Travel

It's possible to enter Laos by land or air from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or China. Land borders are often remote and the travelling can be tough either side, but the actual frontier crossing is usually pretty simple. The only real prerequisites for entering Laos are a passport with six months' validity and a visa if you are crossing at one of the few borders where you can't get a visa on arrival, such as the Cambodian border at Voen Kham.

Flying into Laos is refreshing in that you don't need to shop around - only a few airlines service Laos and prices don't vary much.

There are three international airports in Laos. Wattay International Airport (tel: 021 512165) in Vientiane; Luang Prabang International Airport (tel:                071 212856        ) and Pakse International Airport (tel: 031 212844). Lao Airlines is the national carrier and monopolises the majority of flights in and out of the country, though many code-share with airlines such as Thai Airways, China Eastern Airlines and Vietnam Airlines. The international departure tax can be paid in kip, baht or US dollars.

Most land crossings involve changing transport at the border, even when you've paid for a 'direct' bus. Five of the crossings on the western border with Thailand involve quick boat trips across the Mekong. Generally Laos issues 30-day tourist visas at crossings that are open to foreigners.

It's possible to bring your own vehicle into Laos from Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, with the right paperwork, and Lao customs don't object to visitors bringing bicycles into the country.