Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Laos
Never overpay for flights again. Use our curated Superdeals and fly to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet from all major airports in Australia and New Zealand at a fraction of the normal fare.
Free Superdeals
Why are flights to Laos so expensive now?
High airfares between Australasia and Laos stem from limited direct connections, reduced competition, and airlines’ focus on more profitable routes.
Ticket prices from Australia and New Zealand to Laos have indeed increased significantly, with Sydney-Vientiane return fares now averaging AUD 1,200-1,500, up from around AUD 800-900 in previous years.
The route requires at least one connection, typically through Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. Thai Airways’ recent reduction of frequencies between Bangkok and Vientiane has limited options and driven up prices. Additionally, Lao Airlines suspended its codeshare agreements with several major carriers, reducing competition on these routes.
Airlines are prioritizing more profitable routes to primary destinations like Thailand and Vietnam, where passenger demand is higher. This shift has led carriers to reduce capacity on secondary routes, including those serving Laos.
Australasia to Laos: average fares
Here are the most common flight routes between major Australasian cities and Laos, with average round-trip economy airfares from the past 12 months:
Route | High Season (A$) | Low Season (A$) | Average (A$) |
---|---|---|---|
Sydney (SYD) – Vientiane (VTE) | 1,450 | 980 | 1,215 |
Melbourne (MEL) – Vientiane (VTE) | 1,580 | 1,050 | 1,315 |
Brisbane (BNE) – Luang Prabang (LPQ) | 1,680 | 1,150 | 1,415 |
Auckland (AKL) – Vientiane (VTE) | 1,780 | 1,220 | 1,500 |
Perth (PER) – Vientiane (VTE) | 1,380 | 920 | 1,150 |
Average price round-trip
A$1324
Average Superdeal price round-trip
A$530
Cheapest Superdeal price round-trip
A$331
Meet Superdeals. Save 40–80% on every flight.
You can save 40-80% on your flights to Asia Pacific with Superdeals from Air Traveler Club. These heavily discounted airfares appear regularly on various routes from Australia and New Zealand.
Take flights from Sydney to Vientiane, Laos as an example. While the average cost hovers around A$1200 for a return ticket, Superdeals can bring this price down to A$450-650. The savings are substantial enough to fund an extra few nights at your destination or to book another short trip later in the year.
Non-stop vs layover flights to Laos
Time vs money: understanding your options
Direct flight routes to Laos
Currently there are no direct flights between Australasia and Laos.
Layover/stopover options
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Main hub for Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Typical connection times 2-4 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping and dining options, free transit hotel for eligible long layovers.
Singapore Changi (SIN) – Singapore Airlines hub offering connections via Silk Air to Laos. Average layover 3-5 hours. Features world-class amenities including butterfly garden and swimming pool for transit passengers.
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines hub. Connection times usually 2-3 hours. Budget-friendly transit options, efficient Satellite terminal transfers.
Time vs money
Single-stop routes via Bangkok typically offer the best value for money. Multi-stop itineraries through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur can be cheaper but add 4-8 hours to total journey time.
Route type | Average duration | Roundtrip Price Range |
---|---|---|
Via Bangkok | 12-14 hours | A$850-1200 |
Via Singapore | 15-17 hours | A$750-1100 |
Via Kuala Lumpur | 16-19 hours | A$650-900 |
Tips and recommendations
- Book separate tickets Sydney-Bangkok and Bangkok-Vientiane to potentially save money, but allow minimum 4 hours between flights
- Consider overnight layovers in Bangkok for better connection options and chance to explore the city
- Flights via Bangkok offer most frequent connections to Laos with up to 4 daily options
- Low season (May-September) typically offers best deals, especially through Kuala Lumpur
- Some routes through Singapore require terminal changes – factor in extra transfer time
Superdeals how-to
Smart route hacks for Australasia → Laos flights
Save extra with lesser-known paths and connections
- Thai Airways via Bangkok offers the most cost-effective route to Vientiane or Luang Prabang, with fares typically 15-20% lower than other carriers. Their Boeing 787-9 service from Sydney and Melbourne features modern Premium Economy with 42-inch pitch, while the final leg uses comfortable A320s. Connection times in Bangkok average 2-3 hours, making it efficient for most itineraries.
- Flying Vietnam Airlines through Ho Chi Minh City provides an alternative gateway with competitive fares from Perth and Brisbane, often matching Thai Airways prices. Their Boeing 787 and A350 aircraft offer above-average Economy comfort with 32-inch pitch and 18-inch width. The carrier recently increased frequency to Vientiane to daily flights, improving connection flexibility.
- Singapore Airlines partnership with Lao Airlines enables seamless connections from all major Australian cities through Changi. While ticket prices are typically 10% higher than Thai Airways, the carrier offers superior service quality and the ability to break journey in Singapore without additional cost.
- Budget-conscious travelers should consider Scoot to Singapore combined with separate Lao Airlines ticket, potentially saving up to 30% compared to full-service carriers. This combination works best from Gold Coast and Perth, with both cities seeing increased Scoot frequencies in 2024.
- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur offers excellent value during shoulder season (April-June, September-November), with fares up to 25% below market average. Their A330-300 aircraft feature recently upgraded Economy seats with 32-inch pitch, while their frequent promotions often include free stopovers in KL.
Common mistakes
How to avoid costly pitfalls that can ruin your travels
- Booking non-protected connections Many travelers choose separate tickets via Bangkok or Singapore to save money, but without protected connections they risk missing their onward flight to Vientiane or Luang Prabang and having to buy expensive last-minute tickets.
- Flying during monsoon season Booking flights between July and September often leads to delays or cancellations due to heavy rains affecting smaller aircraft operating into Laos, especially at Luang Prabang’s weather-dependent airport.
- Ignoring visa requirements for transit countries Travelers frequently forget they might need transit visas for Thailand or Vietnam when making stopovers longer than 12 hours en route to Laos.
- Choosing tight connections in Bangkok Many travelers underestimate the time needed to transfer between Bangkok’s international and domestic terminals, where a minimum of 3 hours is recommended for connections to Laos.
- Not checking baggage allowance differences Passengers often overlook that smaller airlines operating into Laos like Lao Airlines or Bangkok Airways have stricter baggage limits than the international carriers they connect from.
Coming-up airline promotions to Laos
Which carriers have sales and special offers for January, February, March, and beyond?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
See the upcoming offers for flights to Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet :
Best airlines for flights to Laos from Australasia
Balanced choice for service, comfort and value
Thai Airways
Best for: Most convenient connections through Bangkok and widest choice of departure cities in Australia/NZ.
Operating from 7 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Auckland, and Wellington) to Laos via Bangkok. Their modern fleet offers above-average legroom in Economy (32-34 inch pitch) and well-rated Thai cuisine. Average layover time in Bangkok is 2-3 hours, with excellent terminal facilities. Passenger satisfaction scores consistently above 4/5 for Economy service.
Vietnam Airlines
Best for: Shortest average layover times and competitive pricing.
Serves 4 major Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland) with connections to Laos through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Modern A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft on Australian routes provide comfortable Economy experience. Known for efficient transfers under 2 hours and authentic Vietnamese meals. Customer ratings average 3.8/5 for Economy Class.
Singapore Airlines
Best for: Superior inflight service quality and entertainment options.
Operates from 6 Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Auckland) via Singapore. Though layovers might be longer (3-4 hours), their award-winning terminal facilities make waiting time enjoyable. Economy Class offers industry-leading entertainment systems and highly rated Singapore-style cuisine. Passenger satisfaction consistently rates 4.5/5.
Malaysia Airlines
Best for: Value for money with full-service benefits.
Connects 5 Australasian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland) to Laos via Kuala Lumpur. Offers generous 30kg baggage allowance in Economy and serves Malaysian-inspired meals. Average layover times of 2-3 hours in KLIA. While not as luxurious as some competitors, provides reliable service with passenger satisfaction around 3.7/5.
Using regional airlines to your advantage
Another strategy for cheaper flights to Laos
Leverage regional carriers for cheaper flights to Laos
Flying from Australia or New Zealand to Laos can be expensive on major carriers, but splitting your journey using regional airlines often yields significant savings. This strategy requires more planning but can cut costs by up to 40%.
The key is breaking your journey into segments using Southeast Asian hubs. Here are the most cost-effective approaches:
- Book a main carrier flight to Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur
- Connect to Vientiane or Luang Prabang using regional carriers like AirAsia, Thai Smile, or Lao Airlines
- Consider multi-city options through Vietnam with VietJet Air or Vietnam Airlines
Money-saving tips: Book the long-haul and regional segments separately. Watch for sales from budget carriers, which typically occur 3-4 months before departure. Mid-week flights usually offer better rates, and traveling during shoulder season (April-May or October-November) can save substantially.
While this approach may mean longer layovers, the trade-off in savings makes it worthwhile for budget-conscious travelers. Just ensure you leave enough connection time to collect and recheck luggage between separate bookings.