Travel by Bus safely in Laos

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Admin June 26, 2017 7:12 GMT

Travelling by buses in Laos is an adventure in itself, what with its aged jalopies with hard seats and hot, crowded buses. Don’t be fooled by maps and distance charts – seemingly short rides can take hours, as tired vehicles slow to a crawl in their uphill battle against muddy, mountainous roads. Take heart though, in knowing that many visitors have their best encounters with the people of Laos amid the adversity of a bad bus ride. You can see more: Indochina tours Laos

Is travelling by bus in Laos safely and a good choice?

It really depends on individual’s specific budget, situation, and/or personal preferences. Some travellers may seek adventurous ways of travel, some may prefer to save money, others may have time constraints.

If you want to see more of Laos close up, or look for a cheap, fun and adventurous way to travel, buses maybe a good and safe choice.

However, if you don’t have plenty of time, ou should plan your journey carefully, and having a back-up one in case things go wrong, such as buses breaking down. Be sure to choose your bus wisely, if possible, have a look at the bus before buying your ticket, avoid old looking buses. A trip by these old buses can last like forever, they are uncomfortable and may have no air-condition and worst of all they sometimes break down.

This old bus is full -source: internet

As Laos is a developing nation where public transport is either incomprehensive or unconvenient and sometimes nonexistent, there are not always many choices. You just have to settle for whatever type of bus is available.

Although some refer to bus system in Laos as a substandard, this is not always true as there are more comfortable, air-con buses in service (known as VIP), operated by private companies. They are more expensive, but you will have a smoother journey and peace of mind.

Take a VIP bus, then you can have a smooth trip -source: internet

Travel by bus into Laos

Getting by bus into Laos from its neighbour countries such as Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and China (not Myanmar at present) is fairly cheap and easy.

Buses are better, cleaner, and a lot more comfortable than those used for local commuting in a long journeys such as Laos – Thailand

However, for some routes such as Kunming-Vientiane and Vientiane – Hanoi it takes a very long time for the journey. A seem-to-be comfortable seat at the beginning might become a tough and uncomfortable one after hours of sitting. Sometimes you have to share the bus with some animals such as chickens and/or pigs.

Basic requirements for getting into Laos by bus or other means

To travel safely by bus into Laos is like any other means of travel. You must carry a valid passport for the border crossing and in some cases you need a valid visa as not all crossings can issue visas on arrival. Your passport must have at least six month of remaining validity and at least one whole blank page for your visa. Tours in Laos

If you are planning to get a visa at the Lao border (visa on arrival), be sure that you have 2 photos (as passport-type), and US dollars for the visa fee, which varies according to your nationality. It’s wise to have the exact amount to avoid hassles because the visa officers often do not have enough or no changes. Sometime they might give you change in Lao Kip at an unfavourable rate.

Visa in Laos – source: internet

If you choose International Bus Services from Thailand to Vientiane for your safe trip by bus, please notice that the buses from Kohn Khaen, Nong Khai and Udon Thani usually don’t wait long at the border. Therefore you plan to get the visa at the border, ask the bus staff to make sure they will wait before buying your ticket, otherwise get your visa before hand.

Travel by bus in, out or around Laos

Laos doesn’t have a train system, apart from the cross-border train from Thailand to Tha Naleng station in Vientiane, so buses are the main safe form of public transportation.

Vientiane has three bus stations: Central Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal, and Southern Bus Terminal.

Central Bus Terminal: Known as Talat Sao (Morning Market) or Khua Din bus station, is located in between the Khua Din Market and Morning Market.

A safe bus in the city of Laos – source: internet

Northern Bus Terminal: Situated in Sithong Road, around 7km from city centre. This is the main departure point for safe buses to northern destinations, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Xiengkhuang and other provinces as well as buses to China.

Southern Bus Terminal: Located on 450 road (relocated in road 13 south in Dong Dok), around 9km from city centre. This new location is just around 900 meters away from the old one. This is the main departure point for buses to the south as well as buses to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Come to Laos and experience an “adventurous” trip on the wheels!

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