As the capital and largest city in Laos, Vientiane is the main point of entry for air travel into the country. Wattay International Airport is located just minutes from the centre of the city, providing the easiest means of getting to Laos from regional destinations.

The airport is small and slightly rundown in appearance, but it serves its purpose, transporting passengers from a few cities around Laos and to a handful of neighbouring international destinations. The national carrier Laos Airways handles most of the flights, but other regional carriers like Thai Airways and Bangkok Air also offer frequent services.

Passenger facilities are limited and the Arrivals and Departures lounges are not particularly comfortable. Arriving visitors can exchange money at the terminal, but dining options are not available. Transportation into Vientiane is by taxi only, which is arranged by a taxi broker next to the Baggage Claim table. Fares are fixed and non negotiable.

If you aren’t arriving by air, the other main way of getting into Laos is by bus. The main border crossing into the country is via the Friendship Bridge, which connects Nong Khai, Thailand to Vientiane. Crossing the border is straightforward and relatively quick. All buses arrive at Vientiane’s central bus station next to the Morning Market.

Intrepid travellers can also reach the capital by boat along the Mekong from the northern border crossing with Thailand at Huay Xai or from the southern border crossing near Savannaket. River journeys can take a few days, but are very rewarding if you don’t mind being in a boat for the length of the journey.

Once you have reached your hotel in Vientiane, it’s easy to walk to just about all of the main attractions in the city. The main streets run in a grid, with Lan Xang being the main north-south avenue. At the centre of things is the popular Nam Phu Fountain, where a lot of the tourist action can be found.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can rent a bicycle from most guesthouses or a motorbike if you want to go farther afield. Three-wheeled tuk-tuks are the only form of public transportation in Vientiane, and can be easily found around Nam Phu. Rates are negotiable and normally very inexpensive for short rides within central Vientiane.