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Lets go to Laos! 26/7 4/8 2014

Bring some clothes/stationary/snack for kids!!
1USD = 8000KIP 10,000KIP=1.2O USD=RM4
USD12-15/room, (10,000 KIP) USD2-3/meal, USD 0.5-1/drinks
Buy SIM at airport. Cost about 20,000 kip and that gives you 5,000 kip call credit.
Laos sim cards all seem to charge 2,000 kip per minute for calls to Europe etc.
ETL or Lao Telecom!

8:00 ~16:00
Vientiane's Wattay International Airport (airport code VTE) is 3.5km west of the city.
Transport from the airport to the city is by a pre-paid coupon and fixed at $6/54,000
kip.
City to airport, tuk-tuk is 30,000 kip. Do not agree with 55,000 kip, shown on a price
list by some tuk-tuk drivers. You can bargain down to 30,000 kip. Always agree with
the price before boarding the tuk-tuk.
If you don't mind walking the distance between the airport and the main road (less
than 500 m), you can take a local bus for less than US$1.

Luang Prabang (D1 pm - D5 am)

Flight Lao Airline USD 103.55 (40min)
The Luang Prabang International Airport (212173), 4km from the city centre,
has a restaurant, Lao Airlines (212173) and Bangkok Air (253 253) offices, phone
card telephone, post office, exchange booth, a branch of Lao Development Bank,
and an air-conditioned departure lounge.

VT airport to bus station = 40,000 KIP. Sleeping Bus to LP = 150,000 KIP

(11hr, 8pm depart)
Noodles = 15,000 KIP; Pedicure H&F 25,000 KIP

15000040000KiP40000KiP

Recommended GH
1. Spicylao (Lemon Laos) RM26, some said dirty.
2. Halolao (Melacca Chinese) 70,000kip

3.
4.
5.
6.

(USD14)
3 60,000kip/day
Mekong Charm (Riverside) RM158/ 2 pax room
Grand Luang Prabang (Riverside) RM185/2 pax room 4 star
Xayana GH USD4, dorm
Apple Guest House (RM127 triple room) 2 STAR, 5min walk to Wat
Xiengthong.

7. Lao Spirit Lodge (3 STAR, RM300/2 pax room) Tad Sae waterfall resort
8. Vanvisa at the fall (Homestay inside kuang xi water fall RM95/room)
N1: 26/7 (SAT) NIGHT MARKET
D2: 27/7 (SUN) TOWN TRIP
5am - , Sisavangvong Fruitshake
1. Wat Xiengthong (morning)

Built by King Setthathirath around 1560 it is a classic example of Luang

Prabang style during the golden years of the Lane Xang Kingdom and it noted
for its gracefully sloping roof and glass murals.

20,000kip
1560 450 1975

2. National/Royal Musuem ( 8~11 am and 1: 30 pm every day except

Tuesday)
Constructed in 1904, is laid out in a cruciform shape and accessed
from a side entrance. Various royal religious objects are displayed in
the large entrance hall. Many gift from foreign envoys (including a rock
brought back from the moon!) and religious and cultural artifacts are
on display including the Pha Bang, the gold standing 14th century
Buddha 30,000kip Haw
Pha Bang.
3. Phou Si Mountain (Evening, NICE SUNSET, 11min walk fr
Xienthung)

The view of the Mekong River and the city from the hilltop is superb,
especially in the evening. However, you must first climb328 steps, to
see the 20m high Vat Chomsi Stupa. Please note that Pousi temple on
the top of the hill is a sacred religious site. Please dress accordingly
and note that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.
20,000kip,.
4. Wat Pa Huak .

D3: 28/7 (MON) VILLAGE (BAN)/ CAVES

*some very near to town, by bicycle can reach. So we rent bicycle 2 days

1. Ban Xanghai (29km North of LP/ boat to Tam Ting/car 30mins)

Ban Xang Hai is famous its Lao Lao (homemade alcohol), handicrafts
are also for sale here. The village, 29 km north of luang Prabang, is a
common stop on the boat ride to Tam Ting caves, but can also be
reached by car in 30 minutes.

2. Tam Ting /Pak Ou Cave (25km/ Boat 1.5hr/ Car.Tuk-Tuk 1hr)

25 km upriver from Luang Prabang right on the river bank at the
confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers.With 5,000 of statues
and statuettes mainly of the Buddha in the traditional LP style.
3. Ban Xieng Lek (2km North along the river)
Posa paper (made from mulberry bark) and weaving traditional textiles.

4. Ban Phanom (4km North/ Tuk Tuk / bicycle)

Former royal weaving village, and is now an official tourism village. You
can view women working on their looms, buy their products and stroll
in the village.
5. Ban Hat Hian (2km near airport)
One of the provinces famous blacksmith villages. Handmade knives
and other agricultural tools are for sale here.
6. Ban Xieng Mene
Located across the Mekong from Luang Prabang Town in Chomphet
District, Ban Xieng Mene is part of the World Heritage Site and offers a
glimpse into Lao village life. There are several temples worth visiting in
the village, including Vat Chomphet (visible up on the hill) which offers
a spectacular view of Luang Prabang Town and the Mekong. Ban Xieng
Mene is also the starting point for several shorts walks and bike rides
in the district, as well as longer 2 and 3 day treks. Maps can be
purchased and bicycles rented just pass the boat landing.
7. Ban Chan (boat 15min)
Traditional pottery-making village. The villages lamp and pots
decorate the small streets of Luang Prabangs old town. Ban Chan is
located in Chomphet District, across the Mekong River just south of
Luang Prabang Town. It can be reached by boat in 15 minutes or taking
a boat across to the main boat landing in Xieng mene and walking 25
Minutes along the River.

D4: 29/7 (TUE) WATERFALL

8. Tad Sae Waterfall (15km South/ car, Tuk Tuk 45min, Bicycle,
boat)
Tad Sae, 15 km to the southeast of Luang Prabang, is a series of
cascading step waterfalls in natural surroundings.

Its further remove from Luang Prabang but still only 45 minutes by tuk-tuk
means youll get more out of the experience by putting aside a couple of
days for the trip and overnighting at the nearby Lao Spirit Lodge (3 STAR,
RM300/2 pax room)

Tad Se itself can be reached via boat a journey that can be organised
directly with the staff at the lodge or, for a more novel approach, you
can book an elephant ride along the river. Its also a great way to get
up close and personal with a pachyderm and to learn more about the
mahouts that care for them.
The Tad Se falls, while no less spectacular than Kuang Si, feel
particularly tranquil. The water forms a series of delightful swimming
pools directing flows around a number of trees to provide a cool, shady
canopy. Unlike other sites, Tad Se is primarily visited by independent
travellers, meaning coach parties are practically unheard of.
9. Kuang Si Waterfall (11am/ Tuk Tuk 30mins) Black Bear
Kuang Si is also slightly more crowded by day-trippers, anyone keen to
spend more time in the area can participate in a homestay, one of the
best ways to learn more about daily life in Laos. Local resident Mrs
Vandara opens her home to visitors looking to stay locally for one or
more nights. You will be mesmerized by the water practically falling at
your doorstep her converted house is located on the river that flows
away from the main cascade but also jazzed by the occasion to
explore the area by starlight long after the tour groups have slipped
away for the night.
10.
Vat Thua Lang (otw to Kuang Si waterfall)
Located behind the old stadium on the way to Kuang Si waterfall. It
was built on a knoll in 1818 by King Manthatourath. Before 1975, Vat
That Luang was used to hold funeral rites and cremate the countrys
highest dignitaries.

D5: 30/7 (WED) 9am BUS TO VV

Vang Vieng (Express) Departs 09:30, costs 105,000 kip, takes 6-7 hours
(RM42)
Vang Vieng (VIP) Departs 12:30, costs 130,000 kip, takes 6-7 hours(RM52)

Vang Vieng (D5 pm -D8 am)

Tubing and a crazy backpacker party scene. Lots western &

Asian food, larger portion & cheaper than LB. Wifi
everywhere.
VIP bus fr LP 130,000 KIP (6-7 hr, 9:30am depart)
, 160 , 3 . Talat Sao
local bus . or VIP Bus , tuk-tuk
GH , VIP Bus . GH 1:30
VIP Bus, 50000kip=NT$190. mini van
Tuk Tuk 20,000 KIP/pax
Bike 15,000 KIP/ bike
Motor 30,000 KIP/ motor (better, cos mountain road), petrol 20,000KIP
Recommended GH
1. Laos Haven Hotel & SPA (SG ppl)
2. Standard price USD 12/room
3. Jammee Guest House, 10000kip=NT$380
, ,++++
+ free wifi +
Play
1. 40,000 KIP/ 500g

2. Blue Lagoon. Bridge Toll = 6,000 KIP/bike ; entrance 10,000 KIP (30km
ride)
3. Tubing! Swinging in hammocks! Kayaking USD15/each
4. Organic Farm (drop off point of tubing)
5. Elephant Crossing Hotel , ,

6. Ban Sabi Bungalow

7. Tham Changk Cave Jang Cave, 15000kip
8. Kaeng Yui Waterfall
9. free wifi SANAXAY Restaurant

Vientiane (D8 pm D10 am)

From Luang Prabang public buses go to Vientiane (ordinary, $9, 11 hours, five to
eight daily; air-con, $10, 11 hours, two daily) leave from the southern bus terminal.
The same buses stop in Vang Vieng (ordinary, US$7.50, six to seven hours; air-con,
US$8.50, six to seven hours). The air-con buses leave between 6.30am and 9am in
the morning.

For quicker and more comfortable transport, try the travel agents in town who can
also arrange minivan transport (US$18, eight hours, four daily) and VIP bus (US$12,
10 hours, two daily) to Vientiane. The VIP buses arent exactly modern, but they
have air-con and once every seat is taken, they are full (as opposed to public buses
which use the never full approach).

Mini bus fr VV 40,000 KIP (4 hr, 9:00am depart)

Tuk Tuk 20,000 KIP/pax
Bike 15,000 KIP/ bike
Motor 30,000 KIP/ motor (better, cos mountain road), petrol 20,000KIP

Recommended GH
1. Phonepaseuth GH

2. Mixary Paradise GH - double room/ AC / breakfast : 120,000kip = NT$456

Play
1. National Museum = 10,000 KIP
2. Patouxay (Arch de Triumph)
3. That Luang Stupa. Most important monument in Laos, which was built
to cover the original small stupa, containing a piece of the chest bone
of Buddha (Pha That Luang) ,
, , , .
, , !
4. Wat Sisaket. The oldest temple to have been survived from the
Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha
statues.
5. Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue.
6. COBE visitor center!! Show room of Boom Victims.
http://worldtravelfamily.com/visit-cope-visitor-centre-museumvientiane-laos-things-to-do-vientiane/ Boulevard Khouvieng | National
Rehabilitation Centre, Vientiane, Laos +856 (21) 218427

From Luang Prabang

Huay Xai (local) Departs 17:30, costs 120,000 kip, takes 13-15 hours
Huay Xai (VIP) Departs 19:00, costs 145,000 kip, takes 12-15 hours
Luang Nam Tha (local) Departs 09:00, 17:30, costs 90,000 kip, takes 9-10 hours
Nong Kiaow Departs 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, costs 40,000 kip, takes 3 hours
Phongsali Departs 17:30, costs 130,000 kip, takes 14-16 hours
Sam Neua Departs 17:30, costs 140,000 kip, takes 14-16 hours
Udomxai (local) Departs at 09:00, 12:00, 16:00, 17:30 costs 55,000 kip, takes 5-6
hours
For traffic to and from the South, use Naluang station
Southern Bus Terminal T: (071) 232 066
Vang Vieng (Express) Departs 09:30, costs 105,000 kip, takes 6-7 hours (RM42)
Vang Vieng (VIP) Departs 12:30, costs 130,000 kip, takes 6-7 hours(RM52)
Vientiane (Express) & Vang Vieng Departs 06:30, 07:30, 08:30, 11:00, 14:00,
16:30, 18:30, costs 110,000 kip, takes 8-10 hours
Vientiane (VIP) & Vang Vieng Departs 08:00 and 09:00, 19:30, costs 130,000
kip, takes 8 hours (RM52)
Xieng Khuang/Phonsavan (express) Departs 08:30, costs 95,000 kip, takes 10
hours
*** Note you pay the same price for the VIP/Express whether you go to Vang Vieng
or Vientiane
Minibuses
Naluang Mini Bus station: (071) 212 979
Some of those buses are minivans and some are regular tourists buses.
Chiang Mai 18:00, 265,000 kip, 18 hours
Hanoi 18:00, 350,000 kip, 24 hours
Kunming 07:00, 420,000 kip, 24 hours

Luang Nam Tha 08:30, 110,000 kip, 8 hours

Nong Khiaw 09:00, 55,000 kip, 3 hours
Phonsavan 09:00, 105,000 kip , 8 hours
Vang Vieng08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 14:00, 15:00, costs 100,000 kip, takes 6-7 hours
(RM40)
Vientiane 08:00, 155,000 kip, 9 hours (RM62)
Any bus bound for Luang Prabang can drop you off in Vang Vieng, though you pay
the same ticket price as if you were going all the way. A better option is to book a
mini-bus ticket from a travel agency (10:00, 14:00; 60,000 kip).
Travel agencies in Vientiane charge about 150,000 kip for a ticket on the air-con bus
to Luang Prabang, though this will include pick-up from your guesthouse and
transport to the bus station.
Sample destinations include:
Luang Prabang (air-con) Departs 06:30, 07:30, 09:00, 11:00, 13:30, 16:00,
18:00, 19:30, 100,000 kip, 10 hours
Luang Prabang (VIP) Departs 08:00,0 9:00, 20:00, 120,000 kip, 10 hours