1. Laos to Thailand
2. Border crossings
3. How to book tickets
4. Routes to Thailand
5. FAQ + Travel Tips
🎫 Book a Tour Online
🎫 Book Ticket Online
From Laos to Thailand you can travel by various ways of transport.
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- Embark on a seamless journey from Laos to Thailand with various transport options including tourist buses/minivans, planes, or private cars/taxis. Although direct trains from Laos to Thailand are not yet available, the railway network within Laos has been operational since December 2021, with services connecting Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane. Most international border crossings permit access for tourist buses or minivans. For swift and efficient travel, consider direct flights from Vientiane or Luang Prabang to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Explore transport options – tourist buses, vans, trains, cars, and direct flights.
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- Opt for the convenience and speed of air travel for the best way to reach Thailand, particularly Bangkok, from Laos. Direct flights from Vientiane and Luang Prabang to Bangkok offer a swift journey lasting approximately 1-1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $50 to $150 per person. With international airports in Vientiane (Wattay International Airport) and Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang International Airport), travelers can easily access Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok. Additionally, direct flights from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai provide convenient access to northern Thailand.
- For an alternative travel experience, consider tourist buses or minivans for the journey from Laos to Thailand. Popular routes include Vientiane to Bangkok, Vientiane to Udon Thani, Luang Prabang to Bangkok (via Vientiane), and Vientiane to Chiang Mai. While bus travel may entail longer travel times and less comfort compared to flights, it remains a viable option for budget-conscious travelers. The journey from Vientiane to Bangkok typically takes 10-14 hours, while the route from Luang Prabang to Bangkok spans approximately 20-27 hours with a stopover in Vientiane. Additionally, private car services from Vientiane to Nong Khai or Udon Thani offer personalized transport options. Although there is no direct railway connection between Laos and Thailand, travelers can easily search and book tickets or flights online. Explore onward travel possibilities from Thailand to destinations such as Malaysia via southern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Laos to Thailand: | Travel Option | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vientiane to Bangkok | Plane | About 1 hour |
| Vientiane to Bangkok | Land | About 10-14 hours |
| Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai | Plane | About 1 hour |
| Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai | Land | About 22 hours |
| Luang Prabang to Bangkok | Plane | About 1 hour |
| Luang Prabang to Bangkok | Land | About 20-24 hours |
| Pakse to Ubon Ratchath./td> | Tourist Bus | About 4 hours |
👮 Border crossings (checkpoints) — Laos > Thailand:
The most frequented border crossings to Thailand from Laos are the bridges of friendship in Vientiane, Savannakhet, Khammouan and Bokeo. Friendship bride I is about 20 km from Vientiane – the capital of Laos.
- Friendship bridge I checkpoint in Vientiane
- Friendship bridge II checkpoint in Savannakhet
- Friendship bridge III checkpoint in Khammouan
- Friendship bridge IV checkpoint in Bokeo
- Vang Tao – Chong Mek checkpoint in Champasak
- Pakxan checkpoint in Bolikhamxay
- Kaenthao – Nakaxeng
BOOK a TOUR + ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
➜ How to book tickets, car or flights from Laos to Thailand?
There a few ways how you can book and buy bus tickets or flights to Thailand from Laos. You can buy bus tickets at the hotel, but the best way is to book your bus tickets and direct flights to Thailand online. It is very fast and comfortable to book tickets and various flights online at 12go.asia or Baolau. These companies cover the most popular travel routes in southeast Asia (Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia…) and they offer various bus, van, ferry, train tickets or flights for the actual prices of travel companies. You can also use various payment methods at these websites, you can also pay with international credit card.
1. Book tickets + flights from Laos to Thailand at 12go.asia:
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- 12go.asia is one of the best travel websites where you can book and buy various tickets online. They cover various countries from Asia (and not only from Asia), the most popular travel routes in Thailand. You can also book private car (van, minivan or SUV) or private taxi with 12go.asia in southeast Asia.
2. Book tickets + flights from Laos to Thailand at Baolau:
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- Another popular company from Vietnam. With Baolau you can also search and book various bus, ferry, train tickets or flights in southeast Asia. Baolau covers various popular tourist travel routes and it is very easy to search and book these tickets online. Read carefully all the instructions before you book and buy tickets and flights online.
The most popular travel routes from Laos to Thailand:
❓ FAQ + TIPS – Travel from Laos to Thailand:
1. How to book tickets / cars or flights from Laos to Thailand?
2. How much does it cost to get from Laos to Thailand?
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- Transport from Vientiane (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) costs about $50-150/pp by plane (direct flight).
- Transport from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand) costs about $120-140/pp by plane (direct flight).
- Transport from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) costs about $55-120/pp by plane (direct flight).
- Transport from Pakse (Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) costs about $9-14/pp by tourist bus.
- Transport from Vientiane (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand) costs about $80-150/pp by plane with stopover.
- Transport from Vientiane (Laos) to Udon Thani (Thailand) costs about $13/pp by tourist bus, minivan.
3. What is the travel distance from Laos to Thailand?
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- Travel distance from Vientiane (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) is about 650 km by land.
- Travel distance from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand) is about 630 km by land.
- Travel distance from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) is about 960 km by land.
Travel distance from Pakse (Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) is about 130 km by land.
4. What is the travel time of transport from Laos to Thailand?
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- Travel from Vientiane (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) takes about 1 hour by plane and about 10-14 hours by land.
- Travel from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Chiang Mai (Thailand) takes about 1 hour by plane and about 22 hours by land.
- Travel from Luang Prabang (Laos) to Bangkok (Thailand) takes about 1 hour by plane and about 20-24 by land.
- Travel from Pakse (Laos) to Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand) takes about 4 hours by tourist bus.
5. What is the best and fast way of travel from Laos to Thailand?
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- The best and fastest option how you can travel to Thailand from Laos is to travel by plane. There are some direct flights between Vientiane, Luang Prabang in Laos and Bangkok or Chiang Mai in Thailand. If you want to save your travel time you should definitely take a direct flight to Thailand. But this way of transfer is the most expensive option.
6. What is the cheapest way of travel from Laos to Thailand?
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- The most cheapest way how you can get to Thailand from Laos is to travel by bus or minivan. There is no train via border crossing (only a new railway network in Laos), so you can cross the border with international bus via Vientiane and Nong Khai (Thai-Lao Friendship bridge I).
7. Is it possible to travel by train from Laos to Thailand?
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- There is no direct train from Laos to Thailand, but you can travel by train between Boten – Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng and Vientiane. This is a new railway in Laos, opened for public and travelers in December 2021. There is a train to Vientiane and it is only a few kilometres from the border with Thailand. You can also check current Thailand Railway Map + Train Schedule in Thailand.
8. Are there direct flights from Laos to Thailand?
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- Yes, there are direct flights mainly between Vientiane > Bangkok, Luang Prabang > Bangkok, Luang Prabang > Chiang Mai. The most frequented flights are from Vientiane to Bangkok, but the schedule is still very limited.
9. What are the most frequented and important airports in Laos?
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- The most important and frequented international airports in Laos are: Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang Internatnional Airport. From these airport you can travel by plane to Thailand, to Bangkok.
10. What are the most popular travel routes from Laos to Thailand?
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- The most important travel routes from Laos to Thailand are:
- Vientiane to Bangkok: direct flight, tourist bus / van, private cars / taxi (or train from Nong Khai to Bangkok)
- Luang Prabang to Bangkok: direct flight, tourist bus / van via Vientiane, private cars.
11. How to travel in Thailand?
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- There are various ways of transfer in Thailand, you can use various buses / minivans, train, private cars / taxi, boats + ferries or you can rent a motorbike or bicycle. Read this article: Transportation in Thailand.
12. Can I cross the Laos-Thailand border by land?
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- Yes, you can cross the Laos-Thailand border by land. There are several border crossings between Laos and Thailand, such as the Friendship Bridge between Vientiane (Laos) and Nong Khai (Thailand), the Chong Mek border crossing between Pakse (Laos) and Ubon Ratchathani (Thailand), and the Huay Xai border crossing between Bokeo (Laos) and Chiang Rai (Thailand). Each border crossing has its own procedures, so it’s important to check the latest visa requirements and border regulations before your trip..
13. Is it necessary to obtain a visa to enter Thailand from Laos?
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- The visa requirements for entering Thailand from Laos depend on your nationality and the duration of your stay. Citizens of some countries are eligible for visa-exempt entry, allowing them to stay in Thailand for a specified period without a visa. Others may need to obtain a visa in advance or apply for a visa on arrival at the border. It’s essential to check the visa requirements specific to your nationality and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth entry into Thailand.
14. Can I use public transportation after crossing the Laos-Thailand border?
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- Yes, public transportation options are available to travel within Thailand after crossing the Laos-Thailand border. Thailand has an extensive network of buses, trains, and domestic flights that connect different cities and regions. Buses and trains are the most common modes of transportation for domestic travel in Thailand, offering affordable and convenient options. Local transportation, such as taxis, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (shared taxis or trucks), are also readily available in most cities and towns.
15. What are some popular border crossings between Laos and Thailand for travelers?
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- There are several popular border crossings between Laos and Thailand that are commonly used by travelers. The Friendship Bridge, connecting Vientiane (Laos) and Nong Khai (Thailand), is one of the most popular and accessible crossings. Another frequently used crossing is the Chiang Khong border checkpoint in northern Laos, which connects to the town of Huay Xai in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. The Vang Tao–Chong Mek border crossing in southern Laos, near Pakse, is also commonly used for travel between the two countries.
16. Which are the most popular and nice islands in Thailand?
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- There are a lot of various interesting, nice and also isolated or tourist islands in Thailand. Most of them are in the Gulf of Thailand or Phang Nga Bay. Read this article: The Best Islands in Thailand.
17. What is the weather and climate in Thailand?
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- Weather in Thailand varies across three main seasons, creating a tropical climate. The hot season typically spans from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). During this period, the weather is characterized by intense heat and occasional brief showers. The rainy season occurs from July to October, bringing heavy monsoon rains and increased humidity. Average temperatures remain high, ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The cool season, from November to February, is marked by milder temperatures and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 64°F to 86°F (18°C to 30°C), making it a popular time for tourism.
18. Is traveling and living in Thailand cheap or expensive?
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- The cost of traveling and living in Thailand can vary depending on various factors such as lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. Generally, Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, attracting travelers seeking affordable adventures. While Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination, costs can vary depending on whether you choose to live in popular tourist areas or less-explored regions. Overall, many people find that the cost of living in Thailand offers good value for money.
19. What is the official currency of Thailand and how to exchange money?
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- The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). To exchange money, you can visit banks, currency exchange booths, or use ATMs. Banks typically offer competitive exchange rates, but may charge transaction fees. Currency exchange booths are convenient, often open longer hours, but their rates might be less favorable. Using ATMs connected to banks is a common and convenient option; however, be mindful of potential withdrawal fees from both your home bank and the local Thai bank. Always check rates and fees beforehand to make informed choices.
20. What is the cuisine and food in Thailand and what to expect?
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- Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant and harmonious flavors, combining sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter elements in each dish. Expect a diverse range of dishes, often aromatic herbs and spices like lemongrass, basil or galangal. Rice, a staple, plays a central role, and street food is a must-try for an authentic culinary experience. Signature dishes include Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice. Embrace the rich cultural diversity through regional variations, and don’t miss out on the lively street food culture.
🎫Book bus, van tickets, flights or car from Laos to Thailand:
(You can change your travel route, book another tickets… e.g. Vientiane > Chiang Mai, Pakse > Bangkok…)
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