Laos Travel Forum

dear all , Hi.
I`m planing to have a trip to laos in 3 weeks.
I start my trip from thailand to laos & from there to hanoi in Vietnam.
has any one ever tried this rout?
as I found out I must not neglect Luang prabang in laos besides I`m thinking aobut visiting Vientiane.
your kind suggestions & advices are most welcome.\
yous
shadi

Vientiane is very nice for a day or two. You should fly to Hanoi from there, and not consider going overland.

Enjoy your trip.

hi there.
honestly I`m thinking the best overland way.
I`m hoping to have a budget travell.
by the way is the any place you may sujjest in laos?

your
shadi

I haven't been to Laos in a few year, but I've been there three times total. The pace of change there is VERY fast, unbelievable really.

Since I haven't been in a few years, and I don't know what it is you like, i.e, I don't go trekking to see hilltribes for a variety of reasons (I don't like trekking and I don't want to treat people like their part of a human zoo), but you may be into it. I would suggest you look at some recent travel pages to Laos, here and maybe some on Thorn Tree, the LP's site, or Travelfish, which is all about SE Asia.

There is a lot out there on traveling in the country.

I'm guessing that there would be some kind of overnight bus from Luang Prabang crossing into Vietnam at Nam Xoi. I'll be in Luang Prabang from around 8th March till 16th March so can find out more for you when I arrive if you want. I've also posted a VT meeting for 10th March in Luang Prabang, can be flexible with dates, if you like to meet up. please email me.
Just be sure to organise your Vietnam visa in advance, as you are unlikely to be able to get one at the border.

Another possibility would be to travel from Luang Prabang to Phonsavan, and see Plain of Jars, then catch a bus from there to Vinh in Vietnam, from there you could pick up a train north to Hanoi.

that is amazing.
maybe I can join you for the meeting.
here is my email add.
sahita7@hotmail.com
plz mention your name on the subject.

hope to meet your in Luang Pharabag

shadi

Hey!
I have this trip totally planned, coming in to Chiang Saen from Yunnan and then into Laos by boat through Huay Xi..
I have changed my plan because my friend decided to come meet me in Vietname, so I have to stick to the south circuit to keep on schedule and still enjoy.. anyway...

The slow boat from Huay Xai [easily reachable from Chiang Mai (which is easily reachable by train from BKK)] to Luang Prabang.. from Luang Prabang, take a boat up the Nam Ou through Nong Khiaw/Muang Ngoi to Muang Khua.. (most scenic and memorable I see/know/imagine, caves along the way)... or the same route can be done by bus...
From Muang Khua, you can get transport by bus to Dien Bien Phu or sawngtheuw to the border and then moto-taxi from the border to Dien Bien Phu..
From DBP, there are regular buses to Hanoi.. the trip can be broken up by stopping at provincial city.

Let me know how it goes!!

Hey!
I have this trip totally planned, coming in to Chiang Saen from Yunnan and then into Laos by boat through Huay Xi..
I have changed my plan because my friend decided to come meet me in Vietname, so I have to stick to the south circuit to keep on schedule and still enjoy.. anyway...

The slow boat from Huay Xai [easily reachable from Chiang Mai (which is easily reachable by train from BKK)] to Luang Prabang.. from Luang Prabang, take a boat up the Nam Ou through Nong Khiaw/Muang Ngoi to Muang Khua.. (most scenic and memorable I see/know/imagine, caves along the way)... or the same route can be done by bus...
From Muang Khua, you can get transport by bus to Dien Bien Phu or sawngtheuw to the border and then moto-taxi from the border to Dien Bien Phu..
From DBP, there are regular buses to Hanoi.. the trip can be broken up by stopping at provincial city.

Let me know how it goes!!

hey!
it was an amazing hint.
but infact I did half of it .
after spending some days in Luang prabang I went to vangvieng & then Vientaine,
form there I took a but just 17 US dollar. to Hanoi.
I an now back to BKK. I flew from HCMC to BKK.
but I apreciate alot your help.

regards
shadi

Awesome!

How was the bus ride??

Any highlights of the trip???

well honestly I heard lots of bad news about the bus from Vientaine to Hanoi.
but it was not as bad as I expected. I was expecting something terrible but we were just 14 ppl then I had 4 seat for my self to lean on them. it was good . with ac & I think It worth to give it a try.

Sorry I missed you in LP, Sahita.
I really enjoyed my time in Laos, specially the south. Will keep an eye out for your new pages, I have over 500 photos so will spend this winter trying to make some pages & tips.
Betska

hey.
I`m glad that you enjoyed your trip.
well it is 10 days that I`m back to iran.
I enjoyed my trip too.
I took more pics .
same as you I need some times for making my pages.
also I took some pics for my design.
then I`ll inform you as soon as I ad new page.
yours
sahita