Thailand to Laos to Hanoi

Dear lovely trippers!

I%26#39;m considering re-arranging my trip to start in Bangkok then travel up to Chiang Mai, into Laos and then to Hanoi! Any advise on how long this would take and the best ways to do it?

Thailand to Laos to Hanoi

What do you plan on doing there? I%26#39;d give Bangkok and Chiang Mai a few days each, at least a week if you%26#39;re going to see a couple cities in Laos, and at least 5 days for Hanoi. If you%26#39;re flying it would be ideal. If not, eliminate one country or lengthen your trip. If you%26#39;re an American citizen , you%26#39;re going to be shelling out a lot of money for visas (not necessary for Thailand, however)...

Thailand to Laos to Hanoi

I did this exact route and we did it thus:

Three nights in Bangkok.

Bus from Bangkok to Sukothai. One night in Sukothai.

Bus from Sukothai to Chiang Mai. Three nights in Chiang Mai.

Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. One night in Chiang Rai.

Slow boat from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang. This takes two days with a stop in Pakbeng overnight.

Three nights in Luang Prabang.

Bus from LP to Vang Vieng. Three nights in Vang Vieng.

Bus from VV to Vientiane. Flight from Vientiane to Hanoi. We spent 6 days in and around the Hanoi area (including Sapa and Halong Bay).

We also flew back to Bangkok after this and down to the Thai islands but I%26#39;m guessing your itinerary won%26#39;t allow for this.

Thanks homesick! We will actually be getting to enjoy the Thai Islands! Yay!