Scoot launches new Laos route with flights sale

Scoot’s new route to landlocked Laos — neighbouring countries include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and China — is set to to introduce travellers to what the airline describes as a must-see destination.

The route’s April launch is being celebrated with a sale that starts at 10am today and ends at 11.59pm on January 22.

Fly from Perth, via Singapore, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $189 each way.

For those on the east coast, it costs $199 from the Gold Coast and $209 from Sydney and Melbourne.

It’s Fly fare, so bags and food cost extra, but the fare includes taxes.

You’ll need to visit before October 26.

Scoot’s flights to Laos on an A320 leave Singapore at 9am on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

They arrive in Luang Prabang at 11.10am, and then on to Vientiane by 1pm.

Scoot chief executive Lee Lik Hsin says the airline offers refreshing travel opportunities for people seeking authentic experiences off the beaten track.

“Travellers can also look forward to more extraordinary travel experiences with us as we plan to add even more new destinations to our network this year,” he says.

A Scoot spokesperson suggests visitors go on a hike, or take a sunset cruise along the Mekong River.

“Bathe in the extraordinary Kuang Si waterfalls or visit the elephant sanctuary and help bath these rescued gentle giants in the river,” the spokesperson says.

Celebrate Pi Mai — Lao New Year — from April 14 to 16.

The celebration is one of the most important dates in the country’s calendar.

Laos’ official tourism website says the northern heritage city of Luang Prabang has some of the best ancient traditions and colourful pageantry.

It’s a festival of blessings and renewal — the symbol of which is water — so Buddhas are washed, temples are repainted and homes are cleaned.

Expect to get soaked; these days people have fun with hoses and water pistols or throw water from buckets and pans to create an “enormous water fight that’s impossible to avoid”.

So the advice is to keep your passport, phone and valuables in a waterproof container, or leave them somewhere safe.

• For more information about Scoot flights visit flyscoot.com.
• Find out more about tourism opportunities in Laos at tourismlaos.org.