Luang Prabang Airport stands as the second most vital aviation hub in Laos, positioned strategically as a modest regional nexus connecting Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. In a forward-looking move less than five years ago, the airport underwent an expansion, widening its runway to accommodate the landing of Airbus 320 family aircraft.
This upgrade not only boosted the airport’s appeal but also sparked heightened demand with the introduction of new flights. A milestone occurred in March 2016 when AirAsia, a Low-Cost Carrier (LCC), made history by becoming the inaugural LCC to operate at this airport. Operating both domestic and international flights seamlessly from a single terminal building, the airport’s accessibility is further enhanced by its close proximity, merely 4 kilometres from the heart of the city.
Arriving at Luang Prabang Airport
Stepping off the plane, the airport’s compact size became evident, accompanied by a range of amenities that, while limited, delivered decent service. The immigration process unfolded smoothly as officials efficiently guided me to the designated desks for visa on arrival. Determined by nationality, the fee for my visa amounted to USD35, securing a maximum 30-day stay.
A minor hiccup occurred, however, when it came time to settle the fee. As cards weren’t accepted, only cash, so the official kindly directed me to the cash machines outside, albeit after temporarily retaining my passport. An unforeseen challenge arose as two of the airport’s cash machines were out of order, but fortune smiled as the third one
Following a brief detour for cash, I swiftly returned to complete the necessary paperwork for the visa on arrival and the standard arrival form. The entire process unfolded with remarkable ease.
Emerging outside into the arrivals hall, the next order of business was securing seamless data connectivity. I opted to purchase a Laos SIM card for a mere 200 baht, a surprisingly affordable option, and they accepted my Thai currency. This deal provided seven days of unlimited connectivity, ensuring I could stay effortlessly connected during my time in Laos.
Luang Prabang Airport offers g basic facilities with limited amenities, transportation services, and dining options. Notably absent are the buses or tuk-tuks to ferry passengers to the city centre, or at least none caught my eye during my arrival. Navigating the absence of public transport options, I discovered the most viable choice at the ticket desk, an option to secure a shared minivan to the city centre. The convenience came at a reasonable price, totalling 50,000 kip (£5, or COP18,000), providing a hassle-free solution to reach my destination in Luang Prabang.
Departing Luan Prabang Airport
Lao Airlines may not have offered web-check availability, but the airport check-in for my flight to Hanoi was swift. Navigating through immigration was an efficient process, taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Once airside, a modest souvenir duty-free store. The ambience in the departure area was comprised of a spacious seating zone near the gates. Bangkok Airways passengers could access a VIP Lounge; however, its external appearance suggested a more basic setup, comprising no more than a few chairs and complimentary newspapers.
In summary, Luang Prabang Airport revealed itself as a small and efficient hub. However, beyond its functional efficiency, it lacked distinctive features or offerings that might elevate the traveller’s experience into something truly special.
My Luang Prabang Airport rating: (1*-5*)
- Airport Facilities **
- Friendliness of airport staff ***
- Signs ****
- Passport Control *****
- Cleanliness *****
“I am a travel addict on the road to recovery…just kidding…I’m on the road to the airport”
Jenny Sky Is The Limit 
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