If you’ve got a layover in Saravane, don’t let it go to waste sitting at VNA. The city, in Laos, is within easy reach — roughly 30 minutes by Taxi / Tuk-tuk. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of VNA:
- Can you legally enter Laos? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 30-minute journey each way by Taxi / Tuk-tuk, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the LAK. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
What’s Worth Seeing in Saravane
For a layover visit to Saravane, we’d suggest Saravane Morning Market and Wat Saravane (Main Temple). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Great for picking up a quick snack or souvenir between flights. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at VNA, check out VNA Waiting Area or Local Souvenir Stand (VNA) to keep yourself occupied.
Transport from Saravane Airport to Downtown
From VNA, the Taxi / Tuk-tuk gets you to Saravane in around 30 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 50 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Tuk-tuk offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Eat
- In the city: Street Food Stalls near Market and Riverside Local Eatery are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Saravane.
- At the airport: Airport Canteen & Drinks and Snack & Coffee Corner (VNA) will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Money & Budget Tips
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Saravane might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at VNA for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Saravane or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Bag Storage Near VNA
Dedicated luggage storage at VNA may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Saravane’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Where to Rest During Your Layover
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at VNA, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Saravane genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.