Airport to Luang Prabang town
The easiest way to get from the airport to town is taxi. It costs 50,000 kip ($6 USD) and takes about 15 minutes. If you’re willing to test your luck, you can try walking out of the airport and finding a tuk tuk just outside. You should be able to negotiate a fare with a tuk tuk driver for 20,000 kip.
- Bus stations to Luang Prabang town
- Northern bus station – tuk tuk cost is 20,000 kip
- Southern bus station – tuk tuk cost is 10,000 kip. It’s closer and hence cheaper.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos
Luang Prabang International Airport, Laos
Luang Prabang International Airport (IATA: LPQ, ICAO: VLLB) is one of the few international airports in Laos. The airport is located in Luang Prabang. Until February 2011 it was considered a risky place to land due to the mountainous terrain surrounding the airport, but since then it has been modernized, making the airport significantly safer.
Airport Code: Luang Prabang International Airport IATA airport code is LPQ and ICAO code is VLLB
Location: Located at 19°53'50"N 102°09'39"E, 955 feet (291 meters) above sea level, Luang Prabang International Airport is located about 4 km from the center of Luang Prabang, Laos.
Capacity: One runway Runway 06/24 - 7,218 feet 2,200 meters long - Asphalt
The airport consists of one terminal for both domestic and international flights.
Introducing Luang Prabang:
Colour is the first of Luang Prabang’s virtues to greet travellers. Pearly frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows. And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold. Encircled by mountains, and set 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan (Khan River) and the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is now Laos’ foremost tourist showpiece. The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multiethnic inhabitants captivates even the most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city’s residents lulls them into a somnambulant bliss.
Luang Prabang International Airport (IATA: LPQ, ICAO: VLLB) is one of the few international airports in Laos. The airport is located in Luang Prabang. Until February 2011 it was considered a risky place to land due to the mountainous terrain surrounding the airport, but since then it has been modernized, making the airport significantly safer.
Airport Code: Luang Prabang International Airport IATA airport code is LPQ and ICAO code is VLLB
Location: Located at 19°53'50"N 102°09'39"E, 955 feet (291 meters) above sea level, Luang Prabang International Airport is located about 4 km from the center of Luang Prabang, Laos.
Capacity: One runway Runway 06/24 - 7,218 feet 2,200 meters long - Asphalt
The airport consists of one terminal for both domestic and international flights.
Introducing Luang Prabang:
Colour is the first of Luang Prabang’s virtues to greet travellers. Pearly frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats. The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows. And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold. Encircled by mountains, and set 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan (Khan River) and the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is now Laos’ foremost tourist showpiece. The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multiethnic inhabitants captivates even the most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city’s residents lulls them into a somnambulant bliss.
Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Hi All, Finally booking flights to LP for wed / thurs next week.
I am going to LP for 10 days then returning home. Flights are tricky and so am prepared for the long transit wait on return flight. My preferred flight with Singapore airlines arrives at Bangkok at 8.35 am and the connecting Lao Airlines flight leaving at 10.40 I guess the baggage has to be picked up and rechecked in as its a different airline? Do I have to go through customs? if so the 2 hours will not be enough time to check in? Thanks in advance
Re 1: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Hi, I'm pretty sure that Singapore Airlines don't have an interline agreement with Lao Airlines, so that would mean you would need to collect luggage at Suvarnabhumi and check in for the Lao flight, which would mean you do have to go through immigration in Bangkok, collect your bags and head up to the 4th floor to the Lao Airlines check in desk. I think your connection is very tight.
Lao ask for a 2 hour check in for international flights, their cut off is 45 mins prior to departure so you would need to be checking in by 09.50 at the latest. If your flight lands on time, you should allow at least an hour to de-plane and get to immigration and collect luggage, so with a following wind you 'could' be heading up to check in by 09.30, but if the queues are bad at immigration it could be longer. Most would recommend at least a 3 hour cushion between international flights at Suvarnabhumi.
I would contact Singapore Airlines to double check on the luggage question as it would make the connection faster.
Re 2: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
A bit over 2 hours will be enough assuming Singapore Airlines arrive on time.
It should only take you a bit over 1 hour to collect luggage, check back in with Lao Air (I assume) and pass through customs again. You will not be able to say in transit. Good luck.
Re 3: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Thanks everyone, I don't have a visa for Thailand and i'm leaving soon, can i get one at the airport? Of course that will slow things up. Does anyone know who has an interline
Soure: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk
Hi All, Finally booking flights to LP for wed / thurs next week.
I am going to LP for 10 days then returning home. Flights are tricky and so am prepared for the long transit wait on return flight. My preferred flight with Singapore airlines arrives at Bangkok at 8.35 am and the connecting Lao Airlines flight leaving at 10.40 I guess the baggage has to be picked up and rechecked in as its a different airline? Do I have to go through customs? if so the 2 hours will not be enough time to check in? Thanks in advance
Re 1: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Hi, I'm pretty sure that Singapore Airlines don't have an interline agreement with Lao Airlines, so that would mean you would need to collect luggage at Suvarnabhumi and check in for the Lao flight, which would mean you do have to go through immigration in Bangkok, collect your bags and head up to the 4th floor to the Lao Airlines check in desk. I think your connection is very tight.
Lao ask for a 2 hour check in for international flights, their cut off is 45 mins prior to departure so you would need to be checking in by 09.50 at the latest. If your flight lands on time, you should allow at least an hour to de-plane and get to immigration and collect luggage, so with a following wind you 'could' be heading up to check in by 09.30, but if the queues are bad at immigration it could be longer. Most would recommend at least a 3 hour cushion between international flights at Suvarnabhumi.
I would contact Singapore Airlines to double check on the luggage question as it would make the connection faster.
Re 2: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
A bit over 2 hours will be enough assuming Singapore Airlines arrive on time.
It should only take you a bit over 1 hour to collect luggage, check back in with Lao Air (I assume) and pass through customs again. You will not be able to say in transit. Good luck.
Re 3: Transit on way to Luang Prabang
Thanks everyone, I don't have a visa for Thailand and i'm leaving soon, can i get one at the airport? Of course that will slow things up. Does anyone know who has an interline
Soure: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk
Muang Sui Travel Guide
Muang Sui Travel Guide
The quiet little town of Muang Sui is notable for a few reasons. During the American war it was famous for being the last site to be evacuated by the Royal Laos Army and the US CIA backed Air America operation. It was known as Lima Site L-108 and the runway and some of the buildings abandoned are still visable today.
The other reason to visit Muang Sui is for the wealth of Buddhist sites in the local area, including historic temples and caves. As with some of the caves around Sam Neua, some of these were used as shelter during the American War, and evidence of this (in the form of medical debris) can still be seen in some of the caves.
The town sits on the plain, just at the foothills of the mountains which take you westwards toward Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The town is steadily growing, but there is still plenty of space for expansion.
There is a quite scenic lake in town -- the Nong Tang -- with its impressive limestone cliff on one side. If you walk to the back of the cliff you will see a few caves. There is no particular history to be admired, but the cliffs and caves are worth a look for their natural beauty.
Just outside of town, but within walking distance, you'll find Wat Ban Phong -- a ruined temple that is impressive if only because of its resilience to the onslaught of the fighting in the final months of the war. Monks are still using the temple and some restoration work has taken place.
Back in town, at one end of the lake you'll find the only guesthouse in town, with some food vendors operating opposite the lake's silent shores.
On the subject of Muang Sui's culinary scene, 'survival' cuisine is a little strong, but Muang Sui doesn't really offer much in the way of eating. It is the epitome of small town Laos. There are a couple of food shops near the lake, and a few others dotted around, but nothing really catering to the traveller. Prices are cheap, the menus aren't extensive, but you will get some local Laos food cooked for you. Avoid the frogs, snakes and assorted dried rodents.
Muang Sui is probably not a place you want to stay for a long time; however there is enough to do and see to keep you interested for a day.
Having said that, the accommodation is very basic and, as the sights and attractions of Muang Sui can be seen in a day trip from Phonsavan (50 km away), many opt for doing that instead.
Photographer Craig Raskin has a good collection of photos of Muang Sui on display at his website.
Soure: http://www.travelfish.org
The quiet little town of Muang Sui is notable for a few reasons. During the American war it was famous for being the last site to be evacuated by the Royal Laos Army and the US CIA backed Air America operation. It was known as Lima Site L-108 and the runway and some of the buildings abandoned are still visable today.
The other reason to visit Muang Sui is for the wealth of Buddhist sites in the local area, including historic temples and caves. As with some of the caves around Sam Neua, some of these were used as shelter during the American War, and evidence of this (in the form of medical debris) can still be seen in some of the caves.
The town sits on the plain, just at the foothills of the mountains which take you westwards toward Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The town is steadily growing, but there is still plenty of space for expansion.
There is a quite scenic lake in town -- the Nong Tang -- with its impressive limestone cliff on one side. If you walk to the back of the cliff you will see a few caves. There is no particular history to be admired, but the cliffs and caves are worth a look for their natural beauty.
Just outside of town, but within walking distance, you'll find Wat Ban Phong -- a ruined temple that is impressive if only because of its resilience to the onslaught of the fighting in the final months of the war. Monks are still using the temple and some restoration work has taken place.
Back in town, at one end of the lake you'll find the only guesthouse in town, with some food vendors operating opposite the lake's silent shores.
On the subject of Muang Sui's culinary scene, 'survival' cuisine is a little strong, but Muang Sui doesn't really offer much in the way of eating. It is the epitome of small town Laos. There are a couple of food shops near the lake, and a few others dotted around, but nothing really catering to the traveller. Prices are cheap, the menus aren't extensive, but you will get some local Laos food cooked for you. Avoid the frogs, snakes and assorted dried rodents.
Muang Sui is probably not a place you want to stay for a long time; however there is enough to do and see to keep you interested for a day.
Having said that, the accommodation is very basic and, as the sights and attractions of Muang Sui can be seen in a day trip from Phonsavan (50 km away), many opt for doing that instead.
Photographer Craig Raskin has a good collection of photos of Muang Sui on display at his website.
Soure: http://www.travelfish.org
Luang Prabang Travel Guide
Luang Prabang Travel Guide
The northern province of Luang Prabang and its eponymous capital are among the most atmospheric and popular destinations in Laos.
The charming city of Luang Prabang, once the capital of Laos and still considered to be its spiritual heart, breathes a rich meld of French Indochinese architecture, Theravada Buddhist temples and a magical atmosphere.
Luang Prabang is strikingly situated on a peninsula formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and the Khan. Its palm-lined riverbanks, terracotta roofs, golden stupas and saffron-robed monks all come together to form a picture postcard increasingly difficult to find in Southeast Asia. Somnambulant and languid, its peaceful feel masks a history of conquest and recapture, and only hints at the intricate culture and traditional rituals that still take place here every day.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, the town was described by the global body as "an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions."
In 2008 the New York Times put Laos at the top of their list of "Places to Go". The city had already been considered one of Southeast Asia's must sees for well over a decade, so untouched it's certainly not. However, the city has a newfound popularity with older travellers and families seeking an exotic yet safe holiday, and prices are on the rise. With an international airport and daily connections to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, many people fly in and fly out and see nothing more of Laos. This means more foreign visitors per temple than perhaps anywhere else in the region (except Angkor Wat), so rein in any expectations of having the place to yourself.
A simple walk about town illustrates Luang Prabang's charms. It's picturesque, with all the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful, woodsy spice of Asia. A popular pastime is simply lounging in a quiet café with a baguette and coffee (Laotians drink the real stuff, not espresso) and watching local life pass by.
With an outstanding range of restaurants, guesthouses and hotels, a gorgeous location and friendly people, Luang Prabang has a reputation for wrecking tightly planned itineraries. Be sure to allow at least a few days to really take this wonderful town in.
Sleepy much of the year, Luang Prabang bursts with life during Pimai Lao, Lao New Year. If you're planning on visiting at this time, be sure to book a room well in advance.
With the capital at its centre, Luang Prabang province stretches north to Phongsali and the Vietnamese frontier, east to Hua Phan and Xieng Khuang, south to Vientiane and west to Udomxai and Sainyabuli. The east of the province in particular is a vast, mountainous swathe of real estate with next to nothing in the way of development, but to the north you'll find the villages of Nong Kiaow and and Muang Ngoi, laidback, stunning riverside spots attracting a steady backpacker trade. Both can be reached by boat or road and, if you plan on striking north to Phongsali, you'll definitely want to set aside a day or two in one or the other, or both.
Soure: http://www.travelfish.org
The northern province of Luang Prabang and its eponymous capital are among the most atmospheric and popular destinations in Laos.
The charming city of Luang Prabang, once the capital of Laos and still considered to be its spiritual heart, breathes a rich meld of French Indochinese architecture, Theravada Buddhist temples and a magical atmosphere.
Luang Prabang is strikingly situated on a peninsula formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Mekong and the Khan. Its palm-lined riverbanks, terracotta roofs, golden stupas and saffron-robed monks all come together to form a picture postcard increasingly difficult to find in Southeast Asia. Somnambulant and languid, its peaceful feel masks a history of conquest and recapture, and only hints at the intricate culture and traditional rituals that still take place here every day.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, the town was described by the global body as "an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions."
In 2008 the New York Times put Laos at the top of their list of "Places to Go". The city had already been considered one of Southeast Asia's must sees for well over a decade, so untouched it's certainly not. However, the city has a newfound popularity with older travellers and families seeking an exotic yet safe holiday, and prices are on the rise. With an international airport and daily connections to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, many people fly in and fly out and see nothing more of Laos. This means more foreign visitors per temple than perhaps anywhere else in the region (except Angkor Wat), so rein in any expectations of having the place to yourself.
A simple walk about town illustrates Luang Prabang's charms. It's picturesque, with all the charm of a quaint European town mixed with the wonderful, woodsy spice of Asia. A popular pastime is simply lounging in a quiet café with a baguette and coffee (Laotians drink the real stuff, not espresso) and watching local life pass by.
With an outstanding range of restaurants, guesthouses and hotels, a gorgeous location and friendly people, Luang Prabang has a reputation for wrecking tightly planned itineraries. Be sure to allow at least a few days to really take this wonderful town in.
Sleepy much of the year, Luang Prabang bursts with life during Pimai Lao, Lao New Year. If you're planning on visiting at this time, be sure to book a room well in advance.
With the capital at its centre, Luang Prabang province stretches north to Phongsali and the Vietnamese frontier, east to Hua Phan and Xieng Khuang, south to Vientiane and west to Udomxai and Sainyabuli. The east of the province in particular is a vast, mountainous swathe of real estate with next to nothing in the way of development, but to the north you'll find the villages of Nong Kiaow and and Muang Ngoi, laidback, stunning riverside spots attracting a steady backpacker trade. Both can be reached by boat or road and, if you plan on striking north to Phongsali, you'll definitely want to set aside a day or two in one or the other, or both.
Soure: http://www.travelfish.org
Luang Prabang Transport Getting there and away
Luang Prabang Transport: Getting there and away
The small Luang Prabang airport (airport code LPQ) is located 4 kilometres from the city centre. Like the city itself, the airport is a throwback to simpler times with a single terminal, single runway, and outdoor waiting area. There are plans to expand the airport starting in 2011 to accommodate more flights and larger planes. Until then, only three carriers -- Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines -- regularly fly in and out of Luang Prabang.
Lao Airlines flies domestically to Vientiane (three flights daily) and Pakse (three flights per week). Flights to Phonsavan were discontinued a number of years ago. Internationally, Lao Airlines links LPQ to Siam Reap (daily except Tuesday and Sunday), Hanoi (daily), and three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok (daily), Chiang Mai (daily), and Udon Thani (three times per week).
Bangkok Airways flies to Bangkok twice a day. Fares are higher than Lao Airlines, but they have a more modern fleet and passengers can wait for their boarding time in the lovely Bangkok Airways lounge.
Vietnam Airlines serves Siem Reap and Hanoi five times a week each, with added flights during peak seasons.
From the airport, a prepaid tuk tuk service into town costs a fixed price of 50,000 kip/US$6/200 baht. Similarly, from the city drivers will ask for 50,000 kip for the trip to the airport. Opposite the airport terminal is a shop with food, souvenirs, and internet access.
Lao Airlines
Manomai Rd. Office (next to Mano Guesthouse).
T: (071) 212 172.
Airport Office: (071) 212 173
http://www.laoairlines.com
Bangkok Airways
57/6 Sisavangvong Rd, Ban Xieng Mouane, Luang Prabang.
T: (071) 253 334.
Airport Office: (071) 253 253
http://www.bangkokair.com
Vietnam Airlines
Airport Office T: (071) 213 048
http://www.vietnamairlines.com
The small Luang Prabang airport (airport code LPQ) is located 4 kilometres from the city centre. Like the city itself, the airport is a throwback to simpler times with a single terminal, single runway, and outdoor waiting area. There are plans to expand the airport starting in 2011 to accommodate more flights and larger planes. Until then, only three carriers -- Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Vietnam Airlines -- regularly fly in and out of Luang Prabang.
Lao Airlines flies domestically to Vientiane (three flights daily) and Pakse (three flights per week). Flights to Phonsavan were discontinued a number of years ago. Internationally, Lao Airlines links LPQ to Siam Reap (daily except Tuesday and Sunday), Hanoi (daily), and three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok (daily), Chiang Mai (daily), and Udon Thani (three times per week).
Bangkok Airways flies to Bangkok twice a day. Fares are higher than Lao Airlines, but they have a more modern fleet and passengers can wait for their boarding time in the lovely Bangkok Airways lounge.
Vietnam Airlines serves Siem Reap and Hanoi five times a week each, with added flights during peak seasons.
From the airport, a prepaid tuk tuk service into town costs a fixed price of 50,000 kip/US$6/200 baht. Similarly, from the city drivers will ask for 50,000 kip for the trip to the airport. Opposite the airport terminal is a shop with food, souvenirs, and internet access.
Lao Airlines
Manomai Rd. Office (next to Mano Guesthouse).
T: (071) 212 172.
Airport Office: (071) 212 173
http://www.laoairlines.com
Bangkok Airways
57/6 Sisavangvong Rd, Ban Xieng Mouane, Luang Prabang.
T: (071) 253 334.
Airport Office: (071) 253 253
http://www.bangkokair.com
Vietnam Airlines
Airport Office T: (071) 213 048
http://www.vietnamairlines.com
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