Getting to Vientiane

By Air

Wattay International Airport (VTE)

Direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other regional hubs.

  • 4km from city center
  • Taxi to city: ~$7-10 USD
  • Major airlines: Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines, Lao Airlines, AirAsia

By Rail

Laos-China Railway

High-speed rail connecting Vientiane to Kunming, China with stops at Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

  • Vientiane Station: 15km from city
  • Journey from Kunming: ~10 hours
  • Modern, comfortable carriages

By Bus

International Bus Services

Regular bus services from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

  • From Bangkok: 10-12 hours
  • From Hanoi: 10-12 hours
  • Friendship Bridge crossing to Thailand

Where to Stay

Vientiane offers accommodation for every budget. We recommend staying near the city center or Mekong riverside for easy access to the race start.

Luxury Hotels

$100+ /night
  • Crowne Plaza Vientiane
  • Settha Palace Hotel
  • Lao Plaza Hotel
  • Don Chan Palace

Mid-Range

$40-100 /night
  • Mercure Vientiane
  • Salana Boutique Hotel
  • Ansara Hotel
  • Green Park Boutique Hotel

Budget Friendly

Under $40 /night
  • Barn Laos Hostel
  • Dream Home Hostel
  • Mixok Guesthouse
  • Vayakorn Inn

Pro Tip: Book early! Hotels fill up quickly during race weekend. Consider locations within 2km of Patuxai Monument for easy race-day access.

Getting Around

Taxi & Ride Apps

Download LOCA app for easy taxi booking. Metered taxis also available.

Tuk-Tuk

Traditional three-wheeled taxis. Negotiate price before riding (~30,000-50,000 LAK for short trips).

Bicycle & Motorbike Rental

Available at most guesthouses. Great for exploring the city at your own pace.

Race Day Shuttle

Free shuttle buses from select hotels to start line on race morning.

Practical Information

Visa

Most nationalities can get visa on arrival. Check with your local Lao embassy.

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK). USD and Thai Baht widely accepted. ATMs available.

Language

Lao is official. English spoken in tourist areas and hotels.

Electricity

220V, 50Hz. Types A, B, C, E, F plugs used.

Time Zone

UTC+7 (Indochina Time). No daylight saving.

SIM Cards

Available at airport. Lao Telecom, Unitel, ETL providers.

Things to See & Do

Patuxai Monument

Victory Gate - Vientiane's iconic landmark and race start location

Pha That Luang

Sacred golden stupa and national symbol of Laos

Mekong Riverside

Sunset views, night market, and riverside restaurants

Buddha Park

Unique sculpture garden with Hindu and Buddhist statues