want to travel laos (luang prabang)

Want to travel to Luan Prabang for two weeks for vacation, staying in hostels, is this time period too long? this would be my first time traveling outside the us/canada and guatemala, so im a bit overwhelmed by preparation not sure what i need to do to get ready so any help on that would be appreciated.

if two weeks is too long what other place could i visit before going to Laos (Luan Prabang)?

one of my biggest concerns is regarding food and water issues, is it safe to drink water, or eat outside?

also what would be a good budget to have for a two week trip?

should i be getting guides or tours?

as for when i plan to travel, i was thinking of mid or start or october or even november so i have a 4-5 months before then to plan something out and save the money i need.

Is it possible to get a visa upon arrival into Laos from Thailand?

Have a visa to Thailand and at some point want to cross into Laos on foot or by vehicle. Is it possible to get a visa upon arrival in Laos?

Rent/buy a motorbike in Laos

Hi fellow travelers,

I'm planning a three weeks trip through Laos (begin of next year) and thinking about traveling by motorbike. The route would be Huay Xai - Luang Namtha - Luang Prabang - Phonsavan - Vientiane - Pakse.

I'm having a few questions regarding the motorbike part (which I hope you will be able to answer):

• Is it easier to rent or to buy/sell a bike for the tour? What costs should I calculate?
• In which of the cities will I be able to buy/rent a bike to start the tour?
• Is there a speed limit in Laos?
• What's road conditions can I expect on this route?
• Does any of you know (trusted) bike rentals/sales (where I can pickup and return the bike in different cities)?

From Xieng Khoung (Laos) to Chieng Rai (Thailand)

Could you show me the cheapest way to go from Xieng Khoung (Laos) to Chieng Rai (Thailand)? Which vehicle can I use?Which gate between Laos and Thailand wil I pass? Thank you very much.

Visa cost

What is the cost for a 30 day tourist visa for an Australian citizen at either Luang Prabang airport or the Tay Trang border crossing?
Thanks

Buy bicycles in Vientiane or Luang Prabang

I will buy a bicycle in loas (Vientiane) to cross the country in August this year. Are there stores which sell bicycles? Have someone experience about that or just an advice for me? The bicycle should not be expensive because I will give it away after me two or three week experience to Vietnam or Cambodia. I am looking forward to receive some advice.
Kind regards
Reto

Lost contact with friend!

I don't like myself writing this, but it's been three weeks now I do not get any news from this guy.

He is making a great solo trip in Asia and used to write to me once in a while (on FB usually), mainly because I've traveled there as well and would enjoy very much his news. He is the kind of guy that travels with no camera and no guide book, so sometimes he would just post a Google link of pictures from the place he was in.

To cut short, he entered Laos from Thailand, reached Luang Prabang with the slow boat during Pi Mai and that was the last time I heard of him (April 14). He got a China visa while in Thailand. His name is Indrit and should be the only Albanian traveler in the area :-)

I don't think he moved that fast to China, he advocates the slow pace travel and, who would skip Laos that fast?!
I've checked the news from Laos about fatalities and didn't find anything. ... more »

3 weeks in laos - which route to take?

So i'm landing in luang prabang in mid-september and staying in Northern Laos till almost mid october for 3 weeks
I've got a route planned out and an alternative and I would like to be advised which would suit better

Original Route :
1 day ride to Luang Namtha
5 days for NPA and Muang Sing villages
1 day ride back to Luang Prabang
4 days in Luang Prabang
4 days in Nong Khiaw\Muang Ngoi
1 day ride to Vang Vieng
3-4 days in Vang Vieng
Final day in Vientiane

Alternative :
Same thing exactly , only the week I gave to LN and the rides to and out of it will be divided by LP\NK\MN for more time to explore villages and caves around them

Which would be better?