Laos 2015: Notes from an Occasional Visitor

Post by **thaiguzzi** » April 30, 2016, 3:28 pm

3 of us did VTNE to LP in Febuary.
Vientienne to Vang Vienne (overrun with Koreans), by taxi with (very good) driver, 3500 baht, 4-5 hours but with bad roadworks.
Vang Vienne to Luang Praban by national Lao Bus, about 500 baht each. Again, very good driver, 6-7 hours inc refreshment/toilet breaks.
The jouney from VV to LP is STUNNING, but not for the faint hearted...
Thailand's North West has got NOTHING in comparison to VV to LP.
Flying by Lao Airlines from VTNE to LP and you'd miss the scenery.

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » April 30, 2016, 9:01 pm

And, Luang Prabang to Xieng Khouang (eastward), and Luang Prabang to Luang Nam Ta (going north and west) is just as stunning if not more so.

Post by **thaiguzzi** » May 1, 2016, 11:43 am

Yes, i will see more of that area in the future. Truly breathtaking. I don't know if SE Asia has anything remotely similar. I certainly think there is no other town like LP around.

Post by **Laan Yaa Mo** » May 1, 2016, 9:53 pm

Nong Khiaw might have the most spectacular scenery of any small town in Laos. Phongsaly, Xam Neua, Oudomxay are most impressive. Xieng Khouang (Phonsavan) is near the Plain of Jars, and the scenery to the north, south and west is beautiful. Lots of winding roads, of course, too.

But for a combination of history, scenery, food and things to do, Luang Prabang is one of the best cities in Southeast Asia. The downside is that is overly touristy with the night market, but that is fun too. At one time, an individual of Luang Prabang was invited to rule the Lanna Kingdom centred at Chiang Mai (14th or 15th century). A few sacred Buddha images were taken to Luang Prabang from Chiang Mai (the Phra Sing and Phra Kaeo [emerald] Buddha figure). Eventually they found their way to Viang Chan (Vientiane) from whence invading Thai armies took them to Bangkok.