2-3 weeks in Laos

Hi,

I travelled last May from Vietnam to Laos, however I left from Hanoi. We did a 30 hour bus trip (approx 50usd) from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. I cant remember the exact border crossing, but we got our visa there and then for approx 30 usd. There is a flight from Hanoi to luang prabang, however the price of this is much more expensive. I am not sure whether there is that option from Sapa though.

We had 2 and a bit weeks in Loas, starting in Luang Prabang, heading to Vang Vieng and then on to Vientiane, the main places in central Laos. We took public transport the whole time, which is definately very eye opening, as the roads there are appalling!

Let me know if you need any more information

Bus Sapa to Dien Bien Phu (one day of looking through a bus window; this route is well worth several stops/days), then, from DBP, cross at Tay Trong to arrive at Muang Khua (about 8 hours).

Next easiest route is to zip back to Hanoi and fly.

Hi,

Sadly your are in for some expensive or exhausting travel. If you got the cash fly in to Luang Phrabang or Vientiane . If you like that type of thing both LP and Vang Vieng are worth a visit. If you like more relaxed stuff then head down towards the 4,00 islands. I just did a few nights in both LP and VV, then headed out to Tad Lo via Vientiane. You just about got enough time to fly into LP, on to VV then to Tad Lo and 4,00 islands. You can then cross into Thailand via Pakse heading to Ubon Ratchathani and BKK. If you do not like to travel that quickly then either into LP and travel around there finally exiting from Vientiane into Khon Kaen, or into Vientiane and straight down towards 4,00 islands and exit at Pakse.

P.S.: Muang Khua and close-by Nong Khiaw have excellent less-crowded trekking and good accommodations, and its a half day from there to LP.

Muang Ngoi Neau is in-between MK and NK if you like the young-falang-pleasing-accommodation thing (as in Vang Vieng and, a lesser extent, 4000 Islands and Tad Lo).