You could pick up a visa in Vientiane or Luang phabang, when you may have more idea of when you want to enter Vietnam. I only needed 30 days, but was simple, and no queue's in LP. Pay in dollars.
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2
mstep
Your itinerary is on the aggressive side. But you already know that.
I'd say choose only one beach place, either Mui Ne or Nha Trang. The advantage with Nha Trang is you can use overnight train or bus to reach it, since you don't have a lot of days to waste. Or skip both places, fly to Danang, and do your beach time at Ang Bang, just outside of Hoi An.
And there's no reason to include Vientienne at all on a trip this fast. Just fly from Luang Prabang to Siem Reap, and go to Phnom Pehn afterwards. Because there aren't direct flights between LP and PP, but LP to Siem Reap you fly direct.
So it is possible. But is it a good idea? Really I think you'd enjoy your SE Asia trip more if you only include 2 countries in your roughly one month to travel, and include a few more places in Vietnam.
And also the combination of heat/humidity in July is oppressive and punishing in many of these places. It can slow you down for sure. Afternoon monsoon thunderstorms do cool things down, but that slows your day down too, since you have to wait out the storm someplace dry.
willybrandtner1
Hello,
we intend (person) to visit LAOS for about 1 month, next August/September.
Starting in Vientiane, visiting the West-side of Laos, up to Phongsali. From there, via Luang Prabang (and worthwhile side trips) back to Vientiane.
We did such a trip with a TOYOTA LANDCRUISER, 6 Cylinder, 21 Days in CAMBODIA, (2,800km) in 2015; incl Driver, his meals & his accommodation, for US 75pd. For Diesel Fuel we paid as we went along.
What/how much would we have to expect to pay in LAOS for such a deal, per day?
Thank You!
Regards,
Willy
oliviabgood
What areas of the Nam Ou River are dammed? I've heard conflicting reports on taking a boat from Luang Pradang
to Nong Khaiw. Can you go downriver from Hat Sa to Nong Khiaw now? What parts are most dramatic, scenery wise. If you can go south from Hat Sa, how long does it take to get to Muang Khua or Muang Ngoi Neua? Thanks
24
LuisaJP
Thanks Herbie, I appreciate a lot your help :) Yes, I think you are right, crossing from Vietnam to south Laos may be a bit problematic. Actually I think I have worked out another route that can make more sense: Starting from Bangkok and going north (Chiang Mai, Pai, Chiang Rai) then crossing to Laos (Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane) and then going south (Paske, 4000 Islands), and then cross to Cambodia (not sure where, maybe only one week, as I think I rather spend more time in the other countries) and then go to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) and work my way up until Hanoi. I would then take a flight back to Bangkok.
Regarding the weather, well yes, I'm planning to start in August, but probably by the 20thish , and then spend September and October (till the end). As you mentioned, weather in the last few years have changed so I think I will get some nice days as well :)
Thank you very much!
1
Giora
You're not taking into account travel time... Vieng Xai is nearly 24 hours away by bus from Luang Prabang, best split up in two days. If you want to take the boat to or from Huai Xai, that will also take two days. Phonsavan to Si Phan Don - if you go over land - will take at least 3 days, at least if you avoid overnight travel.
If you haven't booked your flights yet, you might want to consider this: flying into Chiang Rai, in the north of Thailand, passing through Laos in one direction, and then flying out of Ubon Ratchimsorryicantrememberhowtospell, or somewhere nearby, in Thailand. There should be cheap flights from any large Thai town to Bangkok.
The roads in Thailand are much better than in Laos, and the buses faster. Starting in Vientiane, going all the way up north, back to Vientiane, all the way down south, and then all the way back to Vientiane is a mess.
3
thebluenotes
Hi Terran848,
Funny enough, I'm planning an 80 - 90 day trip in SEA starting February 1st. I did a lot of research previously, and here's a loose sample route I'm planning, based on my interests but for Laos I think it provides a good route.
Thailand (15 Days): Bangkok > Phuket or Islands > Chiang Mai > Chiang Rai >> Flight to Luang Prabang
Laos (21 Days): Luang Prabang > Vang Vienne > Vientiane > Hin Namno & Xe Bang Fei Caves > Don Dhet >>Cross into Cambodia
Cambodia (7 Days): Angkor Wat > Phnom Pehn
Vietnam (30 Days): HCMC > Hanoi >> Bangkok >> Burma
Burma (7 Days) ???
4
bigal1
I think it's important to see the main sites in Vientienne
Why surely most important thing is to see and do what OP wants
I too like Muang Sing and would recommend it over L. Namtha. Doing a circle or doubling back is less of a problem than seeing what you want to see so go for which floats your boat
18
mstep
I'd add one night for Ayutthaya too. There's really a lot to see there, with worthwhile temples scattered in multiple areas. Most people wouldn't need 4 nights for Phnom Penh.
The other advice above is good. You do have time to be flexible. You'd have time to add another destination from Chiang Mai, or more places in Cambodia as you go along. Check out www.travelfish.org for ideas about places that could be detours for you.