Reliable transport to Laos from Udon

Post by **BIGAL** » April 30, 2012, 12:31 pm

Are you wanting to travel to Vientienne, or anywhere in Laos for visas or holiday?

I have made contact and enjoyed amazing experiences in Laos with the assistance of a very reliable and English speaking Laos minivan owner. He is offering private transport, pick up at your home in Udon to Vientienne at Baht 6000.00. The minivan can seat 6 comfortably so this cost applies to 1-6 people.

This does not include your visa costs to enter Laos which is approximately baht 1300.00 depending on which country you are from. This also does not include your Thai visa costs to return to Thailand.

If you wish to continue your journey to Vang Vieng, an additional baht 5000.00 for a return trip and overnight in Vang Vieng.

Alternatively you can select to be met at the Thai border post in Nong Khai and they will assist you through customs and then take you from the Laos border post to wherever you wish to go to in Laos.

I can really recommend Sonchai, he is a very friendly guy and pleasant to travel with. Call 0811482689 for bookings in Udon.

Post by **Peterplay** » April 30, 2012, 2:10 pm

Incredible, can't believe that, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cheap...

Post by **rufus** » April 30, 2012, 2:41 pm

6000 Baht! You have got to be kidding.

Post by **Prenders88** » April 30, 2012, 3:24 pm

This Lao minivan owner must think we are born yesterday.
The prices did make me laugh.

The International bus from Udon to Vientiene is around 100 baht.

Post by **papaguido** » April 30, 2012, 3:47 pm

Well...looks like someone got taken for a ride

I've never paid anything over 500bt for round trip from Laos border to Thai consulate and then hotel.

Post by **BIGAL** » April 30, 2012, 11:48 pm

I think you are all missing the point!

This is private transport, not public bus transport. That means an extra service for 6 people at B1000 per person from Udonthani ( collected from your home ) to Vientienne. It is designed as an extra service for a family or group wishing to be picked up at home and taken to Vientienne without the hassle of getting to the bus station in Udon, then going through customs yourself, then taking the public bus from Thai customs across the bridge to Laos customs, then another taxi to Vientienne or the Thai embassy!!! This includes all of this and therefore is much quicker.

If you prefer to take the bus to the border post, his fee from Thai customs through Laos customs to the Vientienne Thai embassy and on to Vientienne to your guest house is baht 500.

This is about great service with a reliable guy not about cheap public bus trips! Give the guy a chance, only for those that appreciate travelling in comfort with their family.

Post by **merchant seaman** » May 1, 2012, 6:27 am

Taxi from udon to border 800baht max. Take your friends van from the border to Vientienne 500baht that's 1300baht. Why would you want to spend 6000baht? When going to Vientienne on an over night via run I don't even pend 6000baht and that includes visa's and hotel

Post by **BIGAL** » May 1, 2012, 9:16 am

He is offering this service for small groups wanting to tour Laos, the 6000 baht rate is for the whole minivan which comfortable seats 6 but can seat 8. He has to pay 1500 baht of this to customs as tax to take a vehicle across the border.

So it is not designed for 1 person as you have costed out.

He also offers the service being met at the Thai border and assisted through customs, then from The Laos customs to the Thai embassy and Vientienne for Baht 500 for 6 people which is really cheap.

For tour groups or family groups wanting to visit different locations in Laos, he is great....visit Vang Vieng, caves, L.Prabang, the field of Jars....or even if you want to go to Vietnam through Laos, he does it all.

Post by **jackspratt** » May 1, 2012, 9:51 am

Seems pretty simple to me:

- if you think the service is good value, use it

- if you don't, don't.

Not much more to discuss really.

Post by **harmonyudon** » May 1, 2012, 10:10 am

@Jackspratt,
Did not know that we cant discuss other alternatives...hehe

Alternatives like MS described is an option for a group of max 4-people.

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » May 1, 2012, 6:28 pm

Does this service include obligatory stops at hotels, restaurants, clothing and other shops that he recommends whether you want to go there or not?

Post by **BIGAL** » May 1, 2012, 10:12 pm

You are obviously suggesting that he takes kick backs from stopping at certain places? If you are, he certainly does not, and only travels where you want to go!

We have just returned from Laos and we used him for our 4 day tour which was amazing! Great that we were met at the Thai border as I leave my car at the parking lot. This cost baht 400 and my car was covered in dust on our return so I will opt for him to meet us at home in Udon next time.

We were chaperoned through customs much quicker than when we did it ourselves and also got our Laos visa much quicker than usual. We enjoyed the tour with them and can once again recommend their services.

What a great country to explore right on our doorstep as such!

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » May 2, 2012, 12:21 am

No, I was not suggesting, I was simply asking.

Yes, is a wonderful country to visit. Just wait until Burma really opens up, and you will be amazed and enthralled.

Post by **issanman** » August 2, 2012, 3:36 pm

Usefull post but i doubt he will do much trade udon thani his filling up with cheap charlies down to there last baht unless he works from a bar leave every week x2 say then maybe with a full bus it would be viable