Getting there and away 

By Air
There are flights into and out of Laos from/to the following cities:
Cambodia: Phnom Penh
China: Kunming
Myanamar: Yangon
Thailand: Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Vietnam: Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City (Sai Gon)

International airports in Laos:
Wattay International Airport (Vientiane Capital)
Pakse International Airport (Champasak Province)
Luang Prabang International Airport (Luang Prabang)

By Land
Cambodia (Dong Calor) –  Champasak Province (Veun Kham)

China (Mohan) - Luang Namtha Province (Boten)

Thailand (Chiang Khong) - Bokeo Province (Houay Xay)
Thailand (Nong Khai) - Vientiane Capital (Friendship Bridge)
Thailand - Xayabouly Province (Nam Heuang Friendship Bridge)
Thailand (Nakhon Phanom) - Khammouane Province (Thakhaek)
Thailand (Mukdahan) - Savannakhet Province (Friendship Bridge II)
Thailand (Chong Mek, Ubon Rathchathani Province) - Champasak Province (Vang Tao)

Vietnam (Nghe An, Nam Khan) - Xieng Khouang Province (Nong Haet)
Vietnam (Cau Treo) -  Bolikhamxay (Nam Phao)
Vietnam (Lao Bao) - Savannakhet Province (Dena Savan)
Vietnam (Dien Bien Phu, Tay Trang) – Phongsaly Province, Sobhoun (no visa on arrival)
Vietnam (Thanh Hoa, Nameo) – Hua Phan Province (Banleui)
Vietnam (Ha Tinh, Keoneua) - Bolikhamxay Province (Nampao or Lak Sao)
Vietnam (Quang Binh, Napao) - Khammouane Province ( Chalo) (no visa on arrival)

There are daily buses between Laos – Vietnam and Laos – Thailand via those border-crossings.

By water
Foreign travellers can cross the Mekong River into/out of Laos at: Thailand – Nakhon Phanom and Laos – Tha Khaek; Thailand - Chiang Khong and  Laos - Huay Xai; Thailand – Mukdahan and Savannakhet. Visas can be arranged from the respective towns.

Getting around

By Air
Northern Airports: Houayxai, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxai, Samneua, Sayabouli. Xieng Khouang, Phong Sa Ly.
Southern Airports: Pakse and Savannakhet

Lao Aviation offers multiple flights between Vientiane and other destinations: Luang Prabang (daily), Savannakhet (daily), Luang Namtha (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), Xieng Khouang (daily), Pakse (daily), Oudomxai (Tu, Th, Sat, Sun), Xayyabuli (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), Houayxay (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat), Thakhek (Fri), and Saravane (via Savannakhet, Sun. only).

By Land
Taxis:
Taxis are available in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Savannakhet, though it seems only those in Vientiane are seen when you need them. On arrival at Wattay International Airport or at the Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Thailand, taxis are available to take you to the city center.  Some taxis are not equipped with meter which you should negotiate the price before getting in.

Buses: Traveling by bus is the most convenient way of travelling in Laos. There price is cheap, so are the safety and service quality. The backbone of the road system is the Road No. 13 connecting Pak Mong in the north with Khong in the South, passing through Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet and Champasack.  The road conditions are fairly good between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Road No. 9 travels to the Vietnamese border.

By water
Ferry boats travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang and back as well as from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai and back.  The journeys can take several days, depending on the time of year - and whether travelling up or down river.  It's a fun and adventure experience to travel on the Mekong River, but conditions may be suitable for the adventure travellers only.

Ferries usually depart early in the morning.  The times of departures and prices are dependent on seasons and the number of people to share the trip. The ferries don't work if there're not enough passengers.

There are speed boats which travel between Vientiane - Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang - Huay Xai;  the journey takes about eight hours each.  The cost is considerably more than the ferry.   Speed boats can carry up to 6 people.