Wattay International Airport at a glance

Wattay International Airport (VTE) is the main air gateway to Laos and serves the capital, Vientiane. It is run by the Lao Airport Authority and is the home base of the national carrier, Lao Airlines. Most international visitors to Laos pass through here, and it is also the hub for domestic flights around the country.

Where Wattay Airport sits in relation to Vientiane

The airport lies in Sikhottabong District, roughly 3 km from central Vientiane. That makes it one of the easier airports in the region to reach. Depending on traffic, getting to hotels near the Mekong riverfront usually takes a short drive rather than a long transfer.

Terminals and facilities at Wattay Airport

Passenger traffic is split between an international terminal and a separate domestic terminal, both expanded with support from Japanese development funding. The single 3,000 m runway can handle wide-body aircraft.

• International terminal: regional and long-haul departures and arrivals, with a shuttle bus stop right outside.
• Domestic terminal: flights to provincial towns across Laos.
• Services: taxi counters near arrivals, cafés and currency exchange.

Airlines and routes from Vientiane

Lao Airlines flies both domestic and international routes from Wattay. Other carriers serving the airport include Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines and China Eastern. International routes connect Vientiane mainly with cities in Southeast and East Asia, such as Bangkok, Hanoi, Kunming and Seoul, while domestic services reach towns such as Luang Prabang, Pakse and Luang Namtha.

Getting from Wattay Airport into Vientiane

You have a few simple choices once you land:

• Airport shuttle bus: runs between the airport and the Central Bus Station, stopping near several hotels on the way.
• Airport taxi: buy a coupon at the taxi counter in the arrivals area before leaving the terminal.
• Tuk-tuk and ride-hailing: both are common around the city.

Things to see near Vientiane

Central Vientiane is compact and relaxed. Pha That Luang, the golden stupa that appears on the national emblem, is a short ride from the centre. Patuxai, the city's victory monument, and the evening market along the Mekong are also easy to fit into an evening in town. Many travellers continue north to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang.

Travel tips for flying via Vientiane

Check which terminal your flight uses, as domestic and international departures are handled separately. Shuttle buses stop running in the evening, so late arrivals are better served by a taxi. Keep some local currency for small purchases in town.

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