First Time Traveling to Laos/Thailand!

Hi guys, my name is Andy, I will be traveling to Laos and Thailand for 4 weeks with a cousin of mine, i was wondering on your guys thoughts and maybe get an idea of your guys thoughts on our plan.

We will be Traveling from May 19- June 16. Flights has been taken care of already. We are backpacking, so were not going as a lavish vacation or anything like that, we want to just explore and see whats out there! I'm Bringing $800-1000USD and my cousin is bringing $1200USD and we will be combining this together for Accommodations and what not, we are more likely will be experiencing the street food lifestyle and staying in hostels and bungalows.

We land in bangkok May 20 at 11:00 PM, we will be going straight to Khaosun RD and probably eat a little before we relax and just go to bed, that following day on May 21 we will be exploring bangkok and then that night take a bus to Laos. We will be in Laos May 22 and will be there for 3-4 days, mainly in Vientiane. I do have family there, so from what my father told , i wont be spending much while im there since it will be covered. But from then on its chiang mai, then to krabi, to phuket back to bangkok to end our trip, i was wondering if $2000USD will be good enough. I read around the forums and it seems i couldnt find a straight enough answer or a good answer! Thank you and safe trips for everyone traveling!

From a cheaper traveller, US$500 a week is doable but probably wont allow for the more expensive activities. For transport, local buses are cheap enough. Just remember to buy tickets from someone who is an authorized Government Bus agent or direct at the bus station.

Based on your last name I guess my advice would be to brush upon your Lao (and Thai)....you'll enjoy it more.
:-)

simple answer is yes but make sure you have a plan B should you overspend - much depends on how much and where you eat and drink

personally I would take the overnight sleeper train to Laos not the bus

On the basis you are flying from the USA I would imagine you would want to get to bed quickly and you should have been able to eat on the plane (although it would not surprise me to hear the USA based airlines have stopped serving food)

Hi,

Yes you have enough, but not a great amount. Stay in cheapies yes, eat street food and do not drink all night every night and you should be fine. Sadly you do not give much info about your pursuits, like so many other posters. If you are into Scuba for instance then you will find you are restricted by your funds. On the other hand if you do not intend to undertake expensive hobbies then you have enough to enjoy. Start off with a very careful spending approach then you may be able to allow a little easing of the finances.

Brax

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.