Day 24: Flying from Laos to Myanmar with a Baby

Julie

2024-12-13

Day 24: Flying from Laos to Myanmar with a Baby

From navigating Vientiane and Yangon airports to making layovers fun, here’s how our family traveled stress-free.

Main Journey of Flying from Laos to Myanmar with a Baby

Today, we bid farewell to Laos and embarked on a long travel day to Myanmar. With Sweetie in tow, the journey included:

Flight 1: Vientiane International Airport to Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (1 hour).
Transit: Layover in Bangkok (3 hours 30 minutes).
Flight 2: Bangkok to Yangon International Airport (1 hour).

Morning at Mixay Paradise Guesthouse

After a quick breakfast of toast and banana pancakes, we finished packing at Mixay Paradise Guesthouse, our “home” in Vientiane. The guesthouse left quite an impression with its strict rules and fines listed everywhere. Despite the initial culture shock, it turned out to be a fantastic choice—clean, affordable, and even offering complimentary coffee and snacks.

By 11 a.m., our pre-booked shuttle (50,000 kip) whisked us to the small yet bustling Vientiane International Airport, currently under construction. The noise of renovations and the temporary facilities created a chaotic environment, but Sweetie found joy in watching the construction outside the windows.

Events

At Vientiane International Airport

The small airport had limited amenities but plenty of activity. Sweetie, as always, was thrilled by the carts and fascinated by the “flying friends” (airplanes) she saw outside.

Check-In Experience: Showing our pre-arranged e-visas for Myanmar was a breeze. Thankfully, our luggage was checked all the way through to Yangon.
Construction Chaos: Long lines, crowded spaces, and temporary boarding bridges made for an exhausting wait, but Sweetie’s curiosity about the construction workers outside kept her entertained.

Layover at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport

With only a short layover, we focused on what mattered most: Thai food! We indulged in Thai chicken curry and crab pad thai, savoring every bite. Sweetie, fresh from her nap, happily ate her share, though she managed to spill half her meal.

Landing in Yangon

The short flight to Yangon was smooth, and Sweetie impressed us by buckling her own seatbelt and insisting on helping with ours. Upon arrival, we breezed through immigration with our printed e-visas.

The warm and welcoming vibes of Myanmar hit us immediately—friendly staff, a bustling currency exchange, and convenient SIM card options (Telenor SIM: 5,000 kyat for 2GB).

Tips for Traveling with a Baby

1. Prepare for Long Travel Days

Pack snacks, small toys, and a tablet loaded with games or shows to keep your baby entertained during long waits and flights.
Plan extra time for layovers to allow your little one to stretch and unwind.

2. E-Visas are a Lifesaver

Pre-arrange e-visas for Myanmar online. Print out the confirmation to make immigration fast and hassle-free.

3. Use Layovers Wisely

If you can’t explore the city, indulge in local airport cuisine. Thai food at Bangkok Don Mueang Airport was a highlight for us!

4. Stay Flexible with Baby Gear

Invest in a lightweight stroller or carrier that’s easy to manage during transit. Sweetie enjoyed walking or using airport carts, making things simpler for us.

Local Travel Tips

Currency Exchange: Exchange US dollars at the Yangon airport. Rates are competitive, and it’s convenient before heading into the city.
Transportation: Official airport taxis cost 8,000 kyat, but you can negotiate for lower rates with local drivers.
SIM Cards: Grab a local SIM card for affordable data—Telenor offers 2GB for just 5,000 kyat.

Travel Reflections of Flying from Laos to Myanmar with a Baby

The transition from Vientiane’s cozy familiarity to Yangon’s vibrant buzz felt seamless yet exciting. While Sweetie’s curiosity and resilience turned a long travel day into a manageable adventure, it was the warm, welcoming smiles of the locals in Myanmar that stood out most.

From the laid-back streets of Vientiane to the glowing Sule Pagoda in Yangon, we’re reminded once again how travel connects us—not just to places but to people. As we settled into our new “home,” excitement brewed for the adventures that lay ahead in this fascinating country.