Hello, Folks:
Planning a monthlong trip for my son and I. Got mileage tix flying into Phnom Penh (end of June) and out of Ho Chi Minh (end of July). Had planned on splitting the trip between Cambodia and Vietnam, but my neighbors insisted that we go to Laos.
In Cambodia, planning on Phnom Penh for a few nights then Siem Reap for most of a week (unless convinced that we have to add another spot.)
Figured we'd fly from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang for several nights, then go to Nong Khiaw.
In Vietnam, have a long list but at the top of it is Ha Long/Cat Bha.
Here is the question: Does anybody have information about traveling from Nong Khiaow to Vietnam? From looking at other postings, I see that going through DBP is the answer - but I'm trying to figure out what we need to do for visas. Some postings say this needs to happen in Vientiane - but we're not going there.
Info re visas?
Other ideas re trip?
Looks something like:
D1-4 Phnom Penh
D4-10 Siem Reap
D10-14 Luang Prabang
D14-19 Nong Khiaw
D19-21? Transit
D21-24 Ha Long/Cat Bah
D24-26 Hoi An? Hue?
D26-28 Ho Chi Minh
Thanks!
There is a Vietnam Consulate in Luang Prabang where you should be able to get a Vietnamese visa.
If you are headed to Hanoi from Nong Khiaw and then to Halong, you would be better off crossing at the Nam Soi border post via Houaphan province instead of the DBP crossing via Phongsali province. The distances are about the same but the roads and traffic on the Houaphan-Hanoi route are better/busier.
It is also worth stopping in Sam Neua and Vieng Xai on the way through.
Thanks for the info, lannatrav and nabanga - very helpful.
Another question, if I may: We'll be flying from Siem Reap to Luang Prabang. Is there any reason to buy tickets far in advance or are these easy to get at the same price closer to the date of flight?
Thanks in advance for input.
I would get them in advance - they do fill up occasionally
You can always change the date for a fee later if you need to.
You can book online up to 3 months in advance with Lao Airlines.
Hi Nabanga!
We are planning to go from Hanoi to Luang Prabang via Nam Et Phou Louey. Ideally we would like to get in one day from Hanoi to whichever town is good to start a 2-3 days trek into Nam Et and then continue for Luang Prabang. Is it a possible plan? Do you know if there are direct buses? Many thanks!
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