The roads in Laos are not as well-maintained as one might hope. This is somewhat expected in a country that is considered relatively modest even by Asian standards.
Approximately half of the roads in Laos are unpaved. The country's main highway, Highway No. 13, which connects Luang Prabang in the north to the southern regions of Laos, is generally considered to be in good condition. There is a road-railway bridge that connects Thailand and Laos, symbolizing the friendship between the two nations, with a length of 1170 meters.
Laos and Thailand are mainly separated by the Mekong River, and crossing the bridge takes you to the city of Nong Khai on the Thai side. Laos has road connections to Chinese Kunming and from the city of Savannakhet to the Vietnamese border. When crossing provincial borders in Laos, there is a toll fee of only 5000 LAK, which is approximately 0.60 USD.
In Laos, there is no unified driver's license system, but you can drive a car if you have a national driver's license or an international equivalent. If you have a national license, it should be certified locally and have a translation available.
Car rental in Laos is not very common. There are rental centers in major cities like Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse, but the prices tend to be relatively high, and the service is not as well-developed as in some other countries.
On average, car rental prices in Laos are around 50 USD for basic cars. However, the condition of the vehicles may not be satisfactory, insurance might not be provided, and there's no guarantee of technical assistance in case of a breakdown.
When renting a car in Laos, you may encounter restrictions such as not being allowed to leave a specific region and limitations on mileage. Car rental in Laos is more suitable for those planning to stay and explore the country extensively, but it's advisable to consider alternatives.
It's common and convenient to rent bicycles or motorcycles in Laos, and this is widely practiced throughout the country. Luang Prabang, however, has relatively higher motorcycle rental prices. For instance, an automatic Honda Scoopy may cost around 160,000 LAK (approximately 20 USD), while a semi-automatic Honda Wave is priced at 120,000-130,000 LAK (about 15 USD).
Laos follows right-hand traffic, but it's essential to note that traffic rules are often not strictly followed. Nevertheless, local drivers tend to be relaxed and friendly, which can help resolve traffic issues amicably. On intercity highways, towns and settlements are often situated close to the road, so extra caution is needed, especially regarding pedestrians. It's not uncommon to encounter animals on the road as well.
In Laos, fines are imposed for violating traffic rules, with penalties ranging from around 10 to 15 USD for offenses like speeding or driving in the oncoming lane. However, it's commonly reported that many of these issues are often resolved informally on the road without formal fines being issued.
Speed limits in Laos are somewhat arbitrary. Within populated areas, the speed limit can drop to 30 km/h in zones adjacent to children's educational institutions, commercial establishments, and medical facilities.
The prices of gasoline and diesel in Laos are relatively close. Gasoline typically costs between 9,200 and 9,920 LAK per liter, while diesel is priced at around 8,000 LAK, which is approximately 1 USD.
