Hi,
I'm heading north to Nong Khiaw and read that the only way to get there is by road with mini van. I thought it would be possible to take the boat on the nam ou river. Too bad they built so many dams !!! Where do you take the mini bus in Luang Prabang ? Thanks for the answer.
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dahandei787167
**Hi traveler,
Just a quick note to warn you about the danger of riding a motorbike to Kuang Si waterfall (near Luang Prabang).
Just got an accident on my way there couple weeks ago, and happened to meet at least 5 or 6 people in my 2-day stay in town who had the same accident at the exact same place.
Which kind of seems suspicious to me (exact same accident with no danger sign whatsoever, a "hospital" room just in front of the spot and a taxi driver waiting for the customer). But i don't have any proof so let's not get paranoid here.
Anyway, be careful on your way to Kuang Si on the last 10mn of the journey (after you pass the Ice Cream shop on your left and until you get to the waterfall).**
2
mstep
The best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang is the 2 day boat trip on the Mekong river from Huay Xai. So I'd add 3 days for that. It takes one day to reach the Lao border by bus from Chaing Mai, and cross to Huay Xai. And of course you want to add the other days for the city of Bangkok at the end. No one can know SE Asia without spending a little time in Bangkok.
And I guess the other thing to question is whether you need so much beach time both in Koh Lanta and the Cambodia beach islands. There are tons of other locations extremely near to Bangkok, LP, Siem Reap that are worth taking time to explore.
1
mstep
A great resource for street food in Thailand is https://www.eatingthaifood.com/ where Mark Wiems has devoted so much time for this. It's mostly Bangkok, but he has covered Chiang Mai and other Thai places too.
Timewise there's nothing wrong with your itinerary. The scene in Luang Prabang has become so extremely touristy, and I actually preferred the alms ceremony seen in various other Laos small towns, where it takes you by surprise in the morning. I think now, LP is the tourist version of Laos, and I don't recommend going to Laos at all if LP is your only stop.
Why not devote more time to Thailand? Devote 2 days/nights for Ayutthaya, maybe also time for Lopburi, both accessible by train going between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. These places are full of historical sites, both wonderful.
4
larsay
It is 3 days Babe or 3 days Cao Bang, the first being closer to Hanoi. No I do not see any "relaxation day" in that : 2nd day Babe is the oat, 2nd day Cao bang is drivig to Ban Gioc. Drpo that agency.
Pu Luong : minibus Hnaoi-Mai Chau-PU LUONG RESORT (it is the resort's minibus) + moto-taxi Resort-tiny village of BAN HIEU for excellent homestay Thai house of Tam and Tung (the resort is very expensive). Return same way.
2
lucapal
I don't think there is anywhere in SE Asia with all the things you want,but there are plenty with some of them.
Personally i'd look at Chiang Mai as mentioned,Hanoi,Luang Prabang in Laos and maybe Ubud on Bali (very small 'city' but lots of activities in and around).
All of these have plenty of tourists,as does any place with what you are looking for! And they have expats too,but no need to hang out with them, unless you want to....
1
mrmoto
That would seem best-
https://www.tripsavvy.com/from-chiang-mai-to-chiang-rai-1458641
Safety is all relative....what concerns do you have?
gilo123
Hi all
I will be doing this trip by motorbike (Honda XR150) and wanted to find out what would be a good timeframe to do it without rushing it. I really only want to travel maximum 4 hrs day by bike. I understand roads are slow and in places like the Ha Giang loop I will want to stop often to take photos and enjoy the amazing scenery so I am happy to take my time.
Hanoi → Lao Cai (night train with bike)
Lao Cai → Pho Rang → Quang Binh (Yen Binh) → Tan Quang → Ha Giang
Ha Giang → Tam Son → Yen Minh → Dong Van → Meo Vac → (Via Road DT217) → Bao Lac → Pac Bo (Cave) → Cao Bang → Ban Gioc Waterfall → Cao Bang → Na Phac → Cho Ra → Ba Be Lake → Ha Giang
Ha Giang back to Hanoi by sleeper bus
Thanks in advance