| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Laos is a forgotten land. Most conversations about traveling to Southeast Asia focus on exploring Bangkok, finding the perfectly deserted white-sand beach, or visiting the temples at Angkor Wat. Talk rarely drifts to Laos. Many people may not know it's a viable travel option, much less what there is to see and do here. Part of this ignorance is a result of the shroud of Laos's communist government, which became politically and economically isolated after taking power in 1975. An air of mystery then drifted over the country. In recent years, more light has shined on Laos, and the world is slowly discovering what the country and its people have to offer. Following in the footsteps of its more prosperous neighbors, Laos is making a concerted effort to build its fledgling tourism industry. One of the poorest countries in the world, Laos's designation by the United Nations as a "least-developed country" ensures an influx of money from both foreign governments and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) alike. Although some of this aid money goes to sustain the donor (case in point: the ubiquitous shiny white Range Rovers seen throughout the country), much of it's spent on developing the country's infrastructure. While improving, the roads are still primitive by Western standards -- which means getting from point A to point B is, more often than not, an adventure. But for the stout of heart (and iron of stomach), these adventures are part of Laos's allure -- they'll take you
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| How To Get There (Source: Frommers) | Top | Bangkok is Laos's main link with global air routes. In addition, regular flights from neighboring Vietnam and Cambodia make it easy to hop a direct flight from anywhere in Southeast Asia to Vientiane's Wattay International Airport. Lao Airlines (formerly Lao Aviation) runs both domestic and international routes. The main office in Vientiane is at 2 Pangkham Rd. (tel. 021/212-057, or 021/214-427 for reservations; www.laoairlines.com). Lao Airlines connects Vientiane with Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kunming, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap. It's also possible to fly from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, or Siam Reap directly to Luang Prabang. Other convenient routes link Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap) and Pakse. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Vietnam Airlines also provide service to Laos. Check www.bangkokair.com for information about new Bangkok Airways routes between the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bangkok, Sukhothai, Luang Prabang, and Hue. Note: There is an international departure tax of US$10/£5.50, payable in any currency (dollars/euros/baht/kip). By Train The State Railway of Thailand's northeastern line originates at Bangkok's Hua Lampong Railway Station (tel. 02223-7010 or 1690). Running north, it connects many major provincial capitals in Isaan, Thailand's northeastern region, before terminating at Nong Khai, opposite Vientiane. Once in Nong Khai, hire a tuk-tuk from the train station to the immigration ch
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