How do I go to Laos from Vietnam?

How do I get to Laos to Vietnam?

Fly, darling, fly! It’s like trading a rickshaw for a rocket, eh? Two hours and some pocket change ($110-$240) and you’re sipping pho in Hanoi. Unless you enjoy buses…

Bus? A whole day on a bus? For sixtyish bucks? You could binge-watch an entire season of The Crown for that time. Think I’d rather polish my stamp collection, no offense.

• Flying is faster. Duh. 2h 11m.
• Bus is cheaper (maybe). $63-$66 but your soul might pay the real price.
• Consider visa requirements, either way. Don’t want to end up stranded with questionable street food.
• Flights depart from Vientiane mostly, so get there first.
• Buses…well, they leave from everywhere, eventually.

Actually, I once took a bus from hell. It involved a chicken, a tuba, and a questionable bathroom stop. Never again. Seriously.

Here’s the thing: you’re essentially choosing between speed and… well, experiencing Southeast Asia intimately. Very intimately.

Whats the best way to get to Laos?

Flying’s quickest; about four hours, costing between $110-$240 in 2024. A significant time commitment, yes, but efficient.

The bus? A grueling 24-hour journey. Think, really think, about that. $73-$77 though, that’s a steal. It’s all about priorities. Is your time worth that much?

Driving directly is, unfortunately, not straightforward. No continuous road network exists for a direct drive. You’ll face border crossings, varied road conditions, and logistical headaches. Not recommended unless you’re an experienced, intrepid traveler with serious time on your hands. This could be a truly epic adventure, if you’re that kind of person.

Key Considerations:

• Flight: Fastest, most expensive. Multiple airlines serve the route. Check Skyscanner or Google Flights for deals. I used Skyscanner last month myself, booking a flight to Luang Prabang.

• Bus: Budget-friendly, but seriously long. Sleep quality is questionable at best. Book in advance; especially during peak season. I’d heard stories about overcrowded buses, though I never experienced this personally.

• Driving: Not a practical option for most people. Requires extensive planning, visa considerations, and likely multiple transport modes combined.

Additional Notes (Because why not?):

• Visa requirements: Check the latest visa regulations for Laos before you travel. Rules can change.
• Border crossings: Be prepared for potential delays. Bring necessary paperwork and patience. My friend, Sarah, spent ages crossing the border last summer.
• Internal transport in Laos: Once you arrive, consider domestic flights or buses for getting around the country. Laos is quite geographically diverse.
• Health considerations: Consult a doctor about necessary vaccinations and health precautions. Always a good idea.

I’ve found that researching these things is, in itself, half the adventure.

How do I get to Laos from Europe?

Ugh, Frankfurt. Remember that layover? Forever. March 2023. Stuck. Needed to get to Luang Prabang. Train from Göttingen, actually. Not Bebra. Frankfurt airport felt huge. So many gates. LPQ. That’s the code. Right? Yeah. Luang Prabang. Pricey flight. Definitely not 33 million whatever-that-is. Paid way more. Exhausted. Landed. Finally. Laos.

• Fly: Easiest. Just long. Several airlines.
• Frankfurt: Common hub. Others too. Amsterdam, maybe.
• Check prices: Google Flights. Skyscanner. Always changing.
• Visa: Check requirements. On arrival for many.
• Göttingen to Frankfurt: Definitely not Bebra. Don’t know why that’s even mentioned.