Lao Airlines launches Luang Prabang-Udon Thani route

Lao Airlines on Monday announced the opening of a new route between Luang Prabang, Laos's once royal capital, and Udon Thani, north-east Thailand, radio reports said.

The new route will operate twice a week, every Friday and Sunday, costing 80 dollars one way and 150 dollars round trip, said Radio Laos in a broadcast monitored in Bangkok, dpa reports.

Udon Thani, 450 kilometres north-east of Bangkok, is the closest Thai airport to Vientiane, the Lao capital. It is a major hub for Laos and foreigners living in Laos to catch flights on to Bangkok and abroad.

Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos' royal family and a major tourist destination.

The announcement of the new route for Lao Airlines, the national carrier, coincided with a day-visit by Thai Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to Vientiane.

Thailand is Laos' southern neighbour. The two countries share a similar language and culture but different political systems. Laos has been under communist rule since December 1975, while Thailand is a democracy under a constitutional monarchy.

The 600-year-old Lao monarchy was ended shortly after the land-locked nation opted for communist rule.