arrival in Laos, present your printed E-visa alongside your passport to immigration officials at the port of entry. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Laos.
Popular travel routes from Vietnam to Laos ⏬
The most frequented travel routes in Laos ⏬
Travel routes from Laos to Vietnam ⏬
Travel routes from Laos to Thailand ⏬
Travel route from Laos to Cambodia ⏬
Travel route from Laos to China ⏬
What is Baolau? Book and buy tickets online.
– a company specializing in train, bus, ferry tickets mainly for Vietnam (also a tickets for Cambodia and Laos)
– company offers also a tickets of the bus companies (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, Futabus, TheSinhTourist…)
– flights of Vietnamese Airlines, JetStar, VietJet Air, Air Asia as well as flights to neighbouring countries
– tickets for the ferries in Vietnam, eg. ferry to Cat Ba, ferry to Phu Quoc, ferry to Quan Lan, ferry to Phnom Penh…
– tickets for various routes in Vietnam, eg. Da Lat to Hanoi, Da Nang to Ninh Binh, Hanoi to Ha Long…)
– you can use online train e-ticket in mobile phone in Vietnam (I recommend to print a ticket)
– you can select a seat or berth in the train but also in various buses
– the price of tickets or flights is from the official price of transport company or airlines
– the final price you will see before making of payment transaction
– read other information about ticket in your order, read also frequently asked questions on Baolau
What is 12go.asia? Book and buy tickets online.
– a specialist for bus, train, ferry tickets mainly for Thailand (also tickets for Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia)
– company offers also a tickets of the bus companies (Mai Linh, Hoang Long, TheSinhTourist…)
– ferry/boat tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, eg. ferry to Vung Tau, Koh Rong, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi…
– tickets for Malaysia, eg. Kuala Lumpur to Penang, Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands…
– more information about train tickets and trains in Thailand
– you can use your online train ticket in Vietnam in your mobile phone
– if you buy a train ticket in Baolau or 12go for tourist trains in Vietnam to Sapa (Orient Express, Sapaly…), you must pick it up at the station
– information about 12go.asia read in article about transportation in Vietnam and Transportation in Thailand
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Vietnam to Laos:
1. How much does it cost to get from Vietnam to Laos?
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- To get from Hanoi to Luang Prabang costs about $110-150 by plane and about $40-50 by bus.
- To get from Hanoi to Vientiane costs about $120-180 by plane and about $25-28 by bus.
- To get from Hanoi to Vang Vieng costs about $140-170 by plane+bus and about $40 by bus.
2. How long does it take to get from Vietnam to Laos?
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- Travel from Hanoi to Luang Prabang in Laos takes about 1.5 hour by plane and about 26 hours by bus.
- Travel from Hanoi to Vientiane in Laos takes about 1 hour by plane and about 25 hours by bus.
- Travel from Hanoi to Vang Vieng in Laos takes about 8-10 hour by plane+bus and about 27 hours by bus.
3. What is the travel distance from Vietnam to Laos?
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- Travel distance from Hanoi to Luang Prabang is about 1000 km by bus and about 400 km by plane.
- Travel distance from Hanoi to Vientiane is about 800 km by bus/minivan and about 500 km by plane.
- Travel distance from Hanoi to Vang Vieng is about 450 km by plane + bus.
4. What is the best and fast option of transport from Vietnam to Laos?
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- The best and fastest way how to get to Laos from Vietnam is to travel by plane. There are direct flights between Hanoi and Luang Prabang and Vientiane or Ho Chi Minh City and Luang Prabang and Vientiane.
5. What is the cheapest way of transport from Vietnam to Laos?
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- The most cheapest way how to travel to Laos from Vietnam is to travel by sleeper bus. There are sleeper tourist buses between Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Phonsavan and Hanoi or from Vientiane to Hue/Da Nang.
6. Is it possible to travel by train from Vietnam to Laos?
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- No, there is no railway from Vietnam to Laos, so it is not possible to travel by train. But there is a plan to build in the future a railway from central Vietnam to central Laos. In December 2021, Laos launched a new high-speed trains and railway route from Vientiane to Boten, via Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang (check Laos Railway Map).
7. Is it possible to travel by boat from Vietnam to Laos?
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- No, there is no direct boat route from Vietnam to Laos, it is not possible to travel by boat.
8. Are there direct flights from Vietnam to Laos?
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- Yes, there are direct flights of a few airlines to Laos from Vietnam. E.g. from Hanoi to Luang Prabang or Hanoi to Vientiane. But these flight schedules are a little bit limited. There are also some flights with stopovers.
9. What are the most important international airports in Laos?
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- The most important and biggest international airports in Laos are Luang Prabang International Airport and Vientiane International Airport.
10. Where to go and travel from Laos?
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- From Laos you can travel to Thailand or Cambodia by tourist bus or plane. The most frequented travel routes are from Vientiane to Bangkok (direct flights, bus or bus+train via Nong Khai), Vientiane to Chiang Mai or from Luang Prabang to Bangkok and from Vang Vieng to Bangkok. From Nong Khai in Thailand (about 20 km from Vientiane) you can travel by train of Thai Railways to Bangkok.
11. Where you can receive E-visa to Laos?
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- You can receive your e-visa to Laos online at the official goverment website: https://laoevisa.gov.la
12. What is the weather and climate in Laos?
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- Weather in Laos varies between distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, prevailing from May to October, brings heavy rainfall and heightened humidity, contributing to lush landscapes and abundant rivers. In contrast, the dry season, spanning from November to April, features lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making it an ideal time for travel with clear skies and enjoyable outdoor activities.
13. What is the official currency of Laos and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Laos is the Laotian Kip (LAK). Travelers can exchange money at various locations, including banks, currency exchange offices, and some hotels. While banks might offer better exchange rates, they often have more restricted operating hours. It’s advisable to keep an eye on the current exchange rates and, if possible, conduct larger transactions at banks for potential cost savings. Additionally, some establishments may accept U.S. dollars or Thai baht, especially in larger cities, but it’s generally recommended to have the local currency.
14. What is the food and cuisine in Laos, what to expect?
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- In conclusion, Laotian cuisine is a delightful blend of simplicity, freshness, and cultural diversity. With rice as a staple, the dishes reflect a harmonious balance of flavors, influenced by Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai culinary elements. From the iconic sticky rice to flavorful salads, grilled meats, and aromatic soups, Laos offers a unique gastronomic journey. The use of local herbs, spices, and the mysterious Padaek sauce adds depth to the culinary experience.
