Transport and driving in Laos

Navigating transport and driving in Laos can be difficult and time consuming. The thickly forested and mountainous country has not undergone major industrialisation or infrastructural development until recently. As a result, few reliable transport options are readily available. The country's road network is limited and mostly unpaved.

In recent years, The Lao government has worked on its vision to transition from a landlocked to a land-linked nation, connecting to neighbouring countries with highways and rails. As part of its Belt and Road Initiative, China contributed to the Boten-Vientiane railway, opening a transport artery from Laos's capital to China's southern border.

Public transport in Laos

Trains

The Boten-Vientiane line is by far the quickest and most pleasant method to travel in Laos. Both high-speed (EMU) and regular trains run on this line, with the EMU services operating at up to 99 miles per hour (160 km/h). Tickets can be difficult to get – be sure to book well in advance.

Buses, minibuses and songtaew

Buses and minibuses are available for transportation on the key paved highways linking Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Savannakhet. Given the many winding, steep and rough roads, overland trips can be long and uncomfortable, and minibuses can be cramped.

Songtaew are specially converted pickup trucks or small lorries with roofs, open sides and two rows of bench seating. These are predominantly used on rural or unpaved roads.

Expats can also spring for a 'VIP bus', a conventional bus with air conditioning, snacks and more space and amenities than the other options.

Boats

Expats can travel along the Mekong and its tributaries by boat. Some routes are only available during the wet season floods, as the depth and navigability of the Mekong vary depending on the time of year. Additionally, Laos's hydroelectric dam projects have interrupted many historical routes.

Taxis in Laos

Tuk-tuks, Skylabs and jumbos

The most common form of taxi in Laos is the tuk-tuk, and these come in a few different flavours. Tuk-tuks are a great way to make short commutes, as they are nimble and versatile enough to navigate unpredictable driving conditions. They are easily hailed from the side of the road.

The original tuk-tuk has a partially enclosed driving cab, while Skylabs have a motorcycle-shaped, semi-open front cab. Skylabs are more spacious and can easily seat eight or more passengers. Jumbos are similar in design to Skylabs, but with less passenger space and smaller engines.

Songtaew can also operate in the capacity of a taxi. When picked up by an empty songtaew, you should make sure to ask whether it is operating as a bus or taxi. When operating as a bus, songtaew have fixed routes and lower fees, while as taxis they go to the requested destination for a higher fee.

Taxis and ride-hailing

In addition to the above-mentioned taxis, expats can use a ride-hailing service. At the moment, international ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are not available, but LOCA is a well-trusted local Lao ride-hailing service.

Useful links

•  LOCA

Driving in Laos

In Laos, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. Congestion is relatively low, even in central Vientiane, but as driving conditions can be hazardous, expats should practice defensive driving. Outside of the main cities, driving conditions are poor, necessitating a high-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicle. Given these factors, many expats who use a car to get around choose to hire a personal driver. 

Driver's licences

To drive in Laos, expats will need an International Driving Permit (IDP), although those from China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia can drive in Laos with their home country's licence. Expats staying in Laos for longer than a year will need to take a driving test and obtain a local driving licence.

Air travel in Laos

Laos has international airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, linking the country to the Southeast Asia region. Besides flights between these three major airports, there are short flights to provincial capitals. Within Laos, the state carrier Lao Airlines has a near-total monopoly on flights, though the development of the high-speed train has provided a safe, cost-effective and speedy alternative to air travel in Laos.