Getting to Laos?
 

I'm assuming the most efficient route is via Bangkok (from the UK) unless anyone can advise differently - perhaps via HK for example?

Thanks - vhs.

There's an easy flight from Bangkok to Luang prabang. ther are also BKK-Vientienne flights. Perhaps there's a more "efficient" way, but it's unlikely.

Thanks Gpanda.

Getting from BKK depends on where in Laos you want to go. The only carrier is Bangkok Air (they share with Lao Air).

Thai does BKK to Vientiane, but I always fly to Udon Thani and take the van to the border. Takes longer, but half the cost.

Like Michael, I go in through Udon Thani. Doesn't take much longer and is a nice trip anyway. Cost is so much less. You fly out of DonMuang rather than the international airport so that may be a consideration if you are going straight through and of course its only applicable if you are planning on going to Vientiane. If you are only going up to Luang Prabang then you may as well go with Bangkok Airways.

If you want to go into the south of Lao you can fly to Pakse with Bangkok air a couple of times a week or for much less fly (lots of flights per day) to Ubon Ratchatani in Thailand and cross the border there. That takes a little longer but again a nice trip to see some of the country

MaryW - Pakse is high on my "to-do" list. Is the transfer from Ubon to Pakse as "well organized" as Udon to Vientiane?

Hi Michael

We did this trip a few weeks ago - if you want to see my report then try here

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=27

We had intended to do the international bus across - works just like the one from Udon. Unfortunately due to the demise of our Nok Air flight we ended up having to take a car from the airport at Ubon There are 4 buses a day - 7.30, 8.30, 14.30 and 17.30 they take about 2.5 hours to Pakse. The morning Thai flight gets you to Ubon in time for the 8.30 but the lunchtime is too late for the 14.30 - the border is "closed" at 4.00 and then its on overtime so the last bus you'd have to pay the overtime rates to get through. We didn't wait for that bus as we were wanting to get up to the Plateau before dark.

Hope that helps - ask if there is anything else.

Mary

Cars are just as easy from the airport as they are from Udon. The border itself is a little more difficult as there is a lot of building going on - we had to walk across through the rubble. Not hard just not the same organisation as at Nong Khai

This is all really helpful information thank you and I am more tempted by the Udon Thani route which I expect will be more interesting not o mention the cot saving!

Have to dash but looking forward to reading your trip report later MaryW and no doubt I will have more questions.

MaryW - clicked on your link but nothing happening - not sure what I am doing wrong?

Sorry - must be me getting the link wrong!!!

So if you could just search on MaryW or look for Note on Southern Lao and Vat Phou cruise you'll find it.

I'll go and top it now so its a bit easier. Sorry about that.

Mary