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The Airports of Laos 2024: Latest Information!
As a landlocked country surrounded by mountains and forests, Laos, the beautiful country of a million elephants, attracts tourists with its rich culture and history. Knowing the list of important airports in Laos, whether international or domestic, will help you make the best choice for traveling to this enchanting destination. How many International and Domestic Airports Does Laos Have? What is the main airport in Laos? In this article, we will help you list the various airports in Laos and the airlines that operate flights to and from Laos.
1. Where to Land When Traveling to Laos?
There are 11 airports in Laos offering domestic and international flights, of which four are international airports: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Savannakhet International Airport, and Pakse International Airport.
Despite its relatively underdeveloped infrastructure, Laos offers travelers an authentic and preserved experience.
For travelers from the USA, UK, Australia, and other English-speaking countries, Laos typically requires layovers in nearby countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia, as there are no direct flights to Laos from these regions. This offers an opportunity to combine visits to different Southeast Asian countries.
2. Map of Laos Airports
3. The International Airports of Laos
3.1 Wattay International Airport (VTE)
- Address: Vientiane, Laos
- Airport Code: VTE
- Website: Wattay International Airport
Wattay International Airport is the largest and most important airport in Laos. Also known as Vientiane Airport, it serves as the main gateway to Laos, located just 3 km from the center of the capital. Many international tourists choose this airport as their entry point into the country.
Domestic flights to and from Wattay Airport are operated by most national airlines such as Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway.
Foreign visitors can fly directly to Vientiane from various countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, China, and Vietnam, with airlines such as Lao Airlines, AirAsia, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Air Busan, Jeju Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines.
From Wattay International Airport, you can reach the city center by bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, or airport shuttle. (Indicative prices below)
| Transport Method | Price (KIPS) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 15,000 | 0.70 |
| Tuk-tuk | 20,000 | 1 |
| Taxi | 57,000 - 60,000 | 2.95 |
>>>> Learn more: Laotian Currency: Everything You Need to Know About the Lao Kip
Services Offered:
- Shops and restaurants
- Currency exchange services
- Tourist information counters
- ATMs
- Public transportation options like taxis or shuttles.
3.2 Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
- Address: Luang Prabang Province, Laos
- Airport Code: LPQ
- Website: Luang Prabang International Airport
Luang Prabang International Airport is smaller, with only one terminal for both domestic and international flights, yet it remains one of the busiest airports in Laos. It serves as an essential international gateway to the country.
Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway operate domestic flights connecting Pakse, Vientiane, and Xieng Khouang with Luang Prabang. Direct international flights from Vietnam, Japan, China, Cambodia, and Thailand are also available.
This airport offers various services such as check-in counters, lounges, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, and ATMs. Located just 4 km from downtown Luang Prabang, it takes about 10 to 15 minutes to travel from the airport. (Indicative prices below)
| Transport Method | Price (KIPS) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | 15,000 | 0.85 |
| Tuk-tuk | 40,000 | 2.25 |
| Taxi | 50,000 | 2.85 |
3.3 Savannakhet International Airport (ZVK)
- Address: Savannakhet Province, Laos
- Airport Code: ZVK
Savannakhet International Airport is a small airport with low passenger traffic. The terminal is divided into two halls: one for domestic flights and the other for international flights. Lao Airlines is the only carrier operating here, offering domestic flights to Vientiane and Pakse, as well as international flights to Bangkok (Thailand) and Da Nang (Vietnam).
There are no ATMs or currency exchange services at the airport, so it’s advisable to carry cash in US dollars or Thai baht, as euros are not commonly accepted in Savannakhet.
The airport is located about 2.5 km from the city center. Tuk-tuks and buses are the most popular transportation options, although local cars or trucks are also used. Fares can range from 80,000 to 100,000 Kip (8 to 10 USD).
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3.4 Pakse International Airport (PKZ)
- Address: Champasak Province, Laos
- Airport Code: PKZ
Pakse is the busiest city in southern Laos, and its international airport is inspired by the Lan Xang architectural style commonly seen in Laotian Buddhist temples, with distinctive pointed roofs.
The airport has a terminal for both international and domestic flights. Pakse offers international connections to several Southeast Asian countries and domestic connections to other Laotian airports. Given its small size, the number of flights is limited, so it is recommended to check schedules in advance for proper planning.
The airport provides complete facilities, including ATMs, shops, restaurants, internet access, and charging zones. It’s located only 3 km from the city center, making it easy to get there by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus.
4. Domestic Airports in Laos
Laos currently has 11 operational domestic airports, although they are not widely known or popular among international tourists. These airports primarily offer flights to the capital, Vientiane, or to Luang Prabang, operated by national airlines Lao Airlines and Lao Skyway.
Due to their small size and the limited number of flights, it’s important to check flight statuses to plan your trip accordingly.
Here is a list of domestic airports in Laos:
| Airport | Code |
|---|---|
| Salavan Airport | VNA |
| Sam Neua Airport | NEU |
| Luang Namtha Airport | LXG |
| Ban Houei Say Airport | HOE |
| Oudomxay Airport | ODY |
| Sayaboury Airport | ZBY |
5. Which Airlines Fly to Laos?
5.1 Lao Airlines
Lao Airlines, established in 1976, is the national airline of Laos, based at Wattay International Airport in Vientiane. With a modern fleet, including aircraft like the Douglas DC-3/DC-4 and primarily Airbus A320, Lao Airlines offers comfort and satisfaction to its customers.
As a low-cost airline, Lao Airlines was awarded the ARCH OF EUROPE prize in 2007 for being the first global airline to offer low fares year-round.
Lao Airlines connects Vientiane to many national provinces such as Luang Prabang, Champasak (Pakse), Savannakhet, Xieng Khouang, Bokeo, Oudomxay, and Luang Namtha.
In addition to domestic flights, Lao Airlines operates international routes to various Southeast Asian countries, including China, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand.
Lao Airlines Baggage Information:
- Carry-on baggage: Each passenger is allowed one free carry-on item weighing up to 7 kg with maximum dimensions of 115 cm (30x60x18 cm or 12x24x7 inches). If these limits are exceeded, the package may be refused.
- Checked baggage: Each passenger is entitled to one free checked bag up to 20 kg. For first and business classes, a checked bag of 30 kg is allowed.
Lao Airlines currently does not charge additional fees for excess baggage on international flights. However, on domestic flights, fees apply for overweight checked baggage. The cost is approximately 37,000 Kips per 2 kg (2.10 USD) for routes like Vientiane - Pakse, and 55,500 Kips per 3 kg (3.12 USD) for routes like Luang Prabang - Pakse.
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5.2 Other Airlines Serving Laos
| Airline | Hand Luggage | Checked Baggage |
|
Vietnam Airlines |
1 bag (12 kg, economy) or 2 bags (18 kg, premium/business) |
23 kg (economy), 32 kg (business) |
|
Thai Airways |
55 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm, max 7 kg |
20–40 kg (domestic), 20–50 kg (international) |
|
China Eastern Airlines |
55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm, max 10 kg |
2 pieces, 23 kg each (economy/business), 32 kg (first class) |
6. Tips for a Smooth Flight to Laos
- Choose the right flight: Flight options to Laos are limited, so check availability and select one that fits your schedule and budget.
- Compare airlines: Compare services, layovers, and fares across different airlines.
- Online check-in: If available, check in online to save time. Also, ensure your personal documents are ready.
- Arrive early: Even though Laos airports are not very busy, arrive early to ensure a smooth process.
- Follow baggage rules: Pack according to airline baggage regulations to avoid delays and additional fees.
- Check airport services: Ask for the prices of services before using them at the airport.
Final Words
This guide provides all the essential information about airports in Laos. Enjoy your trip, and feel free to contact us for additional details!
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