Royal Air Lao, a Laotian tour
This plan follows Royal Air Lao's 1975 domestic services from northern to southern Laos. It highlights a quiet and varied country where mountains, valleys and Mekong bends structure navigation.
The route is short but immersive: Ban Houeisay, Luang Prabang, Sayabouri, Vientiane, Thakhek, Savannakhet and Pakse.
A Laotian domestic network at a historical turning point.
Connect Laos through its natural axes.
A maneuverable aircraft fits perfectly.
Terrain, Mekong, regional strips and tropical weather.
Understanding the flight
Royal Air Lao gives a simple reading of the country: a north-south axis alternating mountains, plateaus, river and regional towns.
The route is ideal for calm VFR flying, but terrain requires altitude and arrival preparation.
Before departure
- Choose a light aircraft able to land short and climb decently.
- Keep readable weather, especially in the north.
- Prepare Thakhek as a manual point or use Nakhon Phanom on the Thai side as a practical equivalent.
- Fly at moderate speed so river and valleys remain useful references.
Suggested route
Northern Laos
Ban Houeisay, Luang Prabang and Sayabouri provide the most mountainous and intimate part.
VLHS → VLLB → VLSB
Vientiane and Mekong
Vientiane then Thakhek follow a more riverine and borderland Laos.
VLSB → VLVT
Southern Laos
Savannakhet and Pakse finish the route southbound.
VLSK → VLPS
Experience tips
The flight is short: enjoy light, terrain and the Mekong rather than flying too fast.
Bad weather removes the country's readability. Keep ceilings realistic but comfortable.
Copyright Michel Lagneau 2013