Australasia Laos 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI✨
Fly round-trip to Vientiane for A$600, while others pay A$1500+.
Our AI finds Superdeals to Laos from all major airports in Australia and New Zealand. You book directly with airlines for half the price—or less.
Why are flights to Laos so expensive in 2026?
Getting to Laos from Australia costs more than it should because the final short flight is surprisingly pricey.
Here’s the reality check: a return flight from Sydney to Vientiane in late 2025 will set you back around AUD 1,450 to 1,850. That’s up to 65% more than pre-pandemic prices. The kicker? A 65-minute hop from Bangkok to Vientiane alone costs AUD 550 to 700 return—nearly as much as a nine-hour flight to Japan.
So what’s going on? First, Laos is facing a currency crisis. Their local money has crashed against the US dollar, which means Lao Airlines can’t afford to lease more planes. Fewer planes means fewer seats and higher prices. Second, there’s no budget airline competition. While routes to Vietnam have cheap carriers like VietJet driving prices down, flights into Laos are dominated by Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Lao Airlines—and they know you have limited options. Third, popular Luang Prabang has a small runway that only fits certain aircraft, creating a bottleneck. Finally, there are zero direct flights from Australia to Laos, so you’re always paying for two separate journeys.
The outlook: Don’t expect major price drops anytime soon. Until Laos stabilises its economy or a budget carrier enters the market, that expensive last leg will keep your total fare high. Book six to eight months ahead for the best deals.
Meet Superdeals
Never overpay for flights again
You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Laos — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Australia and New Zealand for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- Sydney (SYD) — AU
- Melbourne (MEL) — AU
- Auckland (AKL) — NZ
- Brisbane (BNE) — AU
- Perth (PER) — AU
- Christchurch (CHC) — NZ
- Adelaide (ADL) — AU
- Cairns (CNS) — AU
- Gold Coast (OOL) — AU
- Wellington (WLG) — NZ
Departure airports in Australia/New Zealand and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.
Superdeals to Laos
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Australasia 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Australia and New Zealand to Vientiane costs A$1500+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around A$600:
Which airlines have promotions to Laos right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Australia and New Zealand:
Travel hacks and insights
for Australia and New Zealand — Laos flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Laos.
UXO danger near remote airfields
Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. If you are flying into smaller domestic airfields or visiting the Plain of Jars, never wander off marked paths. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) remains a lethal threat.
Stick to well-trodden tourist zones and hire local guides for remote areas. This is not a destination for off-piste exploration without expert local knowledge, regardless of how serene the landscape appears.
Udon Thani routing saves $100-200 vs Vientiane
Flying into Udon Thani (UTH) in Thailand and crossing the Friendship Bridge by land saves significantly compared to direct international flights into Vientiane (VTE). Flights from Bangkok to Udon Thani often cost $30-50, whereas Bangkok-Vientiane flights average $120-180 for the short hop.
The shuttle bus from Udon Thani airport to the border costs roughly $5-7, and the international bus across the bridge is under $1. This strategy adds 2-3 hours to your journey but slashes costs by 60% for budget-conscious travelers.
Medical evacuation insurance is non-negotiable
Healthcare standards in Laos are basic. Serious injuries or illnesses require evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore, costing $20,000-50,000 USD upfront. Australian Medicare and NZ reciprocal agreements do not apply here.
Ensure your travel insurance policy explicitly covers “medical evacuation” with a limit of at least $250,000. Many credit card policies have exclusions for motorcycle accidents, a common cause of injury in Laos—check the fine print carefully.
Visa on Arrival demands crisp US dollars
Laos Visa on Arrival fees ($40 USD for most nationalities) must be paid in cash. Immigration officers are notoriously strict about bill condition; notes with even tiny tears, ink marks, or heavy creases are frequently rejected.
Bring new, crisp bills from a bank before leaving Australia/NZ. Paying in Thai Baht or Australian Dollars is often permitted but incurs a terrible exchange rate, effectively raising the visa cost by 20-30%.
Burning season ruins views and schedules
From late February to April, slash-and-burn agriculture creates a thick haze across Northern Laos. Flight cancellations into Luang Prabang increase due to poor visibility, and the scenic mountain views are completely obscured.
If visiting during this window, plan for potential flight disruptions. Carry N95 masks as air quality can reach hazardous levels. Travel in November-January offers the best combination of clear skies and reliable flight operations.
Don’t rely on mobile boarding passes
Laos airports often require printed boarding passes for immigration stamps and security checks. Mobile boarding passes are not universally accepted or scanned at all checkpoints, especially in Luang Prabang.
Even if you check in online, visit the counter to get a physical card or print one at your hotel. Security officers manually stamp boarding passes, and handing over your unlocked phone is a security risk you should avoid.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
Can I use QR code payments in Laos with a European bank app?
Not directly with most European banking apps, despite Laos expanding its QR payment network in 2025. The “LAO QR” system is widely used by locals via the BCEL One app, but it primarily integrates with regional banks (Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese). As a European tourist, you are still best served by cash. Some specialized travel cards or apps like Alipay may work at larger vendors, but do not rely on your standard European mobile banking app to scan local QR codes at markets or tuk-tuks.
Have visa fees for Laos changed recently?
Visa on Arrival fees generally remain around $40 USD for most European nationalities, though minor processing surcharges of $1-2 have become common at land borders in 2025. Official E-visas cost slightly more (approx $50 USD total) but save significant time at Vientiane (VTE) and Luang Prabang (LPQ) airports. Always pay in USD; paying in Euros or Thai Baht often results in a poor exchange rate applied by border officers, costing you an extra €5-10 effectively.
What is the best currency strategy for European tourists in Laos?
Bring pristine, new-series US Dollars for your visa and high-value payments ($50/$100 bills get better rates), and Euros to exchange for Lao Kip (LAK) at bank counters for daily spending. The local economy runs on cash, and while you can exchange Euros easily in cities, US Dollars are universally preferred for the Visa on Arrival fees. Never rely solely on ATMs, as they often have low withdrawal limits (approx €80-100 per transaction) and high fees. Spend all your Kip before leaving, as it is worthless and unexchangeable outside Laos.
Is the high-speed train or bus better for traveling between Vientiane and Luang Prabang?
The Laos-China Railway (LCR) high-speed train is vastly superior for comfort and time, taking just 2 hours compared to a grueling 6-8 hours by minivan on winding, potholed roads. A second-class train ticket costs roughly €15-20 and offers air-conditioned comfort. The only downside is the strict security (no knives, aerosols) and the station locations, which are often 10-15km outside the city center. Minivans are only recommended if tickets are sold out or if you want to stop at Vang Vieng for the scenery along the old road.
What vaccinations do I need before visiting Laos?
Beyond routine boosters, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are strongly recommended due to food and water hygiene risks. Laos is a malaria-endemic region, though the risk is low in major tourist cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang; however, Dengue fever is a significant year-round risk with no vaccine for tourists. Focus heavily on mosquito prevention: use DEET repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn/dusk, and sleep under nets. Consult a travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice based on your specific itinerary.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Laos?
No, never drink tap water in Laos, even in luxury hotels. Always use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, which is cheap and readily available everywhere (approx €0.30 per bottle). Ice in drinks is generally safe in tourist areas if it is the cylindrical machine-made type with a hole in the center, but avoid crushed ice blocks chipped from larger slabs in rural markets.
What is the dress code for visiting temples in Luang Prabang?
Modesty is strictly enforced at all Buddhist temples (Wats). Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees; tank tops, short skirts, and above-the-knee shorts are disrespectful and will result in denied entry. Slip-on shoes are practical as you must remove footwear before entering any temple building. Carrying a lightweight sarong or scarf in your day bag is a smart way to instantly cover up if you are wearing shorts for the heat.
Which SIM card offers the best coverage for tourists in Laos?
Unitel generally offers the widest coverage, especially if you plan to visit rural areas or travel by road, while Lao Telecom is excellent for speed in major cities. You can buy a tourist SIM card at airport arrivals for about €5-8, which typically includes 10-20GB of data. Physical SIMs are cheaper and more reliable than international roaming packages from European carriers. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave Europe.
How much should I budget per day for a trip to Laos?
Laos is incredibly affordable for Europeans; a comfortable mid-range budget is €40-60 per day. This covers a private boutique hotel room (€25-35), decent restaurant meals (€5-10 each), and entry fees. Backpackers can easily survive on €20-25 per day by staying in hostels and eating street food. However, factor in higher costs for activities like hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng (€90-110) or private boat charters, which will spike your daily average.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Australasia to Laos cost?
No nonstop service exists between Australia or New Zealand and Laos. All routings require at least one connection, with total journey times of about 13-23 hours depending on departure city and hub choice.
This is standard for the route—most travelers connect through Bangkok (BKK), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) with minimal hassle. Select connection times of 2.5-4 hours for international-to-international transfers—enough buffer for customs, security, and gate changes without excessive waiting.
All ATC Superdeals are manually verified for optimal connection times and efficient hub routing.
| Route | Airline(s) | Journey Time | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney (SYD) → Bangkok (BKK) → Vientiane (VTE) | Thai Airways | 15h 30m | A$1,300 | A$430 (67% off) |
| Melbourne (MEL) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Vientiane (VTE) | Vietnam Airlines | 16h 30m | A$1,250 | A$410 (67% off) |
| Brisbane (BNE) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Vientiane (VTE) | Malaysia Airlines | 17h 00m | A$1,200 | A$395 (67% off) |
| Perth (PER) → Bangkok (BKK) → Luang Prabang (LPQ) | Thai Airways | 13h 30m | A$1,150 | A$380 (67% off) |
| Adelaide (ADL) → Singapore (SIN) → Vientiane (VTE) | Singapore Airlines | 17h 30m | A$1,350 | A$445 (67% off) |
| Auckland (AKL) → Bangkok (BKK) → Vientiane (VTE) | Thai Airways | 18h 30m | A$1,800 | A$595 (67% off) |
| Christchurch (CHC) → Singapore (SIN) → Luang Prabang (LPQ) | Singapore Airlines | 19h 30m | A$1,850 | A$610 (67% off) |
| Wellington (WLG) → Kuala Lumpur (KUL) → Vientiane (VTE) | Malaysia Airlines | 20h 00m | A$1,750 | A$580 (67% off) |
| Darwin (DRW) → Singapore (SIN) → Vientiane (VTE) | Singapore Airlines | 14h 30m | A$1,150 | A$380 (67% off) |
| Gold Coast (OOL) → Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) → Luang Prabang (LPQ) | Vietnam Airlines | 18h 30m | A$1,300 | A$430 (67% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Australasia to Laos flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Australasia to Laos, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Kuala Lumpur KUL
with AirAsia / Malaysia Airlines
- Average savings: 30-45% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~8h Australia-Kuala Lumpur + ~2.5h Kuala Lumpur-Luang Prabang or Vientiane
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free domestic side trips
- Visa requirements: Most Australia/New Zealand passports visa-free up to 30 days
- Airport rating: 4-star Skytrax hub with strong transit facilities
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth travelers seeking consistently lower Laos fares
Bangkok BKK
with Thai Airways / Bangkok Airways
- Average savings: 25-40% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Australia-Bangkok (~9h), then Bangkok-Luang Prabang/Vientiane (~1.5h)
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 75 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Extensive lounges and airside transit hotels
- Visa requirements: Australia/New Zealand passports usually visa-free 30 days by air
- Airport rating: 4-star major Southeast Asia transfer hub
- Best for: Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide travelers seeking rich cultural stopover experience
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines / Scoot
- Average savings: 20-35% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~8h Australia-Singapore and ~3h Singapore-Vientiane/Pakse legs
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Complimentary city tour
- Visa requirements: Australia/New Zealand passports generally visa-free 30 days
- Airport rating: 5-star Skytrax, top-ranked global airport
- Best for: Perth, Melbourne, Auckland travelers seeking premium airport experience
Ho Chi Minh City SGN
with VietJet Air / Vietnam Airlines
- Average savings: 30-50% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~9h Australia-Ho Chi Minh City, ~1.5h Ho Chi Minh-Vientiane
- Typical connection: 2-6 hours (minimum 75 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with premium lounge access
- Visa requirements: E-visa or visa-free options for many Australia/NZ travelers
- Airport rating: 3-star Skytrax with improving facilities
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland travelers seeking best-value regional connections
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Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Laos
Most travelers book Australasia–Laos flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Laos.
Singapore Airlines
A350-900
Five-time Skytrax Airline of the Year winner. The A350’s lower cabin altitude and advanced air filtration ensure superior comfort and reduced jet lag on long-haul flights to Laos via Changi, Asia’s best-connected hub.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Vientiane via Singapore (Changi) (12–14hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB power, 13″ HD touchscreen
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18″ IFE
- Standouts: Award-winning IFE with 1,800+ titles, complimentary Wi-Fi (up to 50MB), premium dining with wine pairings, Changi Airport lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,400–A$1,800; Business A$3,200–A$4,000;
Qantas
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Australia’s flag carrier, Skytrax 4-Star rated. The 787’s lower cabin pressure and higher humidity reduce fatigue, ideal for flights from Sydney/Melbourne to Laos via Bangkok or Singapore.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Vientiane via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) or Singapore (12–14hrs)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB power, 12″ HD touchscreen
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18″ IFE
- Standouts: Qantas Studio IFE with 1,500+ titles, Wi-Fi (paid), premium dining with Australian wines, priority check-in and baggage
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,300–A$1,700; Business A$3,000–A$3,800;
Thai Airways
A350-900
Skytrax 4-Star airline, renowned for Thai hospitality. The A350’s quiet cabin and advanced air quality make Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi a seamless gateway to Laos.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Vientiane via Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) (12–13hrs)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB power, 12″ HD touchscreen
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18″ IFE
- Standouts: Thai-inspired IFE with 1,400+ titles, Wi-Fi (paid), authentic Thai cuisine, complimentary lounge access
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,100–A$1,500; Business A$2,600–A$3,400;
Vietnam Airlines
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Skytrax 4-Star airline, recognized for modern service. The 787’s smooth ride and efficient design make Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City a convenient stopover to Laos.
- Route: Sydney/Melbourne → Vientiane via Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City (12–14hrs)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB power, 12″ HD touchscreen
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, direct aisle access, 18″ IFE
- Standouts: Vietnamese-inspired IFE with 1,200+ titles, Wi-Fi (paid), complimentary lounge access, free stopover options
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,000–A$1,400; Business A$2,400–A$3,200;
Fly better for less
Travel insights, proven strategies, and insider tips.
Best aircraft for long-haul flights
Priced out of Asia? How the fifth-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands.
Best Aussie airport hubs for cheap flights to Asia (and beyond)
