in Laos.. How did you get from place to place?

[Guest]

To those that have travelled in Laos recently, How did you get from place to place e.g. Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng to Vientiane?

Has anyone had any experience getting the train?

Thanks for your help..

[Louis]

The train is a fantastic way to get around although it only connects Luang prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane. It is like an airport. They will scan your bags, make you drink your liquid right in front of them to ensure it's not poison or bomb explosive liquid and you have to be there about 45 mins in advance for "check-in". Also wearing a mask is mandatory. The Chinese influence here is very obvious but it is affordable and very reliable and clean.

[Arn]

The train is by far the easiest and most comfortable option. The only hassle is getting your tickets. You can buy them yourself by going to the station (which is kilometres away from the cities), but I'd recommend just asking your hotel. You'll pay some commission but generally it's a good deal. Tickets can be bought only 2 days in advance.

[Gustav]

Go by train. And book early. I was too late for train tickets on both Vientiane-VV and VV-LPB.

Minibus between Vientiane and Vang Vieng was fine but a nightmare between Vang Vieng and LPB due to the very bad conditions of the roads.

[Mia]

Also urgently recommend to take the train, especially to/from Luang Prabang, the roads in this area are the worst so the ride is super bumpy, and if you don't throw up yourself from getting shaked so much, pretty sure one of the other passengers will.

Going down south from Vientiane to Pakse and further, the roads are much better and sleeper bus is comfortable. Just know before that they always sell 2 tickets for one bed, so if you travel with a partner/friend it's totally ok to share the bed, but if you travel alone better buy 2 tickets or you might have to share with a stranger!

[Freya]

I've just spent a month in laos mainly using buses and minivans arranged by my accommodation apart from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng as we heard the train was quicker and not that much more expensive. We took a sleeper train from Vientiane to 4000 Islands which was great too. All very easy to arrange.

[Anansie]

I took the bullet train and definitely recommend it! So fast and if you book through 12Go Asia and email on confirmation they’ll pick you up from your accommodation and bring the ticket to you! Only thing to be aware of is the bullet train is partly owned by china so the security to get into the station is like airport security (bags scanned, etc) but honestly it’s super easy and quick and you should definitely travel that way!