To be honest, I never understood all the hype about Laos. I've been there many times, and although I never really ventured off the beaten track, I always felt it was a sleepier version of Thailand – just without the beaches.

Nevertheless, Laos is a popular stopover for travelers from Thailand. Therefore, regardless of my personal opinion of the country, I consider it important to provide some information here.

Whether you're traveling from Thailand to Laos (or vice versa), and regardless of where exactly your journey begins or ends in each country, the following sections will help you. Traveling between these two countries is easier than ever – you'll be ready to go soon!

Is a trip to Laos worthwhile?

Before I explain all the possibilities for traveling to Laos from Thailand, let's continue the discussion I started at the beginning of this article: Is a trip to Laos even worthwhile? I find it difficult to answer this question objectively, as, as I mentioned before, I never really liked Laos. On the other hand, I also openly admit that I haven't been everywhere in Laos – I don't know what I don't know.

All I can say is that the most beautiful places in Laos that I've visited have always been the most remote, and getting there is always the most time-consuming. It definitely requires more perseverance than playing your favorite table games at Thai online casinos, which is so easy it's almost effortless. So, if you decide to travel there despite my rather lukewarm enthusiasm for Laos, I recommend setting aside some time to maximize your chances of a truly unforgettable experience.

All options for traveling from Thailand to Laos

Flight from Bangkok

Whether with Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, or various Laotian low-cost carriers, dozens of flights operate daily between Bangkok and various airports in Laos, including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, to name just a few. You can also fly nonstop from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, but that's not the best option.

Take a boat that travels overnight.

Instead, if you have the time, I recommend traveling from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. After a few days there (and in the nearby Golden Triangle), continue on to Chiang Kong, from where you can cross the river into Laos and take a boat to Luang Prabang. An overnight stay in rural Pak Beng is unforgettable!

Take a night train.

The bad news? You can't travel directly from Bangkok to Vientiane by train, at least not without a stopover. The good news? You can take a relaxing night train from Bangkok to Nong Khai in Thailand and, after a relatively straightforward immigration check in Laos, continue on to Vientiane.

Take the bus

As long as the high-speed train from Thailand to Laos, financed by Chinese financial institutions, is still years away, the train is definitely not the fastest connection between the two countries. Some travelers therefore prefer the bus journey from the Mo Chit bus station in Bangkok, from which several buses depart daily.

Let yourself drift

Laos isn't a country where you need to plan everything down to the last detail. So, if you can handle the unexpected, you don't need to plan every single detail. Perhaps you'll explore Thailand's underrated Isaan region and travel from Nakhon Phanom to the sleepy town of Thakhek.

What you should do as soon as you arrive in Laos

Of course, your Laos travel itinerary will vary depending on your point of entry. However, here are some ways you can spend your time there:

  • Visit the Laotian capital Vientiane, regardless of whether you end up finding it underrated or simply disappointing.
  • Travel north to the backpacker center of Vang Vieng, especially if you plan to take a cycling trip to the Blue Lagoon from there.
  • Or you can take a flight to Pakse, from where the natural beauty of Don Det/4000 Islands is easily accessible.
  • Explore Luang Prabang, which is like a smaller (and somehow more touristy) Chiang Mai.

    • Regardless of whether you are traveling from Bangkok to Vientiane or not, you should consider hiring me to plan your Southeast Asia trip.

    Other frequently asked questions about traveling to Laos from Thailand

    How do you get from Thailand to Laos?

    The easiest way to travel from Thailand to Laos is by plane, for example via airports such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Alternatively, you can also travel overland (by train from Bangkok to Nong Khai and from there by connecting train to Vientiane) or by boat from Chiang Kong (Thailand) via Pak Beng (Laos) to Luang Prabang.

    Is there a train connection from Thailand to Laos?

    It is possible to travel from Thailand to Laos by train, but not directly. You have to get off in Nong Khai (Thailand), complete the border formalities on foot, and then get back on a train (possibly a different one) to continue your journey to Laos.

    Can I cross the border from Thailand to Laos?

    Entry from Thailand to Laos is possible, however, citizens of most countries require a visa. If you have concerns about applying for a visa at a border crossing, please contact the nearest Laotian embassy or consulate before your trip to obtain a tourist visa.

    Conclusion

    The bad news? Laos isn't one of my favorite Southeast Asian countries, and probably never will be. The good news? Traveling from Thailand to Laos (and vice versa) is easier than ever. So, if I (or you!) ever decide to go there, it's not nearly as stressful as it used to be. Dozens of flights depart daily from Thailand to various airports in Laos. And while exciting new rail connections might be years or even decades away, traveling by bus, train, or even boat is an option. Whether you visit Laos or not, make the most of your Southeast Asia trip by letting me handle the planning.