Transportation in Vientiane

Vientiane keeps things simple: tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) are the everyday workhorses, cheap and everywhere but rarely metered, always agree the fare before you climb in. Metered taxis exist but are thin on the ground. The Grab app fills the gap with transparent pricing and is worth the download before you land. For the independent-minded, bicycle and motorbike rentals are widely available and cost a fraction of any motorised ride, though morning traffic can be assertive. From Wattay International, the official taxi rank is the only game in town, ignore the freelance touts outside baggage claim. The ride to the centre is short but can be a splurge compared to in-town trips, so settle the price (or insist on the meter) before your luggage goes in. Once settled, walking works for the compact downtown grid. But when the heat kicks in a quick Grab or a shared songthaew will save you without emptying your wallet.