Joanna James
Bordered by Myanmar to the northwest and Thailand to its south is the charming, adventure-savvy nation of Laos. For better travel experiences, do have a look at these 5 modes of transportation.
Linking provincial hubs with those districts strewn within its immediate environs and offering affordable transportation facilities to leading towns in Laos, the buses will appear like a feasible means of getting about without too much hassle or delay. When traversing through the nation's capital of Vientiane, the sight of fleets of blue buses will surely fall into focus. These buses are owned by the local government and operate out of the capital to areas as far as Pakse in the south and Vang Vieng in the north. Average fares beginning from Vientiane to Pakse and Luang Prabang hover around the 100,000 Kip mark. Tickets should be purchased from the town's main bus station and ideally, it is advisable that you arrive well in time to catch a comfy seat.
Known to charge around similar fares as buses, the songthaews which are covered pick-up trucks are your trusted transportation partner if the rural areas of Laos and its surrounding regions are your next stop. The fares are ridiculously low and it is customary for groups of travellers to hire the entire vehicle for an agreeable amount which in turn, affords the freedom and luxury to cover a greater part of the aforementioned areas in a manner befitting one's needs and fancies. The local bus station is your pick up point but should you find yourself in between stops, a songthaew can be conveniently hailed by standing by the side of the road.
By far the most resorted mode of transportation within Laos is the boat. The variety of the vessel differs depending on preference and the leisure destination but overall, one can rest assured of a truly pleasurable and riveting ride through laidback towns and along the waters of the famed Mekong River which feeds and nourishes Laos. For example, if you are staying at or considering a stay at Avani+ Luang Prabang which is a good hotel Luang Prabang has to offer, then guests like yourself will be able to pick and choose a favourable river cruise that will escort you to the very heart of Southeast Asia.
Laos Airlines which is headquartered in Vientiane's Wattay International Airport is the national carrier of the country which caters to both domestic and international travel accordingly. The popular routes that see large amounts of travellers accessing Laos Airlines include the Vientiane – Luang Prabang route, Vientiane – Savannkhet stretch coupled with the Vientiane - Pakse region. If flying from Vientiane to Savannakhet, expect to pocket out a one-way fare of USD 104 while travelling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang will see you paying a fee of USD 82.
To the carefree adventurer, riding a bicycle pausing only to catch your breath and the views of rolling hills, lush green forests and life's daily chores will come across as a rewarding and insightful activity. What's more? Rent out facilities that can be located in and around leading tourist centres, souvenir stalls and restaurants will only ask for anything between USD 1 to 2 per day in return for the safekeeping of their possessions. Now if this wasn't the cheapest way to explore the beauty and pageantry enveloping Laos, then what is?
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
