Wattay International Airport serves as Laos’ main gateway to global travel. Located near Vientiane, the capital city, this airport handles both domestic and international flights connecting travelers from around Asia and beyond. The terminal provides basic amenities such as baggage claim areas and ticket counters for smooth arrivals and departures. While not large by global standards, Wattay offers a practical starting point for exploring Laos’ culture and landscapes. Its role in regional transport highlights its importance to tourism and business within the country’s economy.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type C
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Lao Kip (LAK) £1 ≈ LAK 29,949 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are available in larger cities and tourist areas, but cash is still the dominant payment method. Credit cards are accepted in some places, though mobile payments are not as widespread.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Laos, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of around 5-10% may be given, especially in tourist areas. Taxi drivers may appreciate rounding up the fare. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not widely accepted in Laos, and alcohol consumption is generally restricted to licensed venues like bars and restaurants. Drinking in public spaces can be considered disrespectful. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public places, including restaurants and shops. Designated smoking areas are available in certain locations. |
| Lao New Year (13–16 April) |
The biggest holiday in Laos with water fights, festivals, and family celebrations |
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| That Luang Festival (November) |
A religious festival with processions, prayers, and cultural performances |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 191 (Police), 195 (Ambulance), 190 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Tuk Tuk, Lao Taxi |
| Other: | Laos is a peaceful and beautiful destination with many outdoor activities, including trekking, visiting Buddhist temples, and cruising along the Mekong River. Travellers should be prepared for basic amenities outside of tourist areas. |
Wattay International Airport serves Vientiane, the capital of Laos and is the busiest airport in the country. It features a small but functional terminal that handles domestic and international flights, with recent upgrades improving passenger comfort and security. Despite its modest facilities, the airport is praised for its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere.
Travelers should be aware that the airport lacks extensive shopping or dining options, meaning it’s best to bring snacks or meals for longer waits. Services like free Wi-Fi are limited and signage tends to be predominantly in Lao and English, but not always fully bilingual, which may require paying close attention.
Getting around can be unpredictable, with taxis and tuk-tuks readily available but sometimes erratic pricing – negotiating fares upfront or using apps where possible is advised. The airport is quite close to the city center, making transfers generally quick if traffic allows. However, infrastructure in the surrounding area is still developing, so delays in ground transport during peak times can occur.
Overall, Wattay International Airport is a straightforward and welcoming entry point that complements Laos’s slow-paced, culturally rich travel vibe, though travelers should prepare for basic amenities and plan accordingly for smooth transit.
Located airside in the international terminal, this lounge provides basic amenities including comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and flight information displays. It is accessible to Singapore Airlines passengers, business class travellers, and Priority Pass members.
A smaller VIP lounge catering to select airline passengers, offering refreshments, Wi-Fi, and a quiet environment. Entry is typically via invitation or specific ticket classes.
Vientiane offers accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, mostly clustered near the city center along the Mekong River. Luxury hotels are fewer but available for those seeking more comfort.
To Vientiane city centre:
Vientiane city centre is just 5 kilometres from Wattay Airport. Most travellers take taxis or tuk-tuks, with rides taking around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Prices should be negotiated upfront or arranged via trusted apps when possible. Some hotels offer shuttle services. Buses are limited and not commonly recommended for tourists.
To Pakse:
Travellers heading to Pakse can take flights from Wattay Airport or opt for long-distance buses departing from central Vientiane. The bus ride takes about 10-12 hours and is cheaper but less comfortable, so flights are preferable for convenience.
To Luang Prabang:
Flights from Wattay Airport to Luang Prabang operate regularly. Land travel is possible but involves lengthy drives with mountainous terrain, making air travel the favoured option for many tourists.
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