Arriving in Vientiane with children is straightforward. The airport is small, the ride to town is short, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Here is what families need to know.
Getting through the airport
Wattay's international terminal is compact. Immigration can take some time if multiple flights arrive together, and the visa on arrival queue adds to the wait. With children, plan for 30-45 minutes from landing to exiting the building. The terminal is air-conditioned and there are basic seating areas while you wait for luggage. There is not much in the way of shops or food after customs, so have snacks ready for hungry kids.
Fixed-price private transfer
VTE Vientiane City Center
From€45for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €60 per vehicle, about €15 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Choosing your transport
For families, the realistic options are the official taxi counter or a pre-booked transfer. Tuk-tuks are not practical with children and luggage. They have no seatbelts, limited space, and the ride is bumpy and exposed to traffic fumes.
The taxi counter assigns you a sedan, which works for a family of three or four with moderate luggage. If you have more people or bags, a pre-booked transfer lets you request a larger vehicle like a minivan.
Child seats in Laos
Child car seats are not standard in Lao taxis. Drivers generally do not carry them, and there is no legal requirement for their use. If your children are young enough to need a seat, you have two practical options: bring a lightweight travel car seat with you, or book a private transfer and request a child seat in advance. Not all providers can guarantee one, so confirm before arrival.
The ride to your hotel
The drive from Wattay to most Vientiane hotels takes 10-20 minutes. The main roads are paved and in reasonable condition. Traffic in Vientiane is much calmer than in other Southeast Asian capitals. The ride is generally smooth and short enough that even restless children will not have time to get frustrated.
Hotels with airport pickup
Several family-friendly hotels in Vientiane offer airport transfer services, sometimes included in the room rate. When booking your accommodation, ask specifically about airport pickup and whether they can provide a vehicle suitable for your family size and luggage.
Practical tips for families
Have Lao Kip ready before you reach the taxi counter; the exchange booth is before the exit. Keep a bag with essentials (water, snacks, wipes, a change of clothes for small children) in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage. And if you are arriving with a stroller, note that it goes in the trunk, so you will need to carry or hold your child for the short walk to the vehicle.
When a private transfer from VTE is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Vientiane City Center is from €60, about €15 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
VTE → Vientiane City Center from €45Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
VTE Vientiane City Center
From€45for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €60 per vehicle, about €15 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup