Luang Prabang International Airport LPQ

Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) is about 4 km from the centre of this UNESCO World Heritage city in northern Laos. It is the country’s second-busiest airport after Vientiane and the gateway for most tourists visiting the area. It was expanded in 2012-2013 and remains small: a single terminal for domestic and international flights.

Terminals

One building, with arrivals and departures under the same roof, so getting around is easy. An upgrade project is planned, with a new international terminal, an expansion of the current one for domestic flights and more aircraft parking bays, so the facilities may change in the coming years.

Airlines and destinations

Lao Airlines is the home carrier, with domestic and regional flights. Connections to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China complete the offering, with airlines such as Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines and China Eastern; routes change by season.

Services

There are shops, restaurants, an information desk, ATMs and currency exchange. For those who need a visa, there is a visa-on-arrival counter.

Tips

If you need a visa, check the requirements before you travel and whether you can apply for an e-visa, and carry passport photos and US dollars in cash in good condition. Because the airport is small, formalities are usually quick, but when several flights arrive together there can be a queue at passport control.