Another Lao Airlines question

Hoping to travel from Vientiane to Siem Reap in early January of next year. Normally I would do that sort of route overland, however I imagine it involves having to travel back to Bangkok to do the dreaded overland through Poipet or 3 days on a bus heading south through Laos.

Lao airlines quotes $165 and Bangkok Airways alot more at $250 (though from Luang Prabang). I tried to book the cheaper of the two online, however in the small print before entering my card details it states: " To ensure you obtain the ticket(s) at the quoted fare(s), they must be purchased in the country of departure".

What the hell does that mean? I am currently in the UK trying to buy a ticket which departs from Laos?! Does it mean that I'm simply reserving the tickets here and need to pay when I arrive in Laos - if so what will they do with my credit card details now?

A couple of steps further it states: " You will be receiving an e-Ticket Itinerary within 72 hours once the e-ticket is issued". This kinda suggests that I have in fact purchased something??

Sorry to bore you lot with this but customer services at Laos Airlines dont bother replying to my emails.

Any help, much appreciated.

If you are purchasing tickets online via the laoairlines.com website then you are purchasing the tickets from the country of departure

It will be processed just like any other online airfare purchase except it takes a couple of days between having your CC debited and receiving your E-Tickets

I called a travel agent in my home town in the USA who made reservations for every one of my flights on Laos Airlines including the one from sr to Pakse, pakse to luang prabang, lp to vientiane and vientiane to bangkok. I got paper tickets and paid by credit card. no problem and no hassling with Laos Airlines on the internet which I tried first and found too kooky to deal with.

#2 is spot on. The best way to book with Laos Airlines is through a good old fashioned travel agent and get a paper ticket. (unless you happen to be in bangkok or Chiang Mai and go directly to the office). It may be a little more expensive but it's done and there are less likely to be problems with the booking.

Thanks.

#2 & #3 - I've tried to book up through a travel agent here in the UK but nobody deals with them (hardly suprising). I've emailed and called the idiots several times and no response - so screw them - I'll shop elsewhere even if it means paying more.