iTrek traveling arrangements are completely taken care of you from the moment you arrive in Indochina. Your personal concierge will assure the safest, most comfortable routes and conveyances are utilized.

Laos is fairly mountainous and it can be tough to get about due to the lack of a substantial public transport network. Flying is therefore the fastest and safest way to get about and the extra cost outweighs the general hassle of overland transportation. Tourists can also hire a car, with driver, to get the most out of the country. They are expensive, however, but the vehicles are generally new and reliable and can sometimes be driven into Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and even China. Cars can be had through tour agencies, car rental companies, and the larger tourist hotels. Having a car is of course ideal for getting right into the countryside at your own pace, and the driver will assist you in avoiding vulnerable Vientiane border areas and unsuitable roads.


Buses cover the majority of the country and come in several classes, and iTrek provides vehicle transfer to remote trekking points. However, the roads are not in great condition and the trip can be longer than usual as well as slightly uncomfortable.

With almost 3,000 miles of navigable rivers, getting about by boat in Laos is a viable alternative to flying or driving if you have the time and enjoy the pace. Although the river is used less and less as a means of transport, you should try to make at least one river trip during your stay – the Champasak to Si Phan Don trip in the south is a good choice. River taxis are fairly ubiquitous for short journeys.

Tuk-tuks are the main provider of paid transport in Laotian towns and cities if you tire of walking or cycling. They are noisy three-wheeled machines that move at lightning pace to get you from A to B. Regular taxis can be had in the capital city, Vientiane. Taxis can be arranged through hotel concierges for the most hassle-free and reliable trips.

Laotian towns and cities are small enough to get about on foot or by bike, and that includes Vientiane. Luang Prabang is especially nice for walking and biking while the slow pace of the traffic in the countryside also makes for pleasant cycling. Standard, single-speed bikes can be rented out by the day from tourist areas and from some hotels, while mountain bikes are available in mountainous regions and high-profile towns.

Buses cover the majority of the country, come in several classes, and are very cheap. It is advisable to go first class or VIP, to be guaranteed more legroom and air-conditioning that works. Minibuses are faster and pricier than the ordinary buses and are another safer more reliable option commonly used by tour groups.