A detailed review of a 5-day, 4-night trip with associated expenses.
July 16-20, 2016

**This is my first review, so please forgive any mistakes.**

The main camera used for shooting was the Canon 5D Mark II. For portrait photography, the Canon EOS M3 was used. For one-day trips involving water and mud, the SJ4000 WiFi camera was used.

This trip took place during the five-day long weekend from July 16th to 20th, 2016. Planning took minimal time, as we collaborated to gather information by reading reviews from fellow travelers in the Blue Room forum. This is our first review, and we hope it will be helpful to others planning similar trips.

Our group consisted of four people and one vehicle. Initially, we planned to use public transportation, but after considering the travel time and expenses, I decided to use my friend's Nissan Navara. For those interested in driving themselves, researching how to obtain a car passport through Google is recommended. It's not as difficult as you might think.

Our five-day itinerary begins with:
Day 1: Phitsanulok-Nong Khai-Vientiane: Overnight stay in Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane-Vang Vieng
Day 3: One-day trip to Vang Vieng
Day 4: Vang Vieng-Luang Prabang
Day 5: Return trip via Luang Prabang-Uttaradit route

The first topic is about the cost of the trip. I believe that many people want to know the cost of the entire trip before making a decision to go somewhere. I am one of them.

The estimated cost per person is 4.

1. Ferry ticket across the Thai-Lao border: 30 baht.

2. Wheel washing fee 20 baht.

3. Toll fee 100 THB (divided by 4, 25 THB per person)

4. Car insurance fee 250.- (divided by 4, 62.5 baht per person)

6. Accommodation in Vientiane: 1,400 THB (350 THB/person)

7. Silver Naga Hotel accommodation fee (first night in Vang Vieng) 1,100.-/person

8. Accommodation fee at Champalavang Villa (Vang Vieng, second night) 500.-/person

9. One-day trip + zip line 1,000.-/person

11. Admission fee to That Luang Stupa (Vientiane): 100.-

13. Luang Prabang accommodation fee 300.-

14. Entrance fee to Wat Xieng Thong: 100 THB.

15. Museum entrance fee: 150 THB.

16. Fuel cost 3,500 THB (divided by 4, each person pays 875 THB)

18. All-inclusive meals with unlimited Lao beer for 1,000 Baht.

Total damage 5,862.50 baht, excluding the purchase of 1 case of Lao beer and souvenirs.

Equivalent to 1,360,100 Lao Kip.

***Exchange rate = 232 kip/1 baht (as of July 16, 2016)

***Please adjust the budget to include the entrance fee to Luang Prabang.

Let's begin our journey.

The first day was mostly spent on travel. We arrived at the Thai-Lao border crossing around 6 pm. It took almost two hours to complete the car and people paperwork because it was a long weekend and there were a lot of people.

Having crossed over to the Lao side, our first priority was to find accommodation. Initially, we assumed it wouldn't be difficult, considering Vientiane's size. However, upon arriving around 8 pm, we were unsure how to proceed. We decided to consult Google for assistance.

Fortunately, we had a Laotian friend who joined us on our journey and acted as our guide for the day. However, it was a pity that she could only guide us for one day as her home is in Vientiane.

The most iconic landmark in Vientiane is undoubtedly the Patuxai, especially at night when it is illuminated.

Our friendly Lao guide was a real treat. Upon arriving in Laos, he wasted no time in taking us to some delicious local eats. Of course, we had to end the night with some "Beerlao." The first bottle was easygoing, but the second one started to hit us. Who would have thought drinking black beer would be so potent? It packs a 6.5% punch!

The sizzling hot pan in front of us is called "Rambo," and it's incredibly delicious.

The restaurant I visited, called "Sam Yaek Pa Sak," is located right on the banks of the Mekong River. It's easy to find.

That night, we ended up finishing 4 large bottles and 4 small bottles (Laotians call bottles "glasses"). We started with Lao whiskey, but ended up finishing 4 large glasses and 4 small glasses.

The scene cuts to the early morning in Vientiane. We woke up early and drove to the local morning market. Today, we had to start early because our destination for the day was Vang Vieng.

The highlight of the food here is undoubtedly the Paris bread. Its appearance may resemble the bread we feed fish in Thailand, but I assure you, it is far more delicious.

The Lao people are very kind. They gave us a lot of filling, so we could eat to our heart's content. We were four people, and we almost finished the whole thing.

The majority of locals travel by motorbike, while two-wheeled taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available for tourists. However, waiting times for these services can be lengthy.

"Hey, can I hitch a ride with you?"

Fortunately, we brought our own car, so we didn't have to use the hotel's shuttle service. However, since we were already there, we decided to take a few photos of the car.

The morning market, which was no longer early, was getting hotter and hotter. My stomach was starting to growl louder and louder. I had arrived in Laos, and not eating khao piak meant I hadn't truly arrived.

The Khao Piek here is incredibly delicious and the portions are extremely generous. You can even choose the size of your bowl. We opted for the small size after seeing the large portions at the next table, which seemed almost impossible to finish.

The majority of tourist attractions here are temples, which typically have opening and closing times, as well as a midday break at 1:00 PM. Most temples close between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

This is the Pha That Luang, or That Luang as the Lao people call it. We chose to come in the late morning, hoping that the sun wouldn't be too hot. But it turned out to be even hotter than in Thailand.

The magnificent Phra That Luang attracts a considerable number of tourists. Visitors wearing short skirts or shorts are provided with sarongs to change into before entering the temple.

Our next stop was the Emerald Buddha Temple, which was undergoing renovations during our visit. However, even from the outside, it was evident that it was a beautiful structure.

We planned to leave Vientiane around 11 am to reach Vang Vieng by 3 pm. When the time came, we set off for Vang Vieng. The journey by private car takes about 3 hours, while by public bus it takes about 4-5 hours.

***I will continue to review Vang Vieng later.

May I excuse myself to grab some lunch?

And then we arrived at Vang Vieng. The journey was not as difficult as I thought. The road was lined with villages almost all the way, interspersed with mountains.

From my preliminary research, Vang Vieng is a city located in northern Laos. In simple terms, it could be considered the Chiang Mai of Laos. Therefore, it is not surprising that a large number of tourists from Thailand, Europe, Korea, and China visit the city.

The picturesque landscape of this city, with the Song River meandering through it and the backdrop of towering mountains, has captivated the hearts of many, including myself.

We arrived at Vang Vieng around 3 pm and checked into our accommodation, the Silver Naka Hotel, a luxurious option in the area. Our choice wasn't due to an abundance of funds, but rather a slight miscalculation in our travel planning. This, coupled with the long holiday weekend, made finding accommodation a challenge.

The cost was well worth it, at 1,100 baht per person. We stayed in a family room that could accommodate four people and had a river view from the back. There was also a balcony where we could watch the girls swimming in the pool. I would definitely recommend this hotel.

After checking in, our next plan for the day is to visit "Tham Chang Cave". However, before we head to the cave, we need to book a one-day tour for tomorrow. Therefore, we are currently looking for tour options.

We already had a tour in mind, as we had read many positive reviews on Pantip recommending their services. We would also like to recommend Namtip Travel Company, LTD. Their shop has a yellow sign, and it's easy to find if you ask around.

The bridge would be a perfect spot for photos with fewer crowds, wouldn't it?

The cave entrance is only a short 500-meter walk away.

Along the way, there are small shops selling various goods. The appearance is similar to those in our country, and the taste is equally delicious.

Upon entering the lower section of Tham Chang Cave, one is greeted by a striking sight: crystal-clear, shallow pools of water scattered throughout the cave floor.

Both Thais and foreigners enjoyed playing in the water with great enthusiasm.

I dipped my feet in the water, and it was refreshingly cool. It's a shame I didn't bring a change of clothes, as it looked like a lot of fun to swim.

After crossing the bridge, there is a cave entrance that you can walk into. However, be careful as water is constantly dripping from the cave, making the ground quite slippery.

The cave houses a Buddha statue for worship.

Taking a break from the blue, we're now surrounded by green. Our destination requires us to climb stairs to reach the top of Tham Luang Cave. We, the Jeans, debated for a while whether to climb or not, as the height and steepness of the stairs suggested it would be quite tiring.

Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the allure of the arduous climb, we, a group of friends, devised a simple plan. We decided to ask those descending the mountain for a glimpse of their captured images. If the photographs showcased the breathtaking beauty we anticipated, we would embark on our own ascent. As fate would have it, the stunning photographs captured by a fellow hiker fueled our determination, and we set off on our journey.

After a short walk, we arrived at the entrance of the cave.

Upon reaching the summit, breathtaking views of Vang Vieng town below await. The panoramic vista is a well-deserved reward for the arduous climb. A refreshing breeze emanates from the cave entrance, creating a distinct microclimate compared to the sweltering conditions below.

Without hesitation, I entered the cave. The interior was quite dark, but small light bulbs illuminated the path, so there was no need to worry.

The cave has a designated path for visitors to follow. Due to the constant dripping of water from the ceiling, some areas are flooded, creating beautiful pools.

The cave's interior is adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Follow the path to reach the front of the cave, where you can enjoy a panoramic view.

After a short walk, an elderly gentleman informed us that the cave was closing and the sun was about to set. It was time to head back.

The presence of butterflies and birds along the trail is a clear indication of the area's rich biodiversity and natural abundance.

Returning to our accommodation, I decided to rest for a while before heading out for food. However, the view from the room was so stunning that I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and capturing it.

How are you doing? The view from the balcony behind our room is beautiful, isn't it?

The sun had set, and the moon had taken its place. We walked along the street, asking people for directions to a restaurant by the river. Finally, we arrived at our destination.

This is the Phubarn Cafe, where we are enjoying a meal and refreshing drinks.

The atmosphere was great, but the weather was a bit hot today. However, with a sip of something cold, the fatigue I had vanished in the blink of an eye.

Here it is, the refreshing drink I mentioned. Tonight, without Be Lao, we wouldn't have made it to Laos. Cheers!

The second day of the trip ends at Sakura Bar. I believe that at this point, no one who has ever been to Vang Vieng would not know "Sakura Bar".

Regardless of who you meet in the morning, who you join on a day trip with in the afternoon, or where you have dinner in the evening, you're bound to bump into them again at this bar. It's not fate, but rather the power of alcohol that brings people together.

Day 3 of our journey begins. We fully charged our batteries last night in preparation for today's one-day trip.

The tour guide was scheduled to meet us at 8:30 AM, but we were 15 minutes late. This resulted in a change to our tour schedule, which turned out to be a positive development. I will explain why shortly.

Our activities for today include: cave tubing, elephant cave, kayaking, zip line, and blue lagoon. These activities are typically divided into two sessions: morning and afternoon. The morning session consists of cave tubing through the water cave and elephant cave, followed by kayaking. Lunch will be served at noon, followed by zip lining and concluding with the blue lagoon.

As previously mentioned, our schedule has been slightly adjusted. However, this is a positive change as the tour company has observed a large number of visitors today. Therefore, we will be switching the morning and afternoon activities. This means that we will go ziplining and swimming at the Blue Lagoon first. The tour company has informed us that the Blue Lagoon will be crowded in the afternoon, potentially limiting our enjoyment. This is a fortunate turn of events for us.

The scenic route to the Blue Lagoon is flanked by mountains and rice paddies, creating a picturesque landscape that enhances the morning ambiance.

We have arrived at the Blue Lagoon, but first we will go ziplining.
Before we start, our guide will dress us in the appropriate gear and explain the procedure in detail. All of the equipment appears to be new and in good working order, so there is no need to be concerned.

However, what truly worries me is my own heart. Right now, it's pounding like a drum because when I look up, I see the line that the tour guide has set. Oh my god! How high will it go?

The zip line activity consists of 12 stations. Most of the stations involve traversing along a zip line. Each line offers scenic views, but I believe that 50% of the participants do not appreciate the scenery because they are too busy closing their eyes.

In reality, this activity is not scary at all. However, it is definitely not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. The real fun lies in the guides, who, upon realizing that we were Thai and had some female companions, decided to tease us even more.

Imagine this: you're ziplining along, enjoying the scenery, when suddenly your guide starts shaking the line, or playfully refusing to let go. It's all part of the fun, adding excitement and laughter to your zipline adventure. Get ready for a thrilling and hilarious experience!

The highlight of the zip line is the descent to the ground. Imagine this: you are suspended by a single rope, and the only thing securing you is the guide's winch. In other words, if the guide wanted to give someone a good scare, they could easily do so. Unfortunately, I didn't capture this moment on camera because I was too preoccupied with the possibility of the guide giving me a particularly thrilling ride.

After rappelling down from the treetop, we thought it was over. But no, there was more! Our guide shook the rope again, and the dancers emerged, performing their moves on the rope without a care for their safety.

A mix of fear, excitement, and laughter – this group of guides truly has it all.

Throughout our zip line experience, we were treated to breathtaking views like this. As the initial fear subsided and familiarity set in, we couldn't help but marvel at the surrounding landscape.

The time has come for the blue lagoon. It is truly beautiful, living up to its reputation. Unfortunately, it rained two days before we went, so the water wasn't as clear as we had hoped. However, with all the other elements, it was still amazing.

While the water may not be crystal clear, it is refreshingly cool and inviting. Thai, Korean, and Western tourists alike eagerly queue to take the plunge.

Time flies! In the blink of an eye, it's already lunchtime. We have a 45-minute break to eat and drink before our next activity: floating on inner tubes into a water cave.

The afternoon's first program began with a drive to the Elephant Cave and the Water Cave, which took almost half an hour due to the distance. Upon arrival, we had to walk for another 15 minutes.

Upon reaching the cave entrance, our guide equipped us with headlamps, as the cave interior is pitch black. Valuables can be left with the guide for safekeeping.

Our task in this activity is to sit or lie on an inner tube and enter the cave. Try not to bump into anyone or let anyone bump into you. Once you float into the cave, it's really dark, but there will be a rope for you to hold onto and pull yourself along. It only takes about 15 minutes to get out and enjoy the sunshine outside the cave.

We then boarded the vehicle again to head towards our next activity, kayaking. Our guide, Mr. Saeng, led the way. The journey itself wouldn't have been remarkable if it weren't for Mr. Saeng's driving style. He seemed determined to hit every bump and crest in our path. His motto, it seemed, was "Slow down on inclines, accelerate on declines." This added a unique flavor to our tour.

The paddle is approximately 4 kilometers along the Song River, which is a pity because there used to be many water bars where people could rest and foreigners could dance and have fun. However, these are no longer available.

As we paddled along, we were surrounded by mountains, trees, and grass. Despite the lack of exciting scenery, we had a lot of fun. Our tour guide and fellow travelers engaged in a playful water fight, adding to the enjoyment of the trip.

Glancing at the clock, it was already 5 pm. Everyone was soaked and desperate for a bed and a shower. Our accommodation for the night was Champalaow Villa, which had been highly recommended by many reviewers. And it truly lived up to its reputation. The house felt like home, with friendly neighbors, welcoming hosts, and three or four dogs that resembled pigs greeting us at the door.

After we had packed our belongings and freshened up, we set out to find food as we had used a lot of energy that day. Finding a restaurant was not difficult at all. We could smell the smoke from the chicken, the pork, and the papaya salad from afar, so we just walked in that direction.

The food here is incredibly spicy.

Be cautious when eating sticky rice, as it can get stuck in your throat. Make sure to drink plenty of water afterwards.

Our stomachs were full, and our eyelids were getting heavy, so we decided to return to our accommodation to rest up for the night.

The clock strikes 10 pm, signaling the start of our nightly adventure. My friends and I decide to unwind at a riverside bar near our accommodation, ensuring a smooth transition from dinner to sleep. Across from our lodging, a pool table stands prominently in front of the establishment, accompanied by the inviting sounds of live music. Without hesitation, we step inside. "One Beer Lao, please," I order.

As time passed, the atmosphere became more enjoyable, fueled by the influence of Lao beer and the company of a new group of Thai friends.

Engaging in travel discussions is highly enjoyable, and playing games is an effective way to quickly establish rapport with new acquaintances. We initiated the game and then allowed the group to propose their own games.

I'll call it the "Poong Ya" gang, because the games the kids taught us to play were really fun. The rules were simple: whoever lost had to drink half a glass. In the end, it turned out that my side got drunk first because we lost so often.

Note: If Poong and Hya have the opportunity to read this, please identify yourselves. I would like to redeem myself on the next trip. 55555

After a hearty breakfast this morning, we set off on our journey to Luang Prabang, navigating the winding roads that snake through the stunning Laotian countryside.

Based on the information provided by the owner of Champala Lao Guesthouse in Vang Vieng, the estimated travel time to Luang Prabang is 5 hours. However, if you are taking public transportation, you should add an additional 1-2 hours to your travel time.

The road is truly brutal. Compared to our roads, it's like the road to Pai, but it takes much, much longer.

The journey to Luang Prabang presents a diverse range of weather conditions. From the scorching sun to the heavy downpours, and the chilly winds atop the high peaks, the elements offer a dynamic experience. The captivating roads and surrounding landscapes provide a constant source of excitement.

As we continued driving, we stumbled upon a waterfall cascading down the mountainside, remarkably close to the road. It was a sight I had never witnessed before.

I fell in love with Luang Prabang before I even arrived.

The journey was characterized by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains. Interspersed throughout the landscape were quaint villages, adding to the scenic charm. A unique aspect of Laos is its cattle-rearing practices. Unlike the grazing pastures common elsewhere, cows here roam freely, often resting in the middle of the road. While initially startling, this became a familiar sight during our extended travels, adding an element of amusement to our driving experience.

Most of our travels today were during the rainy season. Whenever there was a break in the rain, we would stop the car and take photos. We couldn't help ourselves; it was truly beautiful.

The weather was fantastic. We drove leisurely, stopping to take pictures whenever we came across something beautiful. There was no rush.

In Thailand, cars have the steering wheel on the left-hand side, making driving appear more relaxed compared to countries where the steering wheel is on the right and drivers must navigate oncoming traffic.

We arrived in Luang Prabang shortly after.

Our plan for today is to visit "Tad Kwang Si", a waterfall with turquoise water resembling the ocean.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a multitude of parked cars. The area boasts a plethora of restaurants and souvenir shops.

The entrance fee is 20,000 kip per person. There are two paths leading to Tat Kuang Si: one to the waterfall,

Do not ask which way we chose to go with nature.

The natural way is the best way, slow and steady wins the race.

Within three minutes of walking, I encountered a breathtaking sight: layers of vibrant blue water cascading down.

The girls couldn't wait and immediately dipped their feet into the water. My only job was to take pictures.

The nature trail leads to the waterfall. I will post a series of photos.

This place is packed with both Westerners and Korean heartthrobs enjoying the water, making it feel remarkably similar to a beach back home.

We spent a considerable amount of time at Tad Kwang Si Falls, approximately two hours, due to its remarkable beauty.

As you ascend, you will eventually reach the waterfall. Oh my goodness! It is magnificent, vast, and towering.

Upon closer inspection, the scene resembles a captivating mural, albeit one that transcends the boundaries of traditional art by incorporating sound and scent, creating a truly immersive 4D experience.

Unfortunately, I didn't bring any clothes to change into. Seeing everyone else playing in the water, I really wanted to join them.

Glancing at the clock, it was already 5:30 PM. Time to head back, as we still need to check in to our accommodation.

Perhaps we will meet again, " Deer Eyes ".

There is still a full day left in Luang Prabang.

Please wait, I will continue later.

After returning from Tad Kwang Si, we drove back to the city center to check into our hotel. I had booked our hotel through Agoda, but there was a slight problem. Agoda had not sent the booking information to the hotel, so they were unaware of our reservation. However, we had our booking confirmation with us, so there was no issue checking in.

Our accommodation was conveniently located near the local black market, so we opted to park our car at the hotel and explore the city by bicycle.

Our plan for tonight is to explore the night market, shop for souvenirs, and observe the local way of life.

Luang Prabang's black market primarily offers handmade goods, including silk skirts, coffee, and infused liquor. However, most shops carry similar items, with variations mainly in patterns and colors.

Regarding prices, I would say they are quite high. There is nothing priced below 50 baht. However, compared to other tourist destinations in our country, the prices are relatively similar.

Over 70% of the black market's clientele are international tourists, with Koreans constituting the largest demographic.

"An army marches on its stomach," as the saying goes. Walking to the end of the market, we came across a restaurant selling khao piak, pho, and khao soi. Seeing many locals dining, queuing, and buying takeaway, we decided to eat there. After all, who knows better than the locals, right?

And I wasn't disappointed. It was delicious and the portions were generous.

I recommend Khao Soi, a northern Thai noodle dish with a rich, flavorful curry broth. Unlike the coconut-based curries found elsewhere in Thailand, Khao Soi features a unique blend of spices and aromatics that create a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

After being charged 15,000 kip each, our energy levels started to rise. We continued to browse and take photos of the items.

After a short walk, you will find an alleyway to turn into. Inside, you will discover a food court. The highlight is undoubtedly the "buffet rice with curry".

If I remember correctly, the price per person is 15,000 kip.

With full bellies and souvenirs in hand, we decided to cycle leisurely along the riverbank in search of a place to enjoy a cold beer.

Unfortunately, our bikes got flat tires. We're not sure if it was because the wheels were too small or if we were carrying too much weight. Either way, our plans for the day were ruined. We were too tired from walking and dragging the bikes around. 555555

Before going to bed, I would like to recommend this crepe shop to you. The seller is very kind. We chatted and he even gave us an extra piece to try.

After enjoying a sweet treat before bed, it's time to take a shower and prepare for a morning of offering alms to the monks. The monks will arrive at 5:45 AM for the alms-giving ceremony, so don't forget to set your alarm clock.

I woke up and checked my phone. It was 6:00 AM. Oh no! Did I miss something important in Luang Prabang? Did I really miss the chance to offer sticky rice to the monks? I gave myself 30 seconds to regret it, then set my alarm for another 15 minutes to sleep in. 5555555555555555

I'm awake now, and I'm not going to miss anything this time. I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and grabbed my bike to explore the city.
It's just me. I'm the only one who survived the last day of this trip. Don't ask me where the others are. They're curled up under their blankets, comfortable and happy. T T

Cycling along the riverbank, the first temple we will visit is "Wat Chiang Thong".

In fact, Chiang Thong was the original name before it was changed to Luang Prabang.

The entrance fee is 20,000 kip, which is relatively expensive for a temple visit. However, it is worth the cost.

After taking photos to their heart's content, they continued to explore the city by bicycle.

Capture the beauty wherever you find it, stopping to take photos along the way.

Upon closer inspection, Luang Prabang reveals itself as a city where houses predominantly retain their old-style architecture. While some may have undergone minor extensions or modifications, the overall impression is one of uniformity across the city. This architectural coherence enhances the city's visual appeal, making it even more photogenic.

The architectural style of Luang Prabang's houses is Colonial Style, reflecting the French colonial period in Laos.

Fortunately, it has not been damaged and is well preserved.

Everything has a classic feel to it.

As someone who already admires art, I found myself falling even deeper in love with it.

Our final destination for the day in Luang Prabang was the National Museum.

This section showcases the Royal Palace of the King, or Maha Ksat, of Laos, formerly known as the Lan Xang Kingdom. Explore its history through various resources.

To the right of the entrance to the Luang Prabang National Museum, you will find the Ho Phra Bang, which houses the "Phra Bang" statue. The Phra Bang is the origin of the city's name, "Luang Prabang".

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to enter the building. I was worried I wouldn't make it back to Thailand on time. So, we continued on our journey.

Opposite the Ho Phra Bang, you will find the monument of King Sisavang Vong, the first king of the Kingdom of Laos after gaining independence from France.

The building behind the monument is the Phra Lak-Phra Ram Theatre.

The sound of the piphat orchestra drew me irresistibly into the building.

Interior photos.

Despite the rush, I didn't have time to go up and use the facilities. Instead, I listened to the sound of the piphat ensemble from below. I sat with my eyes closed, listening to the cool breeze, and didn't want to go anywhere. But it was too late, it was already nine o'clock. Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry!

The entrance fee for this museum is 30,000 kip, which is reasonable considering its status as a "World Heritage Site".

Continue cycling, steadily and leisurely, stopping to take photos along the way.

Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram

Let's move on quickly.

Let's grab a bite to eat. I haven't had anything to eat since I woke up this morning.

This famous rice porridge shop that everyone reviews for 10,000 kip.

The rising temperature serves as a reminder that our departure is imminent.

I would rate the coffee at this shop as a solid three out of five. The flavor is decent and enjoyable.

In addition to the delicious coffee, the pastries at this shop are equally delightful.

As you know, we drove into Laos via Nong Khai. However, on our return trip, we will not be taking the same route back as it is a longer distance. Instead, we will be taking the Luang Prabang-Uttaradit route via Xayaburi. In simpler terms, we will be exiting through the "Phu Doo" checkpoint, which will take approximately 5 hours to reach.

Luang Prabang - Xayaburi - Ban Paklai - Ban Kaeng Song - Pha Gaew Border Crossing (Laos) - Phu Doo Border Crossing (Thailand) - Uttaradit - Phitsanulok

Follow the signs and use GPS navigation to avoid getting lost.

Upon arriving at the Laotian border crossing, namely the Ban Pha Kaew border crossing, we proceeded to complete the necessary paperwork and paid a fee of 120 Thai baht, which amounted to 30 baht per person when divided among four individuals.

Upon exiting the Laotian border checkpoint, you will have entered Thailand. However, remember to switch to the left lane for normal driving. My friend almost made a critical mistake near the end of our trip!

---

Our five-day, four-night journey through Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang, covering 1,740 kilometers, has come to an end. The total cost of the trip was just over one million kip.

This trip was truly enriching, offering a blend of exhilarating fun, liberating craziness, cultural immersion, and a touch of exhaustion.

My sincere gratitude to the three fellow travelers who joined me on this trip. This adventure would not have been possible without the skilled driving and generous provision of the Navara vehicle by my friend.

This trip would not have been possible without the two women's meticulous research, reading reviews, and meticulous planning throughout the entire trip.

This trip wouldn't have been as visually stunning without my photography skills.

This trip has made me realize that

The destination is as important as the journey.

Credit to my handsome friend, the driver.

See you again in the next review. Thank you for following from start to finish.