The Luang Prabang Airport: Flying Into LPQ in Laos
The Luang Prabang Airport in northern Laos is small, but I found it to operate very efficiently. It offers direct flights to major hub cities like Bangkok and Hanoi.
It’s only a couple miles from the airport into the center part of the city, so your transfers will be quick and easy. I wasn’t surprised to find: a taxi only cost $10 (or $15 with a tip).
For visitors from other parts of Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America, let me give you a quick glimpse into what you can expect when you land at Luang Prabang
5 Key Things to Know about LPQ
Aside from knowing the airport code is LPQ, here are 5 more key facts:
- Small but Strategic Hub: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) is the second busiest airport in Laos, located about 4 kilometers from the city center, serving as a regional hub for international flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai in Thailand and Siem Reap in Cambodia as well as domestically to Vientiane.
- Single Terminal Operations: The airport services domestic and international flights from one terminal building, making navigation simple for travelers.
- Visa-on-Arrival Available: The airport offers visa-on-arrival services for international visitors, which is convenient for tourists entering Laos.
- Moderate Traffic: There are on average 6 passenger flights scheduled to take off from Luang Prabang every day to 8 non-stop destinations in 5 countries.
- Major Airlines Serving LPQ: Several international and domestic airlines operate scheduled flights, including Bangkok Airways, Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, and Thai AirAsia.
Visa Needed for Laos
You have two options:
- Get an eVisa online before your trip.
- Wait in line at the airport for a “visa on arrival.”
Get an eVisa to Laos
It’s easiest to get a visa online before heading to Laos.
➡️ The website to use is: https://laoevisa.gov.la/index.
The cost is $50 for an eVisa from the USA, Australia, and most of Europe.
Visa on Arrival in Luang Prabang
You can also wait in line when your plane lands at Luang Prabang to get a “visa on arrival.”
The cost is $40USD. The line moves somewhat slowly, and you likely don’t want to wait in another line when you land at the airport!
What You’ll Find Inside the Airport
There’s a very small departure area, with a few lines to check-in.
Nearby, you’ll find some street food-type options, along with touristy shops.
In terms of car rentals, SIXT operates out of the airport.
There’s a currency exchange counter inside the secure area (near baggage claim). There’s another outside in the main entry area.
Outside the main front door of the airport, you’ll find two ATM machines. Expect a nominal $2 fee per transaction, which is low compared to most airport ATM fees. The machine I used had a limit of 2,000,000 Laotian Kip (roughly $90-$100).
In the baggage area, there are two small luggage carousels, so finding y our bag is pretty quick and easy.
Airplanes Flying into Luang Prabang
It’s a small airport, serving limited flights. You’ll likely be on an ATR or a 737, regional planes that efficiently carry passengers on short-haul flights around Asia.
I flew on an ATR 72 (Bangkok Airways), which is a twin-engine turboprop, designed to carry around 70 passengers.
You likely won’t use a jetbridge to get into the terminal, and will instead have to walk down the plane’s steps and across the tarmac.
Tourism in Laos
A high-speed train is bringing loads of Chinese tourists into Laos, and Luang Prabang is a main destination.
➡️ Click for More Posts on Laos
Tourism is a growing economic driver in Laos, with 2.3 million visitors in 2024.
The top 10 countries for visitors to Laos include:
- China
- Thailand
- South Korea
- United States
- France
- Japan
- Germany
- Canada
- Australia
- United Kingdom
Things to Do in Luang Prabang
You can check out my separate post about things to do in the city, which is a UNESCO protected site for its cultural significance.
The list includes a beautiful, historic hotel property, plus:
- Local shops & dozens of restaurants
- The Night Market (and morning market)
- Mekong River cruises
- The traditional Ahms Ceremony with monks
- Hiking
- Day trips to caves and waterfalls
- Visiting an elephant sanctuary
