Key hubs
Vientiane airport and railway station
- Airport
- Wattay International Airport (VTE), about 3 km from the centre. No direct Indian destinations are listed, so connect via Bangkok, Hanoi, Kunming or another hub.
- Railway station
- Vientiane railway station on the Laos-China railway, in Xaythany District on the city's edge; trains reach Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Passenger trains do not yet cross into Thailand.
- Getting around
- Tuk-tuks, taxis and ride-hailing apps for most trips; the central temples are walkable in the cool season, but Pha That Luang is about 4 km out.
How to reach Vientiane by air
Wattay International Airport (VTE) is about 3 km from the centre, around 15 to 25 minutes by road. Wikipedia's destination list shows no direct Indian cities, with services to Bangkok, Hanoi, Kunming, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, so Indian travellers usually connect through a hub. Check current schedules.
How to reach Vientiane by train
Vientiane railway station on the Laos-China railway, opened in December 2021, is in Xaythany District on the city's edge, so allow a taxi or tuk-tuk transfer. Fast trains take about an hour to Vang Vieng and about two hours to Luang Prabang. Passenger trains do not yet cross into Thailand.
How to reach Vientiane by road
The first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, opened in 1994, links Vientiane with Nong Khai in Thailand. Roads run north to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, but they are slower than the train. Buddha Park lies roughly 25 km southeast of the city.
Getting around Vientiane
Tuk-tuks and taxis cover most trips, and the centre is walkable in the cool season, though Pha That Luang is about 4 km out. Wikivoyage suggests short hops should cost a modest fare and that posted fare cards are inflated, so agree the price first.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Vientiane
- Pavements are uneven or blocked by parked bikes, and crossing roads can be hard because drivers rarely stop. Cross with a companion and take tuk-tuks for anything beyond a few blocks.
- Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees at temples. Take slip-on footwear and carry a light scarf to make this easy.
- Medical care in Laos is limited compared with Bangkok; buy travel insurance with medical evacuation cover, carry enough regular medication and a prescription list, and ask your hotel for the nearest clinic.
- Drink bottled or boiled water and avoid ice if your stomach is sensitive; carry oral rehydration salts.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.