Getting To and From Vientiane
Transportation to and from Vientiane is most often by air via Bangkok, with Thai Airways, Air Vietnam and Lao Aviation providing regular service to Vientiane. Direct flights are also available to Hanoi and Kunming.
Recently, budget airline Nok Air has introduced daily return flights to Bangkok from Udon Thani, the closest (60km from the border) regional Thai city. Nok Air also operate direct flights to and from Chiang Mai through the week.
Private as well as local buses are also options for travel. While there is no rail system in Laos, many people travel to Bangkok and throughout Thailand by train, boarding in Nong Khai.
Getting Around Town
Getting around Vientiane is relatively easy, but requires some patience and caution. Roads have been steadily improving over the past several years, so many people drive motorcycles and cars.
The number of cars and trucks, and therefore traffic and pollution, is increasing rapidly within Vientiane. Unfortunately, the road system has not been designed to cope with the larger numbers of large vehicles and traffic jams are becoming more and more of a problem. Tuktuks and jumbos (3-wheeled taxis) are popular for getting just about anywhere and are fairly inexpensive.
A bicycle is very useful in Vientiane; many people own them. You can purchase a Thai or Chinese bike locally for about US$80-$140. Chinese mountain bikes, of reasonable quality, are available. If you own a very good bike you may want to consider bringing it along for the quality and comfort.
Mountain bikes or "crossover" bikes are ideal. A French-run bicycle store has been operating for the last few years, selling top quality american and european brand mountain and road bikes at very good prices, with excellent after-care service. All accessories are available or can be ordered within two or three days. As already mentioned, prices are very good, often much cheaper than the same items in home countries.
Many people choose motorbikes as their preferred mode of transport, with Chinese, Japanese and Korean brand motorcycles available starting from around US$400.
For those interested in owning a car, there is a healthy trade in second-hand vehicles and an ever increasing number of new car showrooms around town. Look for advertisements for second-hand vehicles posted at the local mini-marts and restaurants.
Admissions 
