Getting Around Laos
Buses
If getting there is half the fun those using Laos’s bus network are in for a ball. There are both private and state owned bus services with the privately owned companies opening up new routes all the time. Bus travel is a fairly uncomfortable experience in Laos with the best vehicles (book ahead) operating only on the main Route 13 and inter-country routes. Buses are built for the smaller SE Asian frame, so Westerners are likely to feel cramped.
As one gets off the main routes buses change into songthaews (“2 rows” referring to the two rows of bench seats in the back) and thence into lot doi saan or “wooden bus” – the rickety buses that once were more common in Laos but are now found on only the roughest of routes.
Prices are very affordable, even for the private VIP air-con buses.
Taxis
Samlors or tuk tuks (the name is used interchangeably) and jumbos (large tuk tuks) are the way to go here, although there are more regular taxis in Vientiane. Always agree a fare before setting off.
Car Hire
Perhaps surprisingly, car hire is possible in Laos, as is hiring a motorcycle. Roads are poor and as you won’t be covered on your regular travel insurance we can’t endorse motorcycle hire even though it’s far safer than Thailand and Vietnam.
Hiring a car may make for an interesting trip. It’s enables you to travel in more comfort and stop where you wish. A driver adds little to the overall cost and given the time saved and the reduced stress either a car-and-driver or a driver-guide is definitely worth considering.
Driving
Right hand side of the road.
Trains
There are no rail services in Laos.
Boats
Where there are no rail services boat travel is popular and practical given the length of waterways in the country. Routes are diminishing however as the road network improves. Slow boats (the name given to small passenger boats operating on minor rivers than the Mekong) are still to be found whilst the Huay Xai / Luang Prabang Mekong journey is still a classic and doable either as part of an organised tour or on a public boat. Note that facilities are always extremely basic on public service vessels.
Note that the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office warn that, 'Travel on the Mekong River by speedboat is dangerous, particularly in the dry season, November to April. Life-vests and crash helmets should be provided and worn'.
