| grintr0118:54 UTC10 Sep 2007 | Hi everyone,
I am planning to travel from Hanoi to Luang Prubang. I am on a fairly tight budget and so am looking to do it the cheapest way possible. Having said that I also want to take into consideration comfort as I have heard bus trips from Vietnam are horrendous. Is it possible to bus-it from Hanoi? If so by what companies? how long does it take and what is the approximate price? SO far all I can find is information on buses to Vientiene. Is it worth just paying the extra money and flying?
cheers
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| craig schuler20:28 UTC10 Sep 2007 | <blockquote>Quote
<hr>Is it worth just paying the extra money and flying?<hr></blockquote>Most of those who have taken this trip would seem to suggest it is. Vietnam and Laos both have national carriers that fly this route...
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| stillwithus23:02 UTC10 Sep 2007 | If you just want to be in LP, I'd fly.
The ground in between Hanoi and LP is beautiful, and if you have a few days is well worth the saunter. One could train to Vinh, then bus a few hours to Laos (there is a northern longer route to Phonsavan, and a shorter one through Lak Xao); there is also a more challenging crossing near Xam Neua, but I understand transportation is sporadic. I wil be on this route (in reverse) in 3 months.
It can be done on one long ride in 24 hours (I've never done it, and never will); taking 3-5 days would, for me, be a highlight. Personally, I found LP to be a bit of a Disneyland - lots of hype and lots of folk seeking your $$$. Nice place to meet westerners or be served by Lao; it does have beautiful temples and a nice setting. But it is "banana-pancake land."
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| jakartaboy223:46 UTC10 Sep 2007 | <blockquote>Quote
<hr>But it is "banana-pancake land."<hr></blockquote>
In that price bracket, I think they are called 'crepes'.
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| hanuman00:58 UTC11 Sep 2007 | When you factor in all the cost of a 2+ day journey from Hanoi to Luang Prabang which can total near the ~U$120 airfare [time, food, accomodations, etc], then the convenience of a one hour flight doesn't seem so bad. The road option might OK if you like roughing it and had time to linger on the way to appreciate some of the small towns and villages en route but to to travel 2-3 straight days by bus just to get to LP would be a bit brutal.
The bus from Hanoi to Vientiane alone, takes about 24 hours.
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