The Shebang in Luang Prabang!

By Plane 

February is at the tail end of the peak holiday season, so we recommend that you book your travel and accommodation as soon as you can.

The most practical way to get to Luang Prabang is to fly into Bangkok. You can also fly in via Vietnam or Cambodia. Bankgkok Airways  flies daily from Bangkok to Luang Prabang

Bangkok Aiways are a good airline with modern jets and prop aircraft. Click on their website for more info on their schedules and costs.

http://www.bangkok air.com/

Laos Airlines also operates a couple of flights a week from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Their fleet are a little oder, so we would recommend Laos Airlines as a back up / second option.

http://www.laoairlines.com/

When all else fails, you can either talk to a travel agent or us and we'll be happy to help in any way that we can.

You can also arrive by bus (it's a pretty long journey), or by river from the northern part of Thailand. Guide books like The Lonely Planet will be able to give you more details.

Visas

Visa requirements vary depending on what your nationality is. The last time we were there we got a visa on arrival at Luang Prabang airport which cost USD$30. We also had to pay departure tax of USD$10. When you fly into Luang Prabang, you will need to supply a couple of passport photos. The best thing to do is to check with your local Embassy or Consulate of Laos. Visas can be arranged before your trip with the consulates if you allow enough time.

Other Travel Related Information 

Bes to visit the Australian Government Smart Traveller website.

Money

In Laos the local currency is Kip which is like Monopoly money. USD$1 converts to around 10,000 Kip (no we're not joking). Change USD$100 and you're a millionaire! You too can be rich bi-ach! You practically need a back pack to carry your Kip around with you so it can sometimes be more hassle than it's worth.

The locals (even in the markets) also accept US dollars and Thai Baht as there is less to carry of it and it holds it's value more then the Kip.

There are a couple of money changers and one bank in Luang Prabang, so it's best to bring your US dollars or Thai Baht with you or change some at Bangkok airport.

Most hotels, restaurants and guest houses accept major credit cards.

Once you get through immigration and get your visa....

....... you can change your money. This is what 2,000,000 Kip looks like. Show me the money, honey!!

This is the type of aircraft Laos Airlines has. You'll probably make it there in one piece.

This is a bangkok Air lunch (just in case you're wondering if you'd get fed)...