Laos Travel Forum

Hello everyone, this is the first of possibly a few posts, I am just starting to plan my trip for March this year, and wanted to make a start on a rough mud-map of where to go.
So far, I arrive at Vientiane, and plan on heading north to Luang Prabang via Vang Vieng. From LP, I'd like to go across to Phonsavan to the Plain of Jars. Then head south to Paksan, and follow the Mekong all the way down to Don Khong, crossing into Cambodia from here. I'm planning 3 weeks for Laos, and the last week in Cambodia.
I'd like to use buses, too much to be missed flying!
Can anyone out there tell me if this route is do-able, will I have enough time, and if there are any safetly concerns for a female solo traveller. I'm a bit worried after reading some stories on getting the boat at the Cambodian border, Am I worrying needlessly?

Thankyou for all responses!
Betska

the route is absolutely doable.
i did part of it this past november and have cycled through laos too on a previous occasion.
just be prepared for some fairly long journeys as the roads in laos are at times very mountainous and often in a pretty bad condition.
i'd say that you can do it in three weeks, but it might be pushing it a bit with all the places you plan to visit.
the places you plan to see are all very interesting though and i think you can manage it if you plan the trip well.

and you don't really need to worry about safety.
laos is full of single female travellers because it is a safe destinatioon for women.
the laotians are probaply the most calm and non pushy people in all asia.

Hi!
I think Laos is the most safest country in South East Asia. Laotians are nice!
You could try the route that you mentioned. However, buses are slow and always delay. But the scenery is nice!
You could cross over from Laos to Cambodia. taking a boat?hmmm....take a bus, better.
get a guided tour if you feel unsure.
happy travel

Thanks for your replies, Claus & Flowertot.

I've been checking the Aussie government travel advisory, they are saying to beware of banditry on routes 6, 7 and 13, due to attacks where people had been killed in attacks on vehicles in 2003.

What's your take on this?

it's not a problem anymore according to my local contacts.
i have just been on some of those routes with a group of eldery danes and the company i organised it for did a lot of research before the trip to make sure that this was not a problem anymore.

In Laos,materialism is setting in but people are nice and friendly.Bargain nicely. The highgest crime is mostly corruption so as tourists, we have little to worry unless you come face to face with the law. You don't really need to take extra precautions or be extra weary. Just be aware of your surroundings as you would anywhere. In Luang Prabang,the guesthouse where I stayed had very helpful staff so if you do have any difficulty they would come to your aid. We didn't really but just a case of falling sick and they were happy to supply us with hot water whenever and were okay about last minute cancelling our excursion.They put our interest and comforts first before anything.

You will feel much safer in Laos vs Cambodia. So you know where to channel your energies to. It can get tiring travelling alone for long durations. I hope you will meet other likeminded travellers as you go about :)