How to Get to Laos

Most people travel to Laos via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi International Airport). Thai International Airways (THAI) and Lao Airlines operate flights between Bangkok and Vientiane Wattay International Airport (VTE). Bangkok Airways operates flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang International Airport. 

There are visa-on-arrival counters at airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. You can visit Laos without a visa up to a certain number of days if you’re from the following countries:

• Cambodia
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Mongolia
• Philippines
• Russia
• Singapore
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Vietnam
• Japan
• Luxembourg
• Switzerland
• Brunei
• Myanmar

You can travel to Laos by land by crossing Thailand’s borders. Some borders require a visa on arrival, so it’s best to check before traveling to Laos through these channels. The border crossings open for foreigners between Thailand and Laos are: 

• Huay Xai/Chiang Khong
• Muang Ngeun/Huay Kon
• Nam Hueng/Tha Li
• Vientiane/Nong Khai
• Paksan/Bueng Kan
• Tha Khaek/Nakhon Phanom
• Vang Tao/Chong Mek