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Global Market · Southeast Asia
Vietnam – Laos Logistics
Laos market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Vientiane
- Region
- Southeast Asia
- Population
- 7.9 million
- Area
- 236,800 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$16 billion
- GDP per capita
- 2,012 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 129 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -2.7%/year
- Currency
- LAK (LAK)
- Languages
- Lao
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 824 km
Economic size
In 2023, Laos’s nominal GDP reached US$16 billion, ranking No. 129 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$2,012. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -2.7% per year.
Growth potential
- GDP in US dollar terms has fallen by an average of 2.7% per year over 5 years; watch for currency and purchasing power risks.
- Tariff preferences with Vietnam through ATIGA, RCEP.
- Close to Vietnam (about 824 km), with short transit times.
- Landlocked, requiring multimodal solutions via neighboring countries.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Goods that meet the rules of origin may qualify for preferential duty rates with the appropriate C/O under the following agreements:
- ATIGA ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement
- RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Shipping from Vietnam to Laos
Ocean
2–7 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–2 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
824 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
Laos is landlocked. Ocean cargo typically arrives at a port in a neighboring country and continues by road or rail.
Neighboring countries that can serve as gateways:
International airports
Laos has 4 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Wattay International Airport | VTE | Vientiane |
| Luang Phabang International Airport | LPQ | Luang Phabang |
| Pakse International Airport | PKZ | Pakse |
| Bokeo International Airport | BOR | Ton Phueng |
Services for the Vietnam – Laos lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Laos?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Laos take?
Laos is landlocked, so ocean cargo arrives at a neighboring country’s port and then moves inland. Total transit is usually around 2–7 days plus the road or rail leg.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Laos?
International air cargo to Laos mainly arrives via Wattay International Airport (VTE), Luang Phabang International Airport (LPQ), Pakse International Airport (PKZ).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Laos have?
Both countries are parties to ATIGA, RCEP. Businesses need the appropriate C/O to claim preferential duty rates.
Neighboring countries
Other markets in Southeast Asia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.