Trip Reports - Saibadee Laos! From Luang Prabang to Vientiane the uncomfortable way

Wanna know more about Laos? Then read my new entry (http://airwaysandtravels.com/2012/07/01/sabaidee-laos-from-luang-prabang-to-vientiane-the-uncomfortable-way/)! Hope y'all will enjoy it! Laos is an amazing country!

I traveled from LPQ to VTE last December with a friend who had had a traffic accident several months before and still suffered from pains in the back. Therefore I was afraid he couldn't afford a bus trip and we flew by air.

It was a 25-minute flight on an A320, and they managed to serve a snack and mineral water. I was stunned by the fact that their business class was full - even economy was ridiculously expensive for such a short flight!

No stop in Vang Vieng? While there may not be international chain 5-star hotels, there are some pretty nice places to hang your hat in Vientiane. I thought the Ansara was great, and their largest suite was comically cheap. Thumbs up to Laos.

oneworld82 - An excellent trip report. I enjoyed your photos and comments. :)

Great report - thanks for sharing! Laos is definitely on my 'to do' list;)

Great trip report. It makes me want to start planning!

1.Is there a toilet on this bus?
2. No wonder it costs so much to fly; 30 min vs. 10 hours.
3. What shots did you take?

Thanks. I always wanted to visit this town.

1.Is there a toilet on this bus?
2. No wonder it costs so much to fly; 30 min vs. 10 hours.
3. What shots did you take?

Thanks. I always wanted to visit this town.

1. No toilet on the bus, only stops every 2-3 hours.
2. Yup, no wonders!
3. I took no shots - it's pretty safe unless you visit the remote jungle along the Vietnamese border.

Laos is an interesting country, and a week is enough to visit LP, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

I did the same bus journey last year and it was quite the miserable experience. After an hour delay to find a new bus with air-conditioning that worked, we were on our way. Unfortunately, barely halfway through the journey, the air-conditioning on THIS bus also quit. Hot, stinky, people vomiting, a vile toilet that was likely never cleaned and not a straight piece of pavement in sight. What an adventure it was and it will go down as a fond memory of my trip to Asia last spring. I did however, choose to fly down to Pakse instead of the night bus! :D Lao was a great experience and this bus experience just added to the ruggedness and unrefined adventure I had there.

Well done...makes me wanna hurry up and book my tickets!

Well done...makes me wanna hurry up and book my tickets!

You should! I had a great time there!!

Nice report. When I was there 4 or 5 years ago I flew LPQ-VTE on Lao Aviation's MA-60 turboprop.

An interesting charity operating in Laos is called Big Brother Mouse which publishes and provides children's books in the local language. Their work is fascinating and sorely needed. www.bigbrothermouse.com They are based in LP and used to welcome volunteers to drop by and help with things like improving the English skills of the local youth who work there.

What a timely report - I'm currently in Vang Vieng having caught the VIP bus from Luang Prabang today. I didn't find it too bad a journey - it sounds like our bus had better legroom (important to me as I'm 6'2), plus I remember the agony of shared minivans in Africa compared to which this is total luxury.

I liked your write up on LP, such a beautiful town. It has some nice excursions out of town too - waterfalls, caves, elephant village. I just wish we had more time. Laos is not a place to feel rushed in, since the locals are all so relaxed (and because it takes such a long time to get anywhere!). I'd say 10 days is more realistic for the LP > Vang Vieng > Vientiane route...

What a timely report - I'm currently in Vang Vieng having caught the VIP bus from Luang Prabang today. I didn't find it too bad a journey - it sounds like our bus had better legroom (important to me as I'm 6'2), plus I remember the agony of shared minivans in Africa compared to which this is total luxury.

I liked your write up on LP, such a beautiful town. It has some nice excursions out of town too - waterfalls, caves, elephant village. I just wish we had more time. Laos is not a place to feel rushed in, since the locals are all so relaxed (and because it takes such a long time to get anywhere!). I'd say 10 days is more realistic for the LP > Vang Vieng > Vientiane route...

Thanks! I have been on more uncomfortable means of transportation as well - the whole idea of that old, tired Chinese bus running up and down narrow roads in Northern Laos is simply unmatched!

Wanted to say that your trip report is wonderful -- really great photos that helped tell the story. 'Twas a nice trip to SE Asia during my lunch break. :) I've bookmarked your blog for future reading!

Wanted to say that your trip report is wonderful -- really great photos that helped tell the story. 'Twas a nice trip to SE Asia during my lunch break. :) I've bookmarked your blog for future reading!

Thanks, masshupoteto. I appreciate your compliments. Look out for an upcoming Australian adventure :)