1

Who told you it was horrible? I hope it's not, I'm planning on taking it...
It also sounds like you're missing out Northern Thailand, it's definitely worth doing some sort of clockwise/anti-clockwise loop. Very well beaten track

2

The touble with most overnight bus journeys between the two is they have to wait until dawn for the border to open, so it doesn't matter even if you book the most expensive VIP bus, you still might have to wait a few hours in the dark in the middle of nowhere and it usually ends up taking over 20 hours for what is often promised to be more like 12 hours.

As per harrytravels comment, I would come back to Bangkok via northern Thailand. Get to Luang Prabang one way or another and enter Thailand via the Mekong to Huay Xai / Chiang Khong. From there many buses to Chiang Rai and onward to Chiang Mai. Spend a week in north Thailand and enjoy time out in the hills, markets, temples, and endless great food in the city.

3

Thanks for the replies guys!

I was actually thinking of flying to Bangkok and then taking the train to Chiang Mai for a bit, but it would probably make more sense just to go overland to Chiang Mai seeing as I have a couple of weeks to do it in.

Harry, just saw on a few forums that it was very long and uncomfortable, but so many people do it it can't be that bad I suppose..

4

Yeah I reckon I can handle an uncomfy bus ride, beware if you do go Luang Prabang to Huay Xai though as that is a two day slow boat or 6 hour uncomfortable speed boat ride away

5

Adding on to Captain_Bob's advice.

To get Luang Prabang, fly from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu (or a long day bus ride if you are inclined. There is a night bus, but the rough roads mean you won't sleep and safety, etc.). Cross into Laos and take the riverboat down to Luang Prabang. You may want to stop at Nong Khiaw. Taking a minivan from NK to LP is faster than continuing by river and if you are going to take a riverboat from LP to Huay Xai you may have your fill of slow boats.

6

Thanks very much for the advice :)
I think i'll probably go for the night bus from Hanoi to Vientiane, then maybe try and make it up to Luang Prabang if I have time.
so excited!!