Suan Phao Guesthouse

Can anyone give me contact details for Suan Phao Guesthouse.

Thanks

Laos Itinerary help please!

Hi there! My husband and I plan on travelling to Laos in January 09. We would love some help with planning our itinerary, and hotels etc. We have travelled a lot of SE Asia before but never been to Laos.

We have up to 2 weeks to spend in Laos.

This is what we are currently thinking - if anyone has suggestions on how long we should spend in each place, accommodation help, etc - that would be much appreciated!

Rough Itinerary:

Days 1,2: Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang

Days 3,4: Full days in Luang Prabang

Day 5: Travel to Area near Plain of Jars

Day 6: Visit Plain of Jars, Travel to Vientiane

Days 7-9: Vientiane

Days 10-12: Somewhere southern Laos?????

Now for the questions!

1) Travel from Chiang Rai to Laos border (is this easy to do by public bus or is there a mini bus type service you can book?) Is customs/visa easy at this border?

2) Boat to Luang Prabang. Would not like the cheapest option, is there something between that and the Luang Say which looks great (but very pricey)? 2 day/1 night with good accommodation for the 1 night

3) How long to spend in Luang Prabang? Recommendations for a good standard 3-4 star hotel in good location would be great. Not more than $70USD per night.

4) Suggested day trips from Luang Prabang?

5) Best way to travel from Luang Prabang to Vientiane? In terms of price and travel time.

6) Recommendations for hotels in Vientiane (3-4 star, $70USD / night max). Suggested trips from Vientiane? How long to spend there?

7) We would like to visit the Plain of Jars, is it best to do this as a day trip from Luang Prabang or Vientiane or do we travel to the area and stay there overnight? If so, what hotels are good in the area?

8) Also want to visit the Pak Ou Caves, where is it best to visit them from?

9) Is it worth going down South at all? Seems Northern Laos gets more coverage on the net! If so, to what island, what is the best way of getting there? Suggestions would be great!

Thanks, know this is lots of questions but look forward to help! K %26amp; M

Laos Itinerary help please!

Also, have we missed any place we should definitely see?

Laos Itinerary help please!

Hello Bunny,

For most of your questions have been discussed in previous posts. You can type in a key word in the search function.

Travelfish site has lots of info on your questions as well.

I cut %26amp; pasted to get you started.

http://www.travelfish.org/country/laos.

Happy reading

1.) public bus is easy and cheap to catch. Visa is easy at the border, need USD. If you arrive in the weekend you may get charged extra.

2.) Recommend asking around when you arrive. We ended up sharing a boat with an American family.

3.) Not sure

4.) Waterfalls, Pak Ou Caves (may visit on way to LP)

5.) Flying is much faster %26amp; less painful but more expensive

6.) Not much to do here not more than a day

7.) Didn%26#39;t go here as was too long travelling

8.) See if you can get them included on your way to LP

9.) 4000 islands was awsome - Don Det, Don Khong etc.

Hope that helps

Robyn

We were in Laos recently and really wished we had stayed in the North.

We had a bit of a weird itinerary...Vientienne which is a great city. Then onto Vang Vieng for Christmas 2008, despite the bad press it gets, it is truly stunning especially if you don%26#39;t stay in town. We explored the area by motorbike and it was a truly memorable Christmas.

We then travelled down to Tha Khaek to do some trekking and more motorbiking, and did a homestay in one of the hill villages.

We then travelled down to Pakse, then onto the 4,000 islands to celebrate new year. It really depends what you%26#39;re looking for but after arriving at Don Det and realising it was very small with nothing to see/do and packed with loads of miserable 18-25 year olds looking for a good time..which wasn%26#39;t happening and had therefore opted to get obliterated by the local weed, we opted to travel onto Don Khon(15 mins by boat) which was very quiet but very charming, if you%26#39;d enjoy staying amongst the local people and watch everyday life unfold from a hammock, hire a rickety pushbike to go exploring, and look forward to the generator sparking to life between 5.30p.m and 9p.m, then you%26#39;ll love it here! 3 days is more than enough though!

From here we went onto Don Khong, the largest of the islands which was a big mistake...boring, boring, boring!! Theres a handful of hotels/guesthouses along the riverfront and it is only these which do food, which was the most bland/westernised food We had the misfortune to come across. There was absolutely nothing occuring here that hinted at the merest suggestion we were in Laos. It appeared to be a package destination with the handful of people we did encounter appearing to be middle class and very bored!! We did hire a motorbike for two days but really if you have to visit, just do a day trip from Don Khon.

Post your suggested itinerary on Travelfish and Thorn Tree and you ill get better advice from people who actually live here or have been many times, rather than occasional visitors.

I would fly from Vientiane to The Plain of Jars. It is an easy 35 minute flight and is definitely worth seeing.

To anyone who says Vientiane is not worth at least 2 days i say you haven%26#39;t looked properly nor done your homework. We occasionally hear this sort of misinformation. There is heaps to see and do. I would spend at least 2 days.

Lao Orchid is a nice hotel - about 45$, but why not stay in a restored French coloniail Villa - villa Manoly? The rooms are lovely and large and there is a small pool. The gardens are very attractive. It is only $30.00 a night or so.

Best way to get to Vientiane from LP? Fly! The bus trip is 10 hours and the road is very windy.

Lao Passport

I am sponsoring a Laotian citizen from LPB to come to USA for medical treatment. They live in LPB. Where can they go in LPB to obtain a Laotian passport? thanks

Suan Keo Guesthouse, LP

Does anyone have any knowledge of this guesthouse? It seems to be well-priced, but would like opinions from anyone that has stayed there recently, and if the location is OK. Thankyou.

Airfare for Vientiane to Phnom Penh (Vietnam Airlines)

Does anyone know the local price for this route? I can book it in the UK through expedia but it costs $232.

Having travelled in vietnam before i know that you can book flights with vietnam airlines much much cheaper once in the country (or area) compared to in the UK - sometimes 50% cheaper. Would i be able to get this flight for much cheaper once in Laos or is there somewhere i can book beforehand?

Seems quite expensive. My other option is the bus to Udon Thani in Thailand and then to Bangkok with air aisa or Nok Air and then to PP air asia. This works out about $90 but a lot more hassle and time wasted.

Airfare for Vientiane to Phnom Penh (Vietnam Airlines)

$232 is quite alot when i travelled from vientiane, through phnom penh, to ho chi minh, for $190 US.

i did this flight recently too (17th jan actually), and booked it when i was in laos (vang vieng).

not sure whether what i did was as cheap as possible though. i did it because my bus to danang got canceled.

even with the fuss, i%26#39;d go through udon thani.

river weather in feb

taking the boat from luang prabang to pak beng and huay xai in mid feb...itinerary says it can be ';quite cold.'; anyone know what that means, how cold?

river weather in feb

Definitely bring a warm layer of fleece and some thermal underwear. I have never been to that area, but it was pretty darn cold just taking the boat 90 minutes to the Pak Ou caves from Luang Prabang. Phonsavan is another story. It is downright Arctic up there...Best to be prepared (you can also sleep in the warm stuff if it gets cold at night)...

river weather in feb

I would take into account different people%26#39;s perspective of what is warm and cold depending on what they are used to. I took the boat up to Pak Ou in Feb a couple of years ago and it was not cold at all, in fact i would class it as hot. But that%26#39;s probably because i live in England.

My boat to Pak Ou was at 8am. It was clipping along. It was cold. I had a fleece jacket and the other guys were wearing T-shirts. They were shivering visibly. I live in Japan. It snows here. I understand cold.

pimple

Posting things home

We%26#39;ll be travelling light on our trip to Laos, hopefully using only cabin baggage. But this means we won%26#39;t be able to carry any souvenirs with us. I was hoping we could post things home instead.

In my guide book it says to use the DHL depot in Vientiane for international parcels. Does anyone know why we couldn%26#39;t use the main post office instead? Is it a language barrier problem maybe?

Also, is it possible to post international parcels from Luang Prabang%26gt;

Many thanks.

Posting things home

Hi peanut - no answer im afraid but i have a question.... Once the parcel arrives back in the UK, do you have any taxes / duties to pay that you know of?

Posting things home

Good question!

I assume not if it%26#39;s been sent as an individual rather than a company, but I%26#39;ll check it out.

Ofcourse you can post things home. I post things to my Mum in Australia all the time. Maybe the guide book sponsors DHL?

Thanks Rufuscat. You%26#39;re a mine of information for me on this forum and it%26#39;s much appreciated.

I take it you think the same will be true of Luang Prabang and that your mum doesn%26#39;t pay any duty on the parcels you send?

Regarding the duty: you have to be careful how much you post back. My rellies have never paid duty, but I do know of some people who have, so I guess don%26#39;t post too much.

Also be careful not to include any vegetable matter. there are some beautiful sets of paper in Luang Prabang, but they have leaves impregnated in them. I have had some confiscated by customs.

Never posted anything from LP but i would guess its the same as Vientiane.

I%26#39;ll try to send smallish parcels and not all at once then.

I don%26#39;t think the UK is as hot on restricting imports of plant and animal material, but that may just be within the EU so I%26#39;ll take your other advice on board too.

Re-entering Canada from a trip abroad one of the questions you answer on your landing card is whether all goods acquired on your trip are accompanying you. I assume it%26#39;s similar in the UK.

I once put ';yes'; on the form, forgetting that I had shirts, etc. coming from a tailor in Bangkok. Canada Customs then charged me duty when the package arrived in Canada a month later. I got the money refunded when I established, using boarding passes, etc., that I had purchased these items on a trip and had forgotten to declare them on entry.

Sure, you can send things home as ';gifts,'; but you can also mail souvenirs home to yourself so long as you remember to fill out the landing card properly.

Thanks but I don%26#39;t think we have anything like that in the UK. Even returning from Hong Kong I didn%26#39;t have to fill in a landing card.

I%26#39;d be interested to find out how customs decide which parcels they charge duty on.

No customs declaration on return to the UK from a trip outside the EU?

There is a customer declaration but only in terms of walking through the ';nothing to declare'; route or goods to declare. There are no landing cards to complete for UK residents.

Best things to do in Luang Prabang

I have two and a half days in Luang Prabang so can someone list in order the best things to do during this short time

Best things to do in Luang Prabang

click on the Things to Do link on the left hand side of the trip advisor webpage; that said, I%26#39;d get up early, see the alms ceremony, walk around town and then do some more walking, look and listen, enjoy the people and the food ... it is that type of place, perhaps do a day trip to the caves and the waterfall on your second day.

Best things to do in Luang Prabang

You can pretty well see Sai Bat anywhere in Laos. I would visit the various Wats, climb Mount Phousy, visit the waterfall, and definitely eat at the Three Nagas.

Hire a push bike and meander through town, visiting temples, sitting by the river side, stop for Coffee and sensational lemon tarts at the cafe opposite the school. Visit some galleries, buy some art. Eat Laab. Consider a long boat trip up to the cave temples (half day). Dinner at the Apsara in my opinion was better than the Three Nagas...but 3N was good too.

dinner at Tamarind was the best - they only take cash though.

I would NOT recommend the boat trip to Pak Ou caves; boring ride, the whiskey village is a tourist trap, and the caves are nothing special. The waterfalls are nice, Tad See is better and has elephant bathing and feeding. Take a boat across the Mekong and walk for a few hours from Wat to Wat. At the furthest one upstream some kids will find you and rent you a flashlight to see a REAL Buddha cave.

Just a caveat that Tad Sae is great at certain times of the year and at others, especially at the end of the dry season and beginning of the wet, that the pools aren%26#39;t nearly as spectacular as the water level gets lower.

Viaduct, what do you mean by ';REAL buddha cave';? What%26#39;s the difference? Does it have a name? Everyone seems to rave about Pak Ou cave...but I know that following the crowd can sometimes lead to disappointment. Drove 2 hours to Chichen Itza in Mexico and was underwhelmed by a site that was overwhelmed by visitors and tchotchke sellers...

Weather In June

Hi All,

I know June is the start of the rainy season but how bad does it get.

Cheers,

Stewie.

Weather In June

Hi Stewie,

With a bit of luck you might miss the rain altogether. Last couple of years there first couple of months of the rainy season have been a bit sporadic. Worse case is a torrential downpour for an hour or two a day (usually in the evenings)

Any accoms & pool for <$30USD pn? Hotels that let you swim?

Hi

I am having trouble finding relevant, decent info on places with pools in LP for under $30USD (approx $46AUD) a night (maybe they don%26#39;t exist?)

Travel time will be early May.

If anyone has stayed, or looked, at anywhere that woudl come in around this price or cheaper (don%26#39;t care if the pool is TINY even) please post.

Otherwise does anyone know if you can swim at another hotel%26#39;s pool (for a fee)?

Any hints or help most appreciated.

Cheers... wishtago :)

Any accoms %26amp; pool for %26lt;$30USD pn? Hotels that let you swim?

They don%26#39;t exist. Most hotels with pools will let you swim for a fee.

Any accoms %26amp; pool for %26lt;$30USD pn? Hotels that let you swim?

Muang Luang is probably the closest hotel to your budget that has a pool.

Best place to volunteer a few hours

My partner and I are going to be in LP for 5 days in Feb and I suspect we%26#39;ll have some free time. Instead of spending all of that time sightseeing, I am wondering if anyone can recommend a good place to volunteer time (and donate some $). FYI: He%26#39;s a musician and I am a writer...

Best place to volunteer a few hours

Check out www.stay-another-day.org. If you enter volunteering and Luang Prabang, you will find a number of options that might appeal. Maybe Big Brother Mouse for the writer or the Children%26#39;s Cultural Center for the musician.

Best place to volunteer a few hours

If you%26#39;ve only got a few hours, donate money to the Big Brother Mouse organization. If you have longer than that, you could buy books and distribute them to schools in the area (best to contact schools beforehand to see what is needed). Here is the link to Big Brother Mouse http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/

Paying for accomodation in advance - deposit or in full?

Hello, does anyone know whether it%26#39;s normal to pay up front the full amount for your accomodation?

We are staying 10 nights in Luang Prabang and I%26#39;m a bit concerned about the guest house wanting the payment in full now. I would prefer to just pay a deposit, incase the place is no good. What is the norm?

Thanks Kristy

Paying for accomodation in advance - deposit or in full?

I have been to Laos 6 times and have never ever paid up front, not even a deposit. I would be very wary of doing this, especially if your plans should change or the place does not end up to be what you expected it to be (this tends to happen often in Laos!)...Just my 2 cents...

Paying for accomodation in advance - deposit or in full?

Agree totally with Maneki. Do not pay all up front, and ';no'; it is not the norm here.

Thanks so much for your help!! Hmmmm - maybe I will have to say we can only pay a deposit. I heard that christmas/new year time is a bit of a nightmare with accomodation, so I thought we better do what we were asked. Hard to know as you hear so many different things!! If you know of any great places to stay too, let me know.

Cheers Kristy

There are a zillion places to stay in LP but it may be wise to book in advance (never heard of a deposit being required but I always make it a point to re-confirm one week -10 days before I arrive), especially at places mid-range and up. I stay in guesthouses (prefer to support the local peopel instead of international chains) and my budget is $15-$25. Let me know if that%26#39;s your price/comfort range and I%26#39;ll list some places. Oh, and if you look around, you%26#39;ll find Luang Prabang to be overpriced compared to the rest of the country.

Thanks so much again. I was looking for guest houses too and under $25 is great!!So your suggestions would be fabulous. It is Munglao guesthouse who was wanting us to pay in advance in full. Cheers Kristy

Thanks, Kris, for bringing this up. Our budget is around $25-$15 a night as well. We%26#39;re definitely in for supporting the local economy.

Maneki, I would like to hear your list of hotels in that price range. We are going to be in Luang Prabang for four nights in late December.

We have booked at Villa Laodeum near Royal Palace for now just so we would have somewhere to unload our stuffs first when we arrive. It%26#39;s difficult to find reviews on that hotel so we%26#39;re just keeping our fingers crossed. High season rate is 35USD for a night. I booked it through their website and no money transfer was required. I would like to hear words on that hotel if anyone has stayed there in the past. Below is their website.

http://www.villalaodeum.com/

Heidi

Here%26#39;s a list I have of GHs in LP

Maoluck Hotel maoluck@laotel.com

Suansavan GH (856) 71-213032

Sabaidee Gh sabaigh@hotmail.com

Saysamphanh GH mimi_soudaphone@yahoo.com

Maniphone GH (856) 71-212636

Villa Kiengkham (856) 71-212204

Malida GH (856) 71-212204

Monkdavane GH (856) 71-252402

Kinnaly GH (856) 71-212416

I think that second one should read ';Manoluck'; (the e-mail as well)...sorry...

These are all $15-$25 range places. Save that extra $20 per night you %26#39;ll be saving by staying there and doante it to the Big Brother Mouse Project while you%26#39;re in Luang Prabang, help the local children! :-)

http://www.bigbrothermouse.com/

Here is a Google Map with hotels and guesthouses in Luang Prabang:

…blogspot.com/search/…20Guesthouses

Hi. How was your stay at Villa Laodeum? Any recommendations for accommodation? I%26#39;m looking for places in the same price range. Quiet and clean. Thanks.

pimple

Tour Luang Prabang

After having checked Luang Prabang the first day I went on a half day elephant tour the second day. I booked it with PTM travel. At 8.30 I had to be at their office and at 8.45 we left for the elephant tour. First we had to ride half an our or so to the Nam khan river were we had to take a boat to the elephant camp. When we arrived I could ride the elephant.I had to sit on a seat that was locked on his back. I couldn%26#39;t believe that those animals would be able to walk some trails. But they can climb almost everything. Somethimes it was pretty scary. It was a 25 minutes ride what was really short and there was told that it would be much longer! After that I had a few ours to spend at tad sea waterfalls (what was next to the elephant camp). So a good day but I was not pleased fully. Because I was really into the elephant riding I wanted to do it again. I decided to book with Tiger Trail. I would also do the Kayaking for 3 ours. Tiger trail has a fair trek program what means that 30 procent of the income goes to the local people. Next to this they have an own elephant camp. So I was eager to check that out... Day day began at 8.30 with a ride to the elephant park. It was at the banks of the Nam Khan and there were beautiful vieuws. First we went to Tad sea waterfals(yes again) for half an our whick was long enough. Than I went for a one and a half our! elephant ride. It was great because we also went through the river were my feet almost hit the water! I switched with the mahout to sit on his neck and I continued the whole ride sitting in it%26#39;s neck!. After a good lunch at the park I went for a Kayak trip down the Nam Khan to Luang Prabang. The vieuws were great and the guide told a lot of extra things about what we saw on the way. So a Great day it Was! I recommend it to everyone!

Tour Luang Prabang

Sounds like what PTM Travel agency did was to sell you the elephant ride at Tad Sae Waterfall where an operator sells elpehant rides but these rides are for only half an hour. You could have easily done this yourself by going to Tad Sae and there%26#39;s a small bridge that you cross to the area for the elpehant rides.

A good alternative for longer rides is also with All Lao Elephant Camp which charges $25 (US dollars) for a one and a half hour elephant trek through their privately owned property near Ban Noun Savat along the Nam Khan River outside of Luang Prabang. They even provide a free transfer between the town and their elephant camp.

Villa Chitdara

Has anyone stayed at Villa Chitdara in Luang Prabang? I have seen it on the internet and was thinking about booking there but can%26#39;t find any reviews on it. Please comment if you know anything good or bad or average. Thanks

Villa Chitdara

Hi

I was looking for opinions too, but I couldn%26#39;t find anything about this place. It%26#39;s pretty new, so I guess it hasn%26#39;t been through a full %26#39;season%26#39; yet. I have booked a room there for 4 days in early October, so I%26#39;ll post some feedback when I%26#39;m there. It was recommended by a couple of friends in LP and it%26#39;s certainly in a good spot. I stayed at the Apsara in Feb and that was a great spot overlooking the Nam Khan, but I had wanted to be at the Senesouk this time for the location, but as usual they were full. I know that it%26#39;s in a good part of town, near to wats and restaurants, but not in the thick of things.

cheers

Paulo

Villa Chitdara

Thanks Paulo, we have booked there for in a week or so - here%26#39;s hoping it%26#39;ll be good!

Chitdara is lovely,we arranged for friends to stay there and they found it very pleasant and comfortable, new with all mod cons. Another one to check out is Lotus Villa not far from there. Both are near Senesouk and with equal or better facilities and include breakfast. You can stroll along from there to the lovely area near Wat Nong and the residential area in the promontory.

Thanks, that%26#39;s good to know, it came recommended, so I figured it would be ok, but it%26#39;s nice to get some positive feedback... maybe your friends could post a review?

cheers

paulo

Hi. I stayed 2 nights at Villa Chitdara. It is a nice Guesthouse with new rooms with lovely wooden features. Each room has a balcony, but only a few have a front facing balcony to get views of the Monks as they take Alms in the morning. We had requested a front balcony, but when we arrived they were unable to accommodate this.

The twin room we stayed in was clean and nice with TV and fridge, however it was quite small and a little crowded with our two suitcases. The bathroom was also very clean and nice.

The staff do not speak much English and came across as a bit unhelpful, but I think they are more shy than anything.

Unfortunately there was quite a bit of building noise when I was there as there is building at the back of the property and also across the road - once these are completed I%26#39;m sure it will be fine.

The location is very good, particularly if you prefer not to be right in the thick of the night market area, and it was excellent for rolling out of bed at 0600 to check out the Monks who walk past the front of the guesthouse.

I changed to another guesthouse after 2 days in Luang Prabang and really liked where we went - Villa Lakkham (or Ban Lakkham) which has an outlook to the river, gorgeous airy feeling rooms with good bathrooms and you can take breakfast on your private balcony or on the riverside. The manager there spoke very good English and was very helpful. However, for TV lovers, there were no TVs in the rooms.

I just got back from Luang Prabang where I stayed at the Villa Chitdara. Overall, I give it a positive review, but there were a couple of things that irked me.

First, the positives: It is nicely situated approximately one ';block'; away from the main street. It took me about 5 minutes to walk to the night market each night. The room itself was clean as was the bathroom. There was A/C, a TV, and a fridge in the room. There was also a computer in the ';lobby'; with free internet access. Although their English seemed to be a bit limited, the staff was nice and friendly and was able to help arrange tours, taxis, etc. Breakfast was included with our room and it was decent. There were eggs, fresh fruit, juice, bread, pancakes and pastries. There are also small stores directly across the street and at the corner where you can buy water, snacks, etc.

Now, the things that irked me: Although the room was clean, it was a bit small. There was a rack in the room where we could place our backpacks, but there were no selves or drawers so that we could unpack. Whenever we left our room, we had to leave the key at the front desk. As such, we were asked by the staff to return by midnight. On one occassion, we actually returned quite late (3 am). The lobby was locked and the gates were closed. We had to ring the doorbell in order to wake up the staff in order to get into our room. As for the breakfast, it was generally good but the pancakes were made first thing in the morning so they were cold and hard by the time I ate them. My last complaint is the unpleasant odor that we smelled on the street on the way to the hotel. Just before reaching the hotel, you pass over what I think to be a latrine for the house across the road. Although the stench cannot be smelled in either the rooms or the hotel, it is still rather unpleasant nonetheless.

';As such, we were asked by the staff to return by midnight. On one occassion, we actually returned quite late (3 am). The lobby was locked and the gates were closed. We had to ring the doorbell in order to wake up the staff in order to get into our room.';

Frankly I think you should be thankful they lt you in. Firstly they asked you to return by a set time. Secondly, isn%26#39;t there a curfew in LP?

I was very grateful that they let us in. My point is that I found it to be a bit of an inconvenience having to turn in my key every time I left the room and having to be back by a certain time every night. Had I known this ahead of time, I would have opted to stay elsewhere.

As for a formal curfew, I can%26#39;t say for sure. I know that almost all restaurants and pubs close by midnight, but there is one place that stays open until 3 am.

Hello everybody,

I am French and I%26#39;ve spent a 4night stay in the VILLACHITDARA 2 month ago with my wife. My friends suggested me to sleep there in Luang Prabang because they have tried several other guesthouses before.

So, the only advice I can give you about this place: Go there!

Maybe you can find other places with cheapiest price but in Villachitdara, you will find all your confort you need for a very great holiday in Luang Prabang.

Very good location (near to the centre, near to the Mekong, night market closed, on the monk walk...), a very kind staff (maybe a little shy), A/C, TV, minibar, balcony...Convenience store in front of the gueshouse.

A clean %26amp; new guesthouse! It was a nice experience! Perfect place for good souvenirs in Luang Prabang.

Stayed there in November, just posted review today. Place is great!

Luang Prabang Info Please!!!

Hey there, I%26#39;m going to Luang Prabang and I have a few questions for everyone and was hoping you could all help out..

1-Has anyone been in mid March and is it a nice time to visit?

Have heard that visibilty isnt very good from the burning off that happens.. Is this true and how bad is it?

2-Visa%26#39;s! Wat is the go?

3-Has anyone stayed at Lotus hotel? What was it like?

4-Hotel%26#39;s with pool and which one%26#39;s are good to stay at $40-$50 a night.

5-Is 3 or 4 days enough time to spend there?

6-Are the waterfalls still running through this period?

7-Malaria meds. Yes or no?

Thats about all the info I need.. I hope to hear from you all soon.

Cheers..

Luang Prabang Info Please!!!

Burno offs are not as bad now. March is getting hot.

Visas? From where? You get them on the border on entry.

5. Yes

6. Yes, but not large.

7. Why? No expats take them.

Incidentally there is heaps of information already popsted on the questions you ask. Use the search function.

Luang Prabang Info Please!!!

Thanks for your info Rufascat

I%26#39;m coming from Australia. So i take it I can get Visa%26#39;s at the airport on entry.

Just making sure as requirements into countries change all the time and and realise there is heaps of info here just want it to be current.

I took anti malarials. Visa at the airport not sure about rate for Aussies, Canadians paid the most and we are so nice so don%26#39;t know why :-)

You will love it- the people are so nice- cheap eats along the river

Yes visa on arrival at the airport. $37.00US for Australians and 2 passport photos.

Cactus, you should ask your govt why Canadians pay the most. look at the Canadian visa regulations for laos and then you will understand why canadians pay more here. Fairs fair!

Yes, you can get a 30 day visitor visa on arrival at the airport in Luang Prbang. Just bring a couple of passport photos with you and have some American cash with you - $35 when we were there last October.

I was in LP twice last year and didn%26#39;t take malaria tablets. We took some anti mosquito spray and used that if we were sitting by the river in the evening.

I feel 3 or 4 days in LP is probably a good amount of time to see the main attractions and relax into the vibe of the place.

I don%26#39;t know that you will find a hotel with a pool for $40 or $50 a night. Most places at that price are questhouses and I don%26#39;t think you would find any with a pool.

(2) Not sure what it is like for Aussies - but US citizens can get a visa on arrival. You should confirm with the Australian Embassy website just to be sure

(3) I have not - I would recommend Villa Chitdara, though they do not have a pool. It is a charming place, and the monks walk by in the morning, but it is far enough off the main street that you are not surrounded by tourists taking pictures

(5) 3-4 days is perfect, it leaves just enough time to relax (which is what vacation is for, right?)

(7) Me and my sister took malaria meds, our parents did not. I would say yes - to be on the safe side - not to mention it might protect your stomach from travelers viruses too! (for example, my parents got sick from eating something - but all 4 of us ate the exact same thing. I%26#39;m thinking that b/c we were on malaria meds, it somewhat helped? not sure...just my theory!)

Hi,

We stayed at Lotus in Jan and it was nice and well located although one of the two rooms we were in had seriously bad lighting - couldnt read at night!

We a got our visas in Aust. Sent passports to Canberra, $45AUD and got them back promptly, saved a lot of time when we arrived.

You will love LP!! Night markets great and clean and nice food. Go for a walk over the river on one of the long bamboo bridges for an experience!!

Wish I was going back!

Confused about best area's to stay in Vang Vieng...

Hi

I am a bit confused about VV from an accommodation perspective.

What do people mean by %26#39;the island%26#39;?

Which side of %26#39;the bridge%26#39; should you stay to avoid having to pay every single time you cross back to your accoms (etc).

I will be with 6 others and looking for 4 clean, quiet rooms in early to mid May. Preferably looking to spend under $20USD (approx $30AUD) a night if s possible.

Don%26#39;t mind noise until about 11pm or so but then would like peaceful, quieter area for sleeping. Is this possible if you stay right in town?

We don%26#39;t mind a 10 - 15 min walk into town and staying on the outskirts if it means cheap, clean and peaceful!

Can anyone help? Thankyou in advance...

Cheers... wishtago :)

Confused about best area's to stay in Vang Vieng...

Thre is a little bridge across the Nam Song which leads to an island. This is a rather budget, backpacker, alternative area. I would avoid it like the plague, but then again maybe it appeals to others.

Confused about best area's to stay in Vang Vieng...

Ta Rufuscat

I hear ya!

So the bridge you pay to cross each time gets you to the noisy, non stop backpacker part. Don%26#39;t mind checking the area out but not where we want to crash in the evenings!

Thankyou for clearing that up - seeing I have never even watched one episode of Friends I%26#39;m probably going to find all the bars and eateries amusing (or %26#39;get me out of here boring%26#39;)!

Any suggestions from yourself, or anyone, on clean, quiet accoms still most appreciated. The accoms in VV are not the easiest to find good reviews on! :)

Personally I like staying at the Vansana Hotel. Nice rooms, a good pool and right on the rive. Unfortunatley it is over your posted budget however.

wishtago... You probably already have checked out travelfish..

travelfish.org/accommodation/…all

Also I just stayed at the Ban Sabai Bungalows, prebooked thru this website, but might again like the above post be out of your price range.

vang-vieng-hotels.com/hotels-in-vang-vieng

Along the riverside is where you probably be looking at. Sounds like it out of town but really only 2-5 minute stroll to the café’s, bars etc. everything is within walking distance.

BTW I take reviews as a guide only.

Alicie

could you please recommend what%26#39;s worth to see around Ban Sabai Bungalows?

what%26#39;s there to do?

If you don%26#39;t mind a 10 minute walk I often stay at the Thavisouk Resort - 10 minutes downstream of the main area, quiet with AC bungalows and a restaurant on the river. Its $20 per night.

Hello Yalowa,

What worth seeing around BanSabai bungalows?

Well I not sure any thing different than the others. Has nice outdoor eating %26amp; sitting area to view the river.

Do you mean what is worth seeing in and around Vang Vieng?

Hallo Alicie

i really meant around the Ban Sabai Bungalows. Anyway, i also would love to know what you did there and/or worth seeing in Vang Vieng:)

Well it is a place to stay in Vang Vieng but on the river. Another poster has asked me what we did also , I have typed out a few things. Haven’t included everything but may be of interest. Sorry not very good with reports so ask any questions %26amp; remember just my thoughts.

I not know what you like doing but I really enjoyed the scenery %26amp; outdoor activities. Vang Vieng offers a lot of both. I asked the hotel reception girl what she suggests that we do. She booked us a caveing and tubing or kayaking. I think you can book these anywhere as I presume it is a co op of guides ( our guide %26amp; others I noticed are well trained) small groups 5 or so people. There are other tours to do as well.

First we went to three caves near each other ( Elephant, Snail %26amp; Loop caves)…….I wouldn’t rec going alone as they are pitch black inside %26amp; in spots some deep holes.

Then the ‘watercave’ where you sit in a tube %26amp; pull yourself thru by a rope, honestly at first I thought looked a bit lame %26amp; not worth getting wet for..but was one of the best fun things I have done. We took the option of tubing down the river ( the most talked about activity ) from the Mullberry farm. I only stopped at one quiet bar ( but you could at any %26amp; two in our group stopped at afew) I found it amazing to be floating down the river then next minute “boom boom’ music blaring from loud speakers !! Ha Ha .Also, I found interestingly how the bars as they get closer to the starting point are more %26amp; more elaborate. one even has a water slide !!. One day there will be a ‘Gold Coast’ theme park : - ) There is a lot of discussion on forums about this as the bars encourage binge drinking. I was there at xmas so party goers where in full merriment yet didn’t upset my time as I just avoided that scene.

Therefore, I wouldn’t let this put you off doing river activities as you not have to partake or even stop at any. A lot of tourists hire the boat %26amp; driver ( near the Villa Nam Song hotel) to take them sightseeing..I didn’t but looked like a good thing to do.

Also, hiring a push bike ( a mountain bike is best) to ride around the outskirts. They give you a hand drawn map of the places of interests. We had one great day where we rode to Poukham Cave there is a really pretty swimming hole where the water is aqua blue from the limestone, nice area %26amp; a kiosk . Take some water but there is enough places along the way to stop for a cold drink. I was a bit of a speed demon on my pushy ( lucky didn’t come a gutsa) had to tell afew other tourists to keep heading towards the hill %26amp; it round the other side as quite afew side tracks to explore. So remember that %26amp; make sure to grab the ‘hand drawn map’.

You can also, walk to a cave near the Vang Vieng resort(?) it is over an orange bridge.. but please do not make the mistake I did and listen to my travel buddy to take a short cut back %26amp; end up in the bush..not a good idea..take the road back.

After our days adventures we could have relaxed at the ‘Ban Sabai ’ but a new hotel was being built next door so abit noisy during the day… by chance we found a great place to chill..

I think it is where rufus mentioned over a little bridge a group of bars that I think the partiers go to at night. During the day empty %26amp; just prefect

.The one we liked and found ourselves in the afternoons was the ‘Bamboo Bar’ it has individual huts with hammocks, lovely view across the river %26amp; a good place to relax.. The expat guy working there ( sorry forget his name) showed me a flyer he is going to distribute around town to try %26amp; encourage a bit more responsible behaviour as well as warning of some scams.

Gosh I certainly have typed a lot…

Btw yes it is true !! tourist do sit around watching friends ..the very first thing I took a photo of. I not get why as they all looked pretty dull %26amp; bored to me.

I only spent three days there. Please post what things you find to do as I would like to go back ..maybe do one of the hiking tours. Hope helps.

PS check out the ‘stay another day’ http://www.stayanotherday.org/search

yalowa sorry we having crazy weather here in OZ at the moment haven’t been able to post earlier

Vang Vieng Hotel Recommendations

Anyone have any? Happy to pay up to about $35/40 a night. Dont want to be around the backpacker seen, or not right in the middle anyway. I usually look at the hotel reviews on this site but even the top one (elephant crossing) which looks nice on their site gets a lot of bad reviews.....

Vang Vieng Hotel Recommendations

Vansana Hotel is nice and has a lovel pool. It is right on the river with great views.

Vang Vieng Hotel Recommendations

ban sabai bungalows looked good too when I was in vang veing last year. I stayed at vang veing orchid but it would be too close to backpackers and island for you ( plus very basic place- no cleaning of room -reception staff seemed very disinterested and always lazing around reception which was always looking like someones bedroom)

Thavisouk resort is very nice, aircon bungalows right on the river and away from the backpacker bars. Right next to the bridge 2-300m further downstream from the elephant crossing. They have their own restaurant over the river. About $20/night.

Thavonsouk Hotel. Google it. Very nice. Spent two nights there. One of my most pleasurable stays ever in SE Asia.

Glad you said thavansouk as thats where i opted for in the end.

Thanks everyone

Luang Prabang to Siem Reap via Siem Reap Airlines

We booked all our flights on a Discovery Pass for the first week in Feb 09, which included our trip from LP to Siem Reap with Siem Reap Airlines..................However, we have just been informed by BKK airlines, that this route is no longer available and we now have to go BKK Airlines via Bangkok and onward to Siem Reap. Has anyone else come across this problem.

Luang Prabang to Siem Reap via Siem Reap Airlines

it is no doubt due to the fact that siem reap airways is currently not operating due to it appearing on the EU ban list (the cambodian authorities have stopped it from flying until it has sorted that out)

Luang Prabang to Siem Reap via Siem Reap Airlines

Vietnam Airways flies this route, but you will have to book with a travel agent.

Lao Airlines also fly this route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays

We%26#39;re also flying LP to SR the first week in February on Discovery Airpass, but haven%26#39;t heard anything from Bangkok Airways about a route change. How big a problem is this, and what does the re-routing via Bangkok add to the flight time? I%26#39;m trying to think through the implications of the suspension of the LP-SR route for Discovery Airpass users, and am a bit worried that other posters are suggesting alternative airlines.

I booked a flight from LP to SR on Vietnam Airlines via Expedia. January. $237 USD for one ticket.

I would check with your local agent who supplied your Discovery Pass. We had a brief phone call to tell us of a flight time change from BKK to LPG (The first leg of our journey), and it was only because we requested confirmation of this by E-mail that we noticed the change to our flights from LPG to SR. We queried this and was told that this route is no longer operating.

So, in answer to your question, in our case, we now have a 12 -30pm flight from LPG to BKK and our flight onward to Siem Reap is not until 5-30pm so we now have something like a 3 hour wait at BKK Airport. So we basically lose a day, because the other flight would have meant we arrived at Siem Reap around 3-30pm we will now not arrive until about 7-30pm!!

Not v. happy but not much we can do about it now.

BUT do contact your Agent and please let me know what you are told.

Whatever the outcome, hope you really enjoy your holiday in LPG and Siem Reap. This will be our second time to Siem Reap, it is the most amazing place.

Regards

Sandy and Chris Frewin

Thanks for the information, Sandy and Chris. We were booked Luang Prabang to Siem Reap on 3 February 2009 on FT634 leaving at 12:10 PM. I am trying to get in touch with a Bangkok Air office--a bit difficult right now because I am in Japan and the Fukuoka office I had originally used closed 31 Oct. But I%26#39;ll keep trying their offices in Hiroshima and Tokyo via Skype, and keep sending them emails.

Someone on another travel forum who is flying LP-SR the first week of February (the same as us) writes that their Discovery Airpass LP-SR flight was changed to one operated by Lao Airlines. It takes three hours, with a ';technical stop'; in Pakse. I might try for that, though it flies on the day after the day I%26#39;d booked. Depends on how you want to ';lose'; your time, I guess--in BKK or with an extra day in LP and one less in SR.

';direct'; flight with lao airlines is better option; i suspect you have been re-routed onto bangkok because of their common ownership; as u be aware, veitnam airlines is not an option for you with your discovervy pass.

I got the call and they are rerouting us through BKK for our flight in January. Not happy about the layover in BKK either as we lose the day. Thought I might check with Bangkok Air once we are in Bangkok to see what the story is/other options, as our hotels are all booked already and can%26#39;t adjust dates.

Let me know if you find out anything else/I will do the same.

Yes, I also recently found out the same, only I was%26#39;nt told about it, I just noticed the flight had vanished off the radar on Bangkok airways online booking site, luckily they code share with siem riep airways, who have been grounded by the EU as unsafe carriers. We like you will lose half a day travelling back to Bkok %26amp; onward to Siem Riep, but at least they are honouring our flights and getting us there.

pimple

Itinerary input -- PLEASE!

We%26#39;re going to be in and about Luang Prabang for 6 days at the end of Feb. Currently, our plan is:

- 2 days in LP just roaming around (looking at Wats, getting massage at Red Cross, long walks outside of city center, cooking class at Tamarind)

- 2 days to Nong Khiaw (up river by bus, down river by boat); not sure if we%26#39;ll continue on to Muang Ngoi -- any thoughts?)

- 2 days back in LP (maybe elephant ride, Pak Ou cave and waterfalls, maybe volunteer)

How does this sound? Any places we should definitely go to? Any we should skip?

Itinerary input -- PLEASE!

sounds pretty solid although you might be struggling with volunteering with such a short amount of time. You can always go to the English classes at Big Brother Mouse in Luang Prabang, where you can help locals (mostly novices/young monks) practice their English skills.

Itinerary input -- PLEASE!

Agree with Lee, though Big Brother Mouse is a profit organisation. You might try to go directly to a monastery.

Sounds like a good trip. Muang Ngoi is beautiful and not too busy - it still has its original rural charm. Its only 30 mins on a songthaew from nong khiaw and you can get the boat from Ngoi to LP too.

We just returned from a holiday to Southeast Asia which included 5 days in Laos. Luang Prabang was our favorite town of the entire trip and we would have gladly stayed longer if time had permitted, although we found 4 days in LP was enough time to get a feel for the town. We did a few of the activities you mentioned so here is some feedback.

We spent 2 days wandering around the town exploring the wats and lazily soaking up the atmosphere. Our first morning we woke at 5 am to give alms to the monks. We were way too early... just wake up at 6 and you will have plenty of time. We began on a side street which was lovely and quiet, with only the town locals donating to the monks. We then moved over to the main street which was a paparazzi frenzy of tourists taking photos... I felt like we were in Hollywood. It was weird, and I am glad we had the more intimate experience to initiate us into this beautiful tradition.

We also took an evening cooking class at 3 Elephants (behind Tamnak Lao restaurant). It was okay but a little too rushed for us, and was consequently the least favorite of the 3 classes we took in SE Asia. I would recommend a full day class or at least a morning class so you have the market tour and a little more time to enjoy the experience. I would also suggest trying Tamarind (as you mentioned) or Tam Tam Garden (?) just beyond Tamnak Lao on the main street which looked like a fascinating program. We ate at the sister resto Tom Tom Bamboo and loved our meal.

We did a 1-day excursion with Tiger Trail Adventures: Elephant riding and trekking, and it was a highlight for us. Our guides were fantastic and the tour was extremely well-run. The elephants seemed to be well treated and Tiger Trails provide ecotours which means the proceeds help out the ethnic communities in surrounding areas. The visits to the hilltribes that same day have given me the most special memories of our trip so far.

We also took a half-day trip out to the Pak Ou caves which I had considered skipping after reading some neutral reviews on TA. As with all experiences, they depend on your personal level of interest and the Pak Ou caves were totally fascinating to me; I am so glad we decided to do the trip. Living in Canada, I had never experienced taking a leisurely boat ride on the Mekong to then discover caves filled with Buddha statues, so if you think you will be interested you should not miss this.

We did not have time to see the %26#39;big%26#39; waterfalls but we heard from other travellers that they are spectacular so you might want to see those. I think a visit to some nearby hill tribes is an absolute must.

Hope this helps! Have a wonderful trip,

Kirsten

Great trip report! Did you visit a hill tribe?

We visited a couple of hill tribes on our day excursion with Tiger Trails, both before we went elephant riding and after our trek. The villages were quite different from each other as they were different tribes (some Khmer, some Hmong) and they gave a more authentic experience to visiting Laos than simply staying in Luang Prabang, which has become more touristy than I had imagined before going. We visited many villages during our trip to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, and the children in Laos are the ones who truly touched my heart. They were sincere and didn%26#39;t ask for anything aside from attention and conversation, even though they were some of the poorest. These children are one of the strongest images from our trip for me. Visiting the hill tribes was the magical experience I had hoped for when planning our trip. As I mentioned, each person has different tastes and expectations so make sure to do the things YOU love to do and you will be sure to have a great time. Good luck!

Kirsten

Hi Kirsten,

Thanks for your trip report, very interesting.

Which hotel did you stay in?

Cheers,

Stewie.

We stayed at Sala Prabang which was recommended to us by a friend who had stayed there a few years ago. We stayed in the newest of their buildings which is located a couple of blocks away from the main building and on a quieter street. The location was perfect and the Sala Prabang was almost ideal. I wrote a review which you can read if you are interested, but in case you don%26#39;t have time, here is a shorter version of my review:

Great location, lovely guesthouse, great breakfasts at a restaurant overlooking the Mekong, quite good value (we paid $60 US per night). Negatives: heat in room didn%26#39;t work and we only had light pj%26#39;s so we were very cold when the temp dipped down to 15 degrees (Celcius) at night. Rooms not well soundproofed so depends on good neighbours. Bring earplugs (everywhere you stay in Asia) because stray dogs bark constantly; we were surprised at how much they affected our sleep. The less positive aspects of our stay could happen at almost any guesthouse, so I would still strongly recommend Sala Prabang if you haven%26#39;t already booked a place to stay. The other place I had considered booking was the Lotus Villa which has received very good feedback. We walked by it and it looked lovely, similar to Sala Prabang from the exterior. Feel free to write me a message if you would like any other suggestions for your trip. Our vacation was greatly improved thanks to recommendations from people on TripAdvisor, so I would be happy to help out the same way.

Good luck Stewie,

Kirsten

visa problems...

hello,

looking for any info anyone has about obtaining a visa for laos coming overland from vietnam?? Heard today that there has been some tension between the 2 countries and that we should get visa before departing vietnam, that visa on arrival is difficult if not impossible?? if anyone has done recently was there a decent way to travel from hanoi?? Keenly waiting for reply... cheers:)

visa problems...

I don%26#39;t know who told you that but it is nonsense. Lao and Vietnam are the best of buddies. It is easy to get a visa on the border.

Boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang

Has anyone travelled down to Luang Prabang on any other boat other than the ';slow boats';, speed boats or the Luang Say. I plan to do this trip in middle of April to arrive in Luang Prabang for Songkan, the water festival. I imagine this will be quite different from the Thai New Year in Phuket!!! Any information would be appreciated.

Places good to stay ?

I planning to visit Loas in November. I want to stay Luang Prabang, Vang Vien and Vientiane. can anyone sugguest some good value accomadition at these.

Thank you for help.

Places good to stay ?

Depends what you mean by good value. you need to supply details of your budget and preferences.

Places good to stay ?

Hi we stayed at the Mali Namphu Guest house in Vientiane, Le Jardin Organique guest house in Vang Vieng and Thanboun guest house in Luang Prabang. We thought they were all good value, very very hard beds though at Le Jardin Organique.

Gday

When I say good value I mean a nice place for the price.Clean,good service ,good food ,close to everything.

I dont like to give budget as have stayed in some really excellant places for 500B and some really not so good places for 3000B so I prefer to hear what othrs have enjoyed and go from there.

Thanks for the help.

Well the Three Nagas is excellent - expensive, but value for what you get.

Satri House is nice as are the following 2

LJB Smooth Hotel (Aham)

luang-prabang-hotels.com/LJB_Smooth_Hotel_Ah…

Villa Lane Xang Hotel

luang-prabang-hotels.com/Villa_Lane_Xang/acc…

Slow boat down the Mekong

Hi there,

I am traveling around the world and planning to cross over from Chiang Mai to Laos and then go down to the mekong

Has anyone got any recommendations

Roberto

http://adegreeaday.blogspot.com/

Homestays, hostels, hotels on route 8 and 13 in Laos?

I am a cyclist based in vitenam, work in hanoi and am planning a road cycle from Vinh in Vietnam along route 8 through Laos and then onto route 13 to Vientiane . I want to ask if anyone has seen many guesthouses or homestay type options on routes 8 and 13 , and roughly where?...am thinking to take a tent in case I end up in between towns on the route and have to bed down wherever in the countryside. Or knock on local doors?

If you have any questions about Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang or Hong Kong, I will readily answer them for you

pimple

Crossing into Southern Laos from Vietnam

Hi there,

I am traveling to Vietnam in a month and was after some information. Is it possible to cross into Southern Laos from Vietnam? I know there are border crossings further up north but my trip is originating in Ho Chi Minh and I was hoping to go North to Nha Trang, then from there head North West and cross into Laos. From there head South into Cambodia, onto Siem Reap, Phnom Penh then back to Ho Chi Minh.

Any information on any of this is much appreciated.

Thanks

money rate

I am arriving in Vientiane Laos from Feb 21st-March 11th.Can anyone tell me the exchange rate for Euros,US$ and pounds sterling.Also wats the best and cheapest way of getting from the airport to centre of town,im told if you walk about 500 metres outside of airport,you can get cheap and local transport into town.Also i assume you get better rate of exchange outside the airport.

money rate

The rate varies on a daily basis and you can get it by doing a simple web search. Yes, if you want to walk a 1/2 km to th main road, you can wait for a tuk tuk.

The rate will be virtually the same at the airport as it will be in town. Why would you think otherwise?

philaylack villa contact info

Can anyone provide e-mail address for Philaylack Villa?

philaylack villa contact info

I had the same question and was given this email address and phone number. Hope it helps.

Mary

Email: philaylackvilla@yahoo.com

Tel: 85671253025;

pimple

Of cash and restaurants in LP

Hello. We recently returned from 4 restful days in Luang Prabang. Two points that prospective travellers should note: It%26#39;s not obvious that you can get cash in LP and the restaurant reviews in the Lonely Planet Loas guide are out of date.

Cash. In Luang Prabang I found 3 ATMs: One at the airport and 2 on the main drag in town. All 3 are from BCEL, Banque Pour le Commerce Exterior Laos. I carry ATM cards on UnionPay and PLUS and neither card would work. My wife%26#39;s Cirrus-network card did not work either even though other people%26#39;s Cirrus cards worked fine. So I recommend you bring lots of cash. We changed USD, Thai Bahi, %26amp; Chinese RMB with no problem and the rates at the ubiquitous money changers were all reasonable. So bring sufficient cash because most mid-range restaurants don%26#39;t accept credit cards at all, and if they do they levy a 3-5% premium on top of the MC or Visa bill. Amex was not accepted anywhere we went. Our hotel, the excellent Apsara, gladly accepted MasterCard %26amp; Visa.

Restaurants. We used the Lonely Planet and unfortunately the prices have all increased and some of the addresses and menus have changed. Probably best to have a 2nd reference.

Luang Prabang was fun and worth while so have a great time. And enjoy the best coffee and bread in Asia.

Of cash and restaurants in LP

Research for the guidebooks is done one year, and after editing,the book goes to press the next, and by the time we get it the information is 2-3 years old. Expect prices to be 5%-10% higher. LP states this at the beginning of their books.

And yes, some of the restaurant information is recycled, which I is just terrible. If you have any reviews, post them in the reviews section where there is an ';archives'; of reviews on hotels, restaurants, etc, not on a post like this as it will soon get lost in the mass. Cheers.

Of cash and restaurants in LP

Yes, I really dislike the LP Guidebooks because of this. I think a lot of the informations isn%26#39;t checked, just recycled. as a tip -

Travelfish has excellent guides which are current and downloadable. Yiu can tailor your information to what you require. It is a lot cheaper than Lonely Planet as well.

Being that I will be a woman traveling alone %26amp; I do not want to carry a lot of cash.

Is there any problem exchanging US$ TRAVELERS%26#39; CHECKS?

I%26#39;m Canadian, but plan to purchase the TCs in the US.

Please advise.

Guys,

i%26#39;ve just got back from laos recently and prices are now double the price of the guidebook, BUT.....don%26#39;t forget they are GUIDEbooks for a reason. I don%26#39;t care that prices are so much more expensive, because the places of interest are still the same and the guidebook has still got me to an area to find accomm. Why not try to stay in places that aren%26#39;t in the guidebooks, the hype isnt there and you%26#39;re experiences are broader than that of ever other guidebook traveller.

my mate was in laos a year ago and even since then prices have dramatically changed, but...it%26#39;s still dirt cheap and laos is one of my fave destinations from my years of travel through SEA.

jo

Where to go in Laos

We are flying into vientiane later this year and intend to spend 4 to 5 days in Laos before taking the train to Bangkok.

We were thinking of only going to vientiane and vang vieng. But luang prabang looks great. Could any one:

1. Recommend if we are better off going to luang prabang or else where rather than vang vieng ;and

2. What is the drive like from vientiane to vang vieng.

Note we are travelling with children and after a cultural and fun experience.

Where to go in Laos

Vang Vieng might provide more of a cultural experience for your kids than you%26#39;d care for (and I don%26#39;t mean Lao cultural experience).

Where to go in Laos

I would stay in Vientiane and fly to Luang Prabang. The road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang is very windy; Vientiane to Vang Vieng is fine. There is not much culture in VV, only drunken obnoxious backpackers. Mind you, the landscape is fantastic.

I would definitely try to make it to Luang Prabang. For me, this is the best cultural experience in Laos. It is a very beautiful city and a charming mix of Asian and French influence. It%26#39;s location also makes it slightly less visited and thus more authentic. Very friendly people as well. Vang Vieng is just backpackers, opium, and lots of drinking...not for children. The bus ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang is long, but doable if flights are not available or are too expensive.

Thanks for your advice it is greatly appreciated

Also is anyone able to recommend

1. How long we should spend in Luang prabang and vientiane; and

2. Any must see in Thailand

bella cosmetics

Laos New year ( Pii mai )

hi there

there are some conflicting dates for Pii Mai festival for 2009 - apparently it does vary by a day to two each year - can someone confirm the dates for 2009?

Laos New year ( Pii mai )

is their new year the same as thailand and malaysias - ie the water festival? Has anyone been there during that time? bangkok was pretty hectic. would be great to see if it is on when we are there, so we know whether we%26#39;ll need to avoid it or plan before hand. hhmmmm...

Laos New year ( Pii mai )

there are some great videos on you tube

BTW when u say bangkok was hectic do u mean even more hectic than normal! lol

YEP definately more hectic than normal :( I%26#39;ll never go again through songkran unless i have to, or i%26#39;m going particularly for that. the main markets are closed and you aren%26#39;t dry for one minute of the day, not great when you are leaving on a plane that weekend. There was also a lot of trouble and i saw a teenager get murdered. was pretty bad. and what%26#39;s OH%26amp;S in asia? LOL!

Songkran is Thai. Pi Mai is Laos.

BTW dates for pi mai have been confirmed at 14 15 16 April 2009

Yeah i know songkran is thai, that%26#39;s where i was talking about. but i did ask about dates for pii mai.

thanks for confirming dates, happy to hear we won%26#39;t be there at that time!

Hello...

Will you let me know if you found out information on traveling to Laos during water festival? Is it chaotic? A good idea to travel during this time? Please post if you found out anything! Thanks...

hey i got back from my laos trip and was there for NYE and i can%26#39;t imagine that even their NY will be busy. And even if it is, the locals are just so fantastic that you will probably have a better time being there for it. it%26#39;s a good experience to have, it was just that i had mine in bangkok and it is a lot busier. laos is just wonderful and i think you%26#39;d enjoy being there for it....i say to organise your trip and make sure you%26#39;re there! :)

';and i can%26#39;t imagine that even their NY will be busy.';

Yes, Pi Mai is busy.

of course it will be busy, but out of control busy so you%26#39;d want to avoid it? i doubt it. It was busy for our whole trip, so busy that we were barely getting accomm (especially vientianne and luang prabang) and all flights were booked out to go anywhere so we had to bus it everywhere which we love, but for the leg back down south again from LP to don det, that%26#39;s when we wanted to fly to pakse, and unfortunately we had to sit on coaches for 28 hours with 2 x 1 hour stops only, simply because it was a busy period. But comparing that to thailand songkran, is nothing, and i can not ever imagine that laos will ever be as busy as that. Which is why i suggested that perhaps they don%26#39;t schedule their trip to avoid it, but to instead slot it in for their trip.

how to buy Discovery Pass, Lao Air tickets in US

Bangkok Air%26#39;s website in the US does not show many flights that I know exist.

The website also does not sell the DISCOVERY PASS %26amp; suggests contacting a travel agent... most US travel agents don%26#39;t know what it is.

Does anyone have a PHONE number for Bangkok Air in NY or L.A.?

Or a travel agent in the US, preferably near NY or Toronto that sells the DISCOVERY PASS for Bangkok Air?

Also how does one buy domestic flights on VIETNAM AIRLINES or LAO AIRLINES on the web or via a US or Canadian travel agent?

how to buy Discovery Pass, Lao Air tickets in US

One of the most reliable agent for Vietnam airlines and Lao airlines for domestic flight is TF travel info@tftravel.com.vn/ www.tftravel.com.vn

how to buy Discovery Pass, Lao Air tickets in US

Oksana, check ';Contact Us'; at the bottom of the Bangkok Airways homepage. In the US or Canada phone 1-866-BANGKOK (if you reach India, ask for the number of a US or Cdn rep).

thanks James,

I was on there last night %26amp; CONTACT US, has no such info...

it%26#39;s a useless website is says contact our agents to buy DISCOVERY PASS but there%26#39;s no suggested agents or numbers

my galpal in Toronto was on the phone w/ me doing the same thing %26amp; neither one of us could find anything

The ';Contact Us'; page is:

bangkokair.com/passenger_support/index.php…

Information found there about the NYC office is:

450, 7th Ave. Suite 705,

New York, NY 10123, USA Tel : 1 866 BANGKOK

Ticket/Reservation/Reservation Center :

Fax : +1 (212) 279 6602

E-mail : nyc@bangkokairwaysna.com

Similar information is available for Toronto and other cities.

When you go to the URL above, click on the link under ';Passenger Support'; on the LH side for ';Representatives Offices.'; That will bring up a list of a dozen counties including US and Cda.

Did you try the 1-866-BANGKOK phone number I gave you in my earlier post?

The 866 BANGKOK number goes to Delhi %26amp; communication is difficult %26amp; next to impossible.

It%26#39;s virtually impossible to get the ticketing agents in India to transfer you to a local one in the states... the agent in India was so inexperienced he came up w/ a total of $471 %26amp; wanted to charge me a 5% fee to use a credit card! He also tried to put me on Vietnam Airlines, which doesn%26#39;t share flights with PG, but Lao Airlines does...

So, I googled around %26amp; found a ticketing agency in the San Fernando Valley (they answer the phone AIR ZIMBABWE) but ticket for BANGKOK AIRWAYS %26amp; sell the DISCOVER PASS)... at

818 990-9215

tall to Rashi, she%26#39;s lovely...

it%26#39;s $360 plus tax = $383.60

Here is a link to all the BANGKOK AIRWAYS offices all around the world w/ fax %26amp; email addresses, scroll down

www.travelfish.org/feature/118

all the numbers in North America go to 866 BANGKOK which is in Delhi India %26amp; I dealt w/ a very inexperienced agent, who gave me all sorts of wrong info...

but I was able to find an office in Los Angeles %26amp; got the price %26amp; the correct schedule... and a way to pay w/ a CC... the guy in Delhi was strong arming me to use PAYPAL... and then a 5% fee for a cc...

THANKS, you guys rock!

';King of Bus'; seat warning

Hi,

We just arrived in Vientiane from Pakse on one of the worst bus journeys of my life.

We had the two sleeper beds upstairs at the back of the bus, and despite the lack of privacy, all was going fine, until it started to rain.

The rain just poured in on top of the four of us on the back row - a complete washout.

I complained to the driver, but he just gave me another blanket (though I know, there wasn%26#39;t much else to do).

Myself and my partner spent the remaining 4 hours of the journey hunched on the steps in front of the toilet!

I would probably use their service again, but make sure you get seats in the middle of the bus, or on the lower level.

The bus was the ';King of Bus'; run by CPS company from the bus station in Pakse, next to the Wat.

Take care!

';King of Bus'; seat warning

Wow, that sounds awful! I%26#39;ve taken the Vientiane-Pakse bus 3 times (even in a lightning/rain storm) but that fortunately never happened to me. My friend %26amp; I had upper berths every time in the front. Ours was the VIP sleeper bus where you get your own horizontal berths (and cost about $16). Was this the same oen you took ?

';King of Bus'; seat warning

Hi Maneki,

Yes, this was the same bus, where you have double (horizontal) sleeper berths on each side.

We paid $19 for the journey - think we may have been ripped off....

As I said, if we%26#39;d been elsewhere on the bus, or it hadn%26#39;t rained, we probably would have been fine.

Take care,

Monkey

treasure travel laos

has anyone any experience with this travel agent/tour company in luang prabang or their hotel villa treasure?

considering a tour with them so would appreciate any feedback.

treasure travel laos

I have been touring with this company every year since 2002, sometimes twice a year. They can accommodate any and all of your needs, and have an excellent sense of what makes a good trip for the foreign traveller. They are very seasoned and professional, and a good value to boot.

treasure travel laos

Since several years I use the service of Treasure Travel and they are the best so far in Lao.

Very helpful , excellent timekeeping and outstanding in every way. The Director Sisombat makes the most impossible possible and Noy , the Tour and Ticketing Manager provides a excellent service.

The have a website www.TreasureTravelLaos.com , which provides all the service they offer and feedback from customers.

I have been working on a photo book about Laos, and have been doing so with the excellent assistance and guidance of Sisombat Douangvileykeo, president of Treasure Travel. The book documents the traditions and transitions of the country from 2002 until 2009. If anyone would like to see the project so far:

www.geoffreyhutchinson.com

Reputable Lao travel agency to arrange trek/hilltribe tour?

Can anyone recommend a reputable Lao travel agency that can arrange an authentic trekking/hill tribe tour for me?

Does anyone have any experience with CHAMPA LAO TRAVEL?

I%26#39;m planning this at the end of April.

Any advice on items or clothes to bring with me.

I plan to spend 4 nights staying with local villagers.

THANKS.

Reputable Lao travel agency to arrange trek/hilltribe tour?

You can arrange it when you arrive. There are dozens of travel agencies in both Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Pre-booking out of the country is generally expensive. April will be bloody hot in Laos so wear light, breathable clothing. Don%26#39;t forget mosquito repellent with DEET. There will be a malaria risk if you are staying in villages. It might also be a good idea to buy a mosquito net at the market when you arrive (or inquire at the travel agency whether the vilagers wil be staying with have them or not). A lot of folks in villages do not use nets.

Reputable Lao travel agency to arrange trek/hilltribe tour?

The problem with waiting until I arrive in Luang Prabang is, I%26#39;ve read that the ATMs don%26#39;t work %26amp; I really do not want to arrive w/ a lot of ca$h.

I%26#39;ve been trying to get a quote out of Champa Lao Travel on a tour on their website %26amp; all the ';manager'; does is ask questions, but never comes up with a price... which leaves me suspicious.

I realize it will be hot, but I want to trek in the northern part, so it won%26#39;t be as hot. If I arrive earlier, it%26#39;s Laotian New Year until April 16th %26amp; I can%26#39;t go in March, as that is Cambodian New Year...

Being that I%26#39;m a woman traveling alone, I%26#39;m a little loathe to just wing it until I arrive.

I thought a Lao travel agency would be cheaper...

BTW, how do I book my flights from

Siem Reap to Luang Prabang

and

Luang Prabang to BKK

kayak.com doesn%26#39;t seem to list Lao Air or Siem Reap airways...

and

Sorry I haven%26#39;t used Champa Travel but my regular travel agent in Luang Prabang is All Lao Travel Service agency and they%26#39;re located right on the mainstreet near the National Museum or former Royal Palace. You can email them about flights and trekking tours via their website at www.alllaoservice.com

';The problem with waiting until I arrive in Luang Prabang is, I%26#39;ve read that the ATMs don%26#39;t work %26amp; I really do not want to arrive w/ a lot of ca$h.';

Where did you read this? Besides, how much cash do you think you%26#39;ll be needing? A few hundred dollars (or about 10,000 baht) will suffice for at least 5 or 6 days.

';BTW, how do I book my flights from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang

and Luang Prabang to BKK kayak.com doesn%26#39;t seem to list Lao Air or Siem Reap airways...';

Book directly online using the Lao Airways %26amp; Bangkok Air websites.

Again, unless you%26#39;re in an extreme rush, book your tour when you get there. It%26#39;ll be much cheaper and you can see exactly what they offer.

Rufuscat,

You live in Vientiane, not Luang Prabang, I am not planning to go anywhere near Vientiane...

There is a NEW undisputed post (about the Apsara Hotel) from a couple who claim that the 2 ATMs at the Luang Prabang airport did not work %26amp; that they tried others (Cirrus) in LP %26amp; they did not work.

So, unless someone has recently traveled in LP or lives there, how can you dispute this from someone who just returned %26amp; posted a warning?

Read the post, then email there %26amp; here to dispute it if you have proof that it%26#39;s not true... but if you live in Vientiane, you may be unaware that the ATMs at the LP are not working.

No one disputed the post, so I believed it.

Neko,

The Bangkok Air website in the US is different than the one in Asia... I had the problem last year w/ another poster who lived in Japan who kept telling me there were more flights %26amp; that I was an idiot for not being able to find them.

This morning I spoke with a US rep from Journeys-Within (they have offices in Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Bangkok %26amp; elsewhere) %26amp; she mentioned a later flight on PG (Bangkok Air) %26amp; I told her it was not there. She laughed %26amp; said, ';I can%26#39;t see it there either (she%26#39;s in California) but I know it exists, I have to call our BKK office to get them to tell me the schedule because we can%26#39;t pull them up on our computers here.';

So I said, ';so THAT%26#39;S what is happening!';

The PG website that you use has flights on it that we can see here. So booking w/ them is very difficult via the website.

As far as how much money... My friend (who is actually doing the trip %26amp; has no experience in Asia at all) will be going to Cambodia for a week prior, so there is a limit of how much cash she wants to bring.

Are you saying that a trekking hilltribe tour that includes 3 nights of homestays, meals %26amp; an English speaking guide will cost less that $100 - $200?

Please advise, I appreciate your expertise.

I%26#39;m thinking of having my friend stay in the Apsara%26#39;s STANDARD UPSTAIRS ROOMS.

Any thoughts on the Apsara Hotel?

Neko,

Just to be clear, the Bangkok Air website in the US is not the same as the one in Asia %26amp; many of the flights are not listed.

Last year, I thought it was my MAC, now I know it%26#39;s because the servers are different %26amp; the website that you load on your PC is not the same one that loads in the US.

The one that loads here is missing a lot of flights... like the BKK to REP that departs at 8 PM. The last one listed is 6:30 PM... the travel agent from Journeys-Within told me about this flight that is not on the website here.

So, we don%26#39;t have the same access to info that you do.

Rufuscat %26amp; Neko,

Here%26#39;s the post about the ATMs in LP not working... comments please.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g295415-i9321-k255…

Of_cash_and_restaurants_in_LP-Luang_Prabang.html

Beau Rivage or Lao Plaza

Hi

We have the choice of staying at either the Lao Plaza or Beau Rivage for 2 nights. Both have much to offer, any opinions as to which one I should select?

thanks

Suz

Beau Rivage or Lao Plaza

There is a recent post on this. Do a search.

Beau Rivage or Lao Plaza

Hi

Actually there isn%26#39;t a recent comparison between the Lao plaza and Beau rivage. I think the one you are thinking about is between the Rivage, Senglao and Lao Orchid. However am happy to be told different if If I am wrong.

I have actually spent the last 5 months just reading the website, noting down information and doing searches. Only recently have I got up enough courage to post my own questions. Sorry if my question upset you and yes I did post the questions about the Maison and Villa Maydou on the wrong forum page, should have been the Luang Prabang one. Aplogies.

You are right. It was The Lao Orchid, sorry. In answer to your question, I would stay at neither. Beau Rivage is too far out, Lao Plaza is too expensive. If you are after a pool I would suggest the Villa Manoly

Thanks for the feedback, not that fussed about having a pool, just need to be sure of getting a good nights sleep after 12 hours travelling in a clean and comfortable place. As we are arriving late after 9pm, staying at a hotel that had a bar to enjoy a cool beverage would also be nice.

If you are not fussed about a pool - Lao Orchid has a bar, is close to everything, is nicer inside than beau Rivage and is $45 a night. Another choice is the Champathanya, which is about the same as the Lao Orchid.

Lao plaza has its own restuarants and bars, baeu rivage restuarant may be closed by the time you settle in

If you choose Lao Orchid, bear in mind that there is a Lao Orchid Guesthouse as well as Lao Orchid Hotel and that they are both in the same area. This also applies to Villa Sisavad and Sisavad Guesthouse which are on the same street.

Good point Philip.

Would definitely pick Beau Rivage. Rooms are fantastic and while it is 500 metres away from the main riverside area, it does offer a bit of peace and quiet. Their restaurant (The Spirit House) will still be serving food when you arrive. Can get food to 10pm if not later,

Laos Info, isn%26#39;t it true that you have an interest in Beau Rivage? Don%26#39;t you think you should state this?

Recommendation - Sleeper bus from Vientiane to Pakse

I normally prefer to travel by public bus to meet the locals and see the real country

However, after a couple of very long bus journeys I decided to go in the sleeping bus.

You get proper beds, although you would share with another person.

It is around $25, not cheap but worth every penny, as you get to your destination perfectly rested

www.adegreeaday.blogspot.com

Recommendation - Sleeper bus from Vientiane to Pakse

It was $16 when I did it in September. A bit squashed if you%26#39;re over 5%26#39;7';, but definitley much cheaper than the flight ($85?) or if you miss the flight (as in my case). The good thing about doing the night bus is that the locals are sleeping, not awake and barfing like on the day trips. I%26#39;ve done this route twice %26amp; will do it again!

bella cosmetics

Vang Vieng to Ko Samui

Any ideas on the best way to get from Vang Vieng to Ko Samui?

Vang Vieng to Ko Samui

Vang Vieng to Vientiane and then fly to Bkk.

Or Vientiane to Udon and you might even be able to fly directly to Koh Samui. Check Thai, Air Asia and Nok.

Vang Vieng to Ko Samui

no direct flight from Udon Thani so you need to fly to Bangkok. There are only 2 airlines to Samui from Bangkok, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways

thanks guys :o)

Laos to China

A freind has sugguested a crossing to China from Laos.Thought it might be similar to The day trip we did at Mai Sai (Thailand to Mayanmar).Is this so?Any ideas welcomed.Cheers.

Looking for a single female travel buddy!

Hello!

I am planning for a short 2 weeks backpacking trip to Thailand and Laos (Cambodia as well, if time permits!).

Places includes Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Siem Reap.

Am looking around middle of next month (possibly starting from 10th Apr).

I like outdoor and nature, but i don%26#39;t drink nor party...at all! (yeah yeah call me boring ;p)

Am looking for any single female traveler out there who are seeking for a travel partner as well!!

Thanks!

pimple

If you had 5 nights in Laos....

The impression I get is 3 in Luang Prabang and 2 in Vientiane, if they are the two cities that I want ot spend time in..... Does anyone disagree about the division of time? Are 2 nights in each enough to get an idea of the flavor of the cities? Thanks.

If you had 5 nights in Laos....

I think thats fine and that is what i recommend to people who only want to visit these 2 places.

If you had 5 nights in Laos....

Thanks. I%26#39;m going to plan for two nights in each place since they are not far by air from each other. Appreciate the reply.

visa required ?

G%26#39;day

Am travelling to Laos with my wife and would like to confirm what visa%26#39;s we need.I am Aus my wife Thai,she has Aus residency.We will probably fly from Chiang Mai to Luang Prahbung.I beleive my visa is 30 days on entry?Would my wife be the same?Have been told she has to apply to embassy for an extended stay,we only plan to stay about 1 week.

Cheers for the help

visa required ?

You have been given incorrect information.

For an Aus passport holder - you get a visa on arrival; you need 2 passport photos and about 35USD.

I assume your wife has a Thai pasport? She gets a 30 visa but doesn%26#39;t have to pay. What some may have mentioned to you is a ';border pass';. Thais, (and Lao), can get this to cross to towns at the nearest border crossong. This gives you 3 days entry.

visa required ?

rufus gave you the correct information. If your wife has a Thai passport, she%26#39;ll get a visa exemption upon arrival.

You pay for a visa upon arrival with an U$1 extra for weekend or holiday arrivals fee.

Gday

Thanks very much for info.So $35 USD and 2 passport photos for me. Does my wife need the photos as well and $ 35 USD ?

Cheers

Free for the wife. Not 100% sure of the passport photos - my wife is Laos. Best to take some just in case, though you can get them done at the airport and at the friendship Bridge.