Travel Information about Laos

The easiest entry points to Laos are the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane (daily flights from/to Bangkok with Thai Airways or Lao Airlines), and the Mekong River Friendship Bridge 20km from Vientiane. The 1994 opened Friendship Bridge connects Vientiane with Nong Khai on the Thai side, with direct trains connections from/to Bangkok, of shuttle services to Udon Thani, the next largest city in Thailand with a domnestic airport. (for other places to get into Laos click here)
A Visa on Arrival for US$ 30 is available at the Vientiane, Luangprabang, and Pakse airports and the Friendship Bridge (other checkpoints see Lao visa policy). This service was introduced in August 1997. A passphoto and of course a valid passport are required among other things.
Entering Laos at other checkpoints requires a valid visa (see Lao visa policy). A Lao visa is available through Lao embassies, e.g. in Bangkok, Berlin, Paris, USA, others. Do not buy a visa at travel agents in Vietnam or Thailand due to a recent visa scam.
Travelling in Laos is not as easy as in most western countries, but it is becoming increasingly better. The necessary infrastructure is in development and continuosly improved. However, it is highly recommended for all traveller to be well prepared for trips especially for journeys in the Lao country side. Check frequently for the latest information as it is changing all the time in the rapidly developing environment.
The information available on the Internet is not always updated on a regular basis. Check different sites!

Vientiane, Asia's Charm City
Report by Michael Patrick Anderson, Special to The Washington Post, February 11, 2001

The following sites provide useful information about travelling in Laos:: Green Discovery Laos, adventure travel and eco-tourism specialists; Laos, great homepage with a lot of interesting info (in English and French); Lonely Planet Guide: Laos, the website of the ultimate travel book; Smart Travel Asia, destination guide with some multimedia; ClassBrain country report on Laos (by CIA fact book); Visit Laos 2000, every traveler's first stop; Diethelm Travel Laos, Tours and Bookings, Information and Tips; Asia Travel Laos, Tours, Sightseeing, Excursions, Information; Asia Tour Guide: Laos, information is a bit old (1996-1999); Laos Hotels, tours and travel information

The official homepage of Lao Embassies:: Lao Embassy in Bangkok; Lao Embassy in the USA
Unofficial sites about visa:: Visa from Lao Embassy in Berlin; List of Lao Embassies around the world