Laos Travel Forum

Hello,

Is it best and cheaper to purchase your visa in advance for Laos or does it make any difference if you purchase it at the airport when you arrive?
Also I'm heading from Luang Prabang to Vientiane with the idea of stopping off for a couple of days in Vieng Vang as is popular. Although Vang Vieng looks beautiful landscape wise the town with it's happy meal bars et doesn't appeal to me. Is it worth stopping off here or best to go to Vientiane and spend a couple more days there?

You don't need a visa in advance. You'll receive a 30 day Lao visa upon arrival at the airport or at international borders but it's best to pay in U$ for your visa which should run about U$35. There's an additional U$1 fee on weekends and possibly evening arrivals.

Vang Vieng is a beautifl area and it's not difficult to avoid the party scene. Rent a bike or motobike and go exploring on your own.

Hi there
I was in Laos end of December and January. I got my visa on arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang. It costs are around 35 Dollars.
I headed from Luang Prabang to Vientiane too. I stoped in Vang Vieng and me too, I find it very nice and the sceneries are great. Even if the happy meal bars don't appeal to you, I would stop at least for one day. If you don't like it you still can move on. I thought it was very beautiful and fun. (had no happy meals either) :-)
Have fun.... Laos is just great!!

Thanks for your advice. I think as I'm passing through it's worth stopping off then for a day or two. Can I also ask what people make of Vientiane. How many days would you recommend, is there much to do there?

We enjoyed the peace and tranquility of VV we did not stay in town but down by the river in the best hotel in town it cost us $US36 a night with b/fast it is right on the river and you can spend the day lazing by the pool or wandering along the river watching the kids frolic in the river or watch the buffalo wandering down the river. My brother in law and sister hired a motor bike for the day and took off into the country side. There are some pretty ok restaurants we tried several Indian. Did not find anything appealing about the happy restaurants lots of back packers all laying around watching rubbish sit coms all day can do that at home!!!! We initally were booked into a smaller GH in town but the noise when the bars started their music was awful so we moved to the upmarket part of town. I think I have some pics on my Laos pages.

Hi again
Well, I stayed only 2 days in Vientiane. I thought it was a pretty quiet city.
There are a couple of thinks to visit:
- Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddah Park)
- Wat Si Muang
- Ho Phra Keo Tempel
- theres also a morning market
Check out:
http://travelpuppy.com/asia-laos/vientiane/sightseeing.htm
I enjoyed Laos very much, but best was Luang Prabang and the surroundings area.
Have fun

Thanks very much again, you've both given me a clearer idea now of what Vieng Vang and Vientiane have to offer.

Definately go to Vang Vieng - it is a beautiful spot, just pay a little more and stay right on the river, it is worth every cent. Its not as bad as what some people say and you can easily avoid the whole sitcom cafe scene there is so much to do. We were there 3 days and wouldve loved to stay longer.